Top Scholarships in CA

Edited by: Dr. Paul Sparacio
Last Updated: 10/29/2024

Quick Highlights:

Scholarships are available in California for various demographics and fields, including journalism, architecture, and public education.
Eligibility often includes specific residency requirements, financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement.
Scholarships range widely in value, helping with different college expenses and financial needs.
Specialized scholarships are available for minority groups, single parents, and students with unique circumstances.

Applying for a scholarship can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you don’t know what your options are in the state of California. Studying with a scholarship can help to take off financial stress during the college experience, but it also means that you have to study hard and be committed to your studies.

Featured Programs

There are a number of Cal grants and scholarships for a variety of careers in California, and you may be surprised to find your desired degree to be available to you, even if you don’t have the financial means to cover the costs. You may be able to qualify for complete or partial student aid or grants in California.

1. Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship

If you are Hispanic and want to study a career in journalism, you may qualify for this Cal financial aid scholarship. Potential students must be committed to studying the chosen career, have the financial need for a scholarship, are aware of their community and interested in it, and show dedication and achievement in their previous studies. You may qualify for anywhere from $500-$2,000 scholarships, as long as you commit to studying full-time the first year at a California college and live in California.

Eligibility: Open to full-time Latino students residing in California or attending an accredited college or university in California, including graduate students. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to journalism, financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement.
Award Amount: Ranges from $500 to $2,000.
Application Requirements: Includes an autobiographical essay (300-500 words), reference letters, transcripts, a resume, and samples of journalistic work.
Deadline: Annually, with the next deadline on April 6, 2024.
Contact: Administered by the California Chicano News Media Association (CCNMA) with inquiries directed to their website.

2. College Fee Waiver Program

This scholarship is ideal for you if one of your parents has served in the military. This veteran dependents program helps children of veterans be able to study with financial aid in the state of California. Before you jump for joy, there are some requirements attached to this student aid option. You must present some proof of relation to a disabled veteran, either through marriage or a birth certificate proving you’re their son or daughter.

If you are currently employed, you can qualify if you are earning no more than approximately $11,000 a year.What this College Fee Waiver program covers is college tuition and fees at a State of California community college or other California-born campuses. Keep in mind that the cost of books, parking, and room will still need to be paid.

Eligibility: Available to dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Applicants must be California residents, demonstrating financial need.
Benefits: Covers tuition fees at any California State University, University of California, or California Community College campus. Note that it excludes costs for books, housing, and other personal expenses.
Degree Requirements: Must be pursuing a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree.
How to Apply: Complete the application through the CalVet website or a local County Veterans Service Office.

3.LAF/CLASS Fund Landscape Architecture Program

Are you already committed to studying architecture and enrolled in a program in the state of California? You may qualify for this scholarship. While it isn’t a one-size-fits-all scholarship and is only awarded to students who show promise in the field who have financial need, you may apply if you are already studying horticulture or architecture. It is a $500 scholarship, but only ten are given out for students that decide to study at a specific California college, such as Berkeley, University of California, or Cal Poly Pomona.

Eligibility: This scholarship is for California students pursuing degrees in landscape architecture or ornamental horticulture. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their field.
Award Amount: Ten awards of $500 each, distributed among students from specific schools including UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Application Requirements: Applicants need to show a continued commitment to landscape architecture studies.
Deadline: Annually on April 1.

4. Ken Innouye Scholarship

If you are of an ethnic minority, you have the possibility to qualify for one of California’s scholarships with the Ken Innouye Scholarship. The Ken Innouye Scholarship is available for students who are already enrolled in a journalism program for a four-year degree in the state of California. If you are not enrolled in a journalism program in your school, you need to provide a reference letter from a member of the Society of Professional Journalists that states that you fully intend to become a journalist and that you have the potential.

You also have to have completed a sophomore year in college, as well as be a resident of Los Angeles, Orange County, or Ventura. You can apply as a graduate student, and you are allowed to apply even having had applied to other scholarships, but you will only be awarded one scholarship.

Eligibility: Available to minority college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students of color residing or attending school in Los Angeles, Ventura, or Orange counties. The scholarship supports aspiring journalists committed to careers in news (not PR or related fields) and aims to increase diversity in media.
Award Amount: $1,500.
Selection Criteria: Applicants are evaluated based on their potential to succeed in news media, commitment to journalism, and financial need (only considered if applicants are equally qualified).
Application Requirements: Includes an application form, journalism samples, and references, with no essay requirement. Deadline is typically in early summer, often June 1.

5. Child Development Grant Program

For anyone who wants to study child development to be able to work in a childcare facility, there are student aid programs that you can apply to through your school. If you have the need for financial aid and plan to commit to employment in a childcare location, in relation to the years that they receive grant money. For example, if you receive a grant for one year, you will be expected to work for a year in a childcare facility and must sign service agreements when you receive student aid.

Eligibility: This grant is available to students enrolled in approved child development programs across California who intend to work in state-licensed child care facilities. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and commit to working in a California child care facility for a specified time after graduation.
Award Amount: The grant provides up to $2,000 per academic year for eligible full-time students, with partial awards for part-time students.
Application Process: To apply, students typically need to submit financial information, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment in an eligible program. Awards are based on financial need, and selected students must commit to fulfilling their service obligation in the state’s child care sector.

6. Association of California Water Scholarship

If you are a California resident who wants to continue to study in a California college, you may qualify for this unique $3,500 scholarship. If you plan on studying something related to the field of water resources, the ACWA may be able to provide you with a highly attractive scholarship. The requirements for receiving the scholarship are the following:

If you plan on studying anything having to do with agriculture, urban water supply, and engineering, and you show a keen interest in studies about water resources, you may be in luck.

Eligibility: This scholarship is open to California residents attending a University of California or California State University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in water resources-related fields like engineering, environmental studies, agricultural or urban water supply, or public administration. Applicants must be at least a junior during the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded.
Award Amount: $3,500, awarded to two undergraduate students annually.
Application Requirements: Candidates must provide transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation (including one from a professor or employer), and an essay on a specific prompt related to their field. The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is March 1, 2024.
Selection Criteria: Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, dedication to water resources management, essay quality, and full-time enrollment.

7. L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarships

Teaching scholarships are offered on a regular basis to the continuous demand for teachers. If you live in California, and you are looking for Northern California scholarships or Southern California scholarships, you may qualify for the L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarships.

What do you need to be able to receive this $5,000 scholarship? You have to be a part of the Student California Teachers Association, and you must be studying for a career in public education. If you want to receive this scholarship, you have always to be enrolled in some approved teacher program, proving your desire to achieve a degree in the field.

Eligibility: Available to active members of the Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) who are pursuing a career in public education. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement, including a minimum high school GPA of 3.5. Eligible students must be enrolled in an undergraduate, teacher credential, or graduate program in California.
Award Amount: Up to $5,000, with a maximum of three scholarships awarded each year. One of these scholarships is designated as the Pacific Asian American Scholarship in Honor of Philip Vera Cruz, awarded to the highest-scoring applicant.
Application Requirements: Applicants must submit an essay, two recommendation letters (at least one from an educator), and academic transcripts. The application deadline is February 7, 2025.

8. Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund Scholarship Program

If you live in Orange County, there is the Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund Scholarship Program that can award you anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 when they can prove financial need in order to study the desired program. This scholarship program allows potential students to apply to a variety of scholarships, although the varying programs may have extra requirements for qualification.

Eligibility: This program supports Hispanic students who are first-generation college attendees. Eligible applicants must have resided in Orange County, California, for at least three years, be graduates of an OC high school or community college transfers, and be planning to enroll full-time in a four-year college or university. Financial need must be demonstrated through the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. The program welcomes undocumented students.
Award Amount: Scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000, with subfund partners offering additional awards based on specific fields and eligibility criteria.
Application Process: A single online application is required, covering all subfund scholarships available within the HEEF program. Applications open annually on November 1, with a deadline around mid-January.

9. Larry Acterman Public Education Award

If you are a high school senior who is from the Long Beach School District and you plan on studying for a public education degree, the Larry Acterman Public Education Award is available for people like you. You must be committed to studying a four year degree associated with teaching in the State of California, and show a keen interest and desire to become a teacher in a K-12 school in the state.

You must present two referral letters from someone who has been involved on an academic level in your school and your studies, as well as from a person who is not related to you that you know outside of the scholastic community through some other sort of activities.

Eligibility: This scholarship is intended for high school seniors in the Long Beach Unified School District who are committed to pursuing a career as a K-12 public school teacher in California. It honors the memory of Larry Acterman, a passionate educator in Long Beach, and supports students who demonstrate a strong commitment to public education.
Award Amount: Between $1,000 and $2,500, with funds awarded based on the student’s potential impact on public education in California.
Application Requirements: Applicants must submit an online application, provide an official high school transcript, and write a brief essay focused on their dedication to public education. Applications are due by March 29, 2024.

10. Butrimovitz Family Endowment Fund

This is a very specific scholarship for a select demographic. Designated for anyone who is in need of financial aid who wants to study traditional Jewish education, whether as an undergraduate, graduate, or in a school setting.

Eligibility: This scholarship supports individuals who are committed to traditional Jewish education. It is available to Jewish students in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Eligible applicants can be pursuing Jewish studies at any level, whether in a Jewish day school, undergraduate, or graduate program.
Award Amount: Up to $500, depending on financial need and available funding.
Application Process: Deadlines vary, and it is encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration.

11. Anne Trabue Scholarship

If you are a resident of Southern California, are due to complete your high school no later than September 1st of this year, play golf, have a 3.2 GPA, and are enrolled as a full-time student in a college dedicated to completing a four-year degree. You must also play golf and be female, so if you are young man considering this scholarship, you will need to look elsewhere.

The Anne Trabue Scholarship is a highly interesting option for any high school student who plays golf and seeks to further their education.

Eligibility: This scholarship is offered by the Women’s Southern California Golf Association (WSCGA) and is intended for female golfers residing in Southern California. Applicants must be high school seniors or full-time undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Recipients are expected to major in English, journalism, or a related field, and to have a demonstrated interest in golf.
Award Amount: Ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 annually.
Application Requirements: Applicants must submit an essay about their career interests, along with proof of academic achievement and golf participation.
Deadline: Annually by May 15.

12. California Wine Grape Growers Foundation

California scholarships are as varied as they come and one such college scholarship that may be of interest for children of vineyard employees is the California Wine Grape Growers Foundation. If your parent has been employed at a California vineyard for at least two years, you could very well be eligible for a $1,000 or $2,000 scholarship for any desired studies at any California state university or community college. High school seniors must be graduating in the same year that they apply for the scholarship.

Eligibility: This scholarship is open to California high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian has been employed by a California winegrape grower during the current or past growing season. Applicants must plan to attend a California community college, a California State University, or a University of California campus.
Award Amount: $8,000 for students attending a four-year university and $2,000 for students attending a two-year college. Additionally, a separate Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship is available for those enrolling in viticulture or enology at specific Central Coast schools.
Selection Criteria: Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, community involvement, leadership qualities, and a personal essay.
Deadline: The application opens January 4, 2024, and closes March 4, 2024.

13. Charles Lopinsky Memorial Scholarship

If you are an Orange County resident in California, you could qualify for a large amount of a $3,000 scholarship towards studying a degree in project management. If you are planning on or have already started studying towards any level of degree from Bachelor’s to Doctoral, this scholarship may be available to you.

Eligibility: Offered by the Orange County chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI), this scholarship is available to students who reside in Orange County, California, and are pursuing degrees in project management or related fields. Eligible students must be enrolled or planning to enroll in any accredited institution for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program in this discipline.
Award Amount: Up to $3,000, awarded based on academic performance and extracurricular achievements.
Application Requirements: Applicants must submit proof of academic and project management interest, with additional materials as outlined by PMI Orange County.
Deadline: June 1 annually.

14. Dorothy and Robert Debolt Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students who were adopted from the California state foster system who seek to further their education. If you were adopted, you may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship to enable you to study at a college in California. Depending on the amount of funds raised towards this scholarship each year, there are typically many scholarships available. There are also often lower amount scholarships available for those may not be able to receive the $2,000 scholarship.

Eligibility: This scholarship is dedicated to supporting students adopted from California’s foster care system. Eligible applicants must be legal California residents under the age of 25, enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college, university, or vocational school.
Award Amount: Typically up to $2,000, though the amount may vary based on funds available each year.
Selection Criteria: Selection is based on academic achievement, community service, extracurricular activities, financial need, and the applicant’s potential for success in their chosen field of study.
Deadline: May 31 annually.

15. Queer Asian and Pacific Islander Pride Scholarship

The Queer Asian and Pacific Islander Pride Scholarship Fund is available for those who are 22 years old or younger, who are gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, or in the process of figuring out personal sexuality, and who live in the San Francisco Bay area. If you are finishing high school, or have already finished, have completed a GED, are already in college, and you can prove that you need financial aid, you may qualify.

Eligibility: Sponsored by the Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community (APIQWTC), this scholarship is open to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) individuals who identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer women, or transgender persons. Applicants must be pursuing higher education or professional/technical training in the U.S. A connection to the San Francisco Bay Area is preferred, though not required.
Award Amount: Up to $3,500, awarded to three recipients annually.
Application Requirements: Applicants should demonstrate community involvement and commitment to leadership. Required materials include a cover letter, a resume, one to two letters of recommendation, and an essay detailing how their cultural heritage and identity have influenced their career aspirations and community involvement. Official transcripts are also required.
Deadline: February 14, 2024.

16. Heef Engineering and Architecture Scholarships

Have you maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout high school? Are you accepted into any post-secondary architecture program or an engineering program? You may qualify for this scholarships. Similarly if you are already studying a four or five year degree and have started your second year with a minimum of a 3.2 GPA, you could also apply. The great thing about this scholarship is that it is renewable depending on academic performance, which means that if you keep your grades up throughout the duration of your studies, you may receive a lot of financial aid in the state of California.

Eligibility: This scholarship is specifically for Hispanic or Latino students who are first-generation college attendees residing in Orange County, California. Eligible students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering at an accredited four- or five-year program. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must demonstrate financial need, as well as participation in community service or extracurricular activities.
Award Amount: Up to $3,000.
Application Requirements: Students must provide proof of their academic achievements and complete a financial need assessment through FAFSA or the California Dream Act.
Deadline: The application period opens on November 1, 2024, and closes on January 17, 2025.

17. Golden State Minority Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is available for anyone in an ethnic minority that is not overly represented, such as Native American, Black, or Latino. You must be a California resident, have a GPA ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 and be enrolled in a college. You can hold a job to receive this scholarship, but your work hours shouldn’t pass the 28 hour a week limit. If you have been involved in any community service, this will help you greatly towards receiving this scholarship.

Eligibility: This scholarship is open to underrepresented ethnic minority students, specifically African-American, Latino, or Native American individuals. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, attending a four-year college or university in Southern California as full-time students, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, applicants must be employed no more than 28 hours per week and be in at least their junior year.
Award Amount: $2,000.
Application Requirements: Applicants should demonstrate involvement in community service alongside their academic commitments. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2024.

18. Capture The Dream, Inc.’s Single Parent Scholarship

Just because you are a single parent, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to study. The Capture The Dream, Inc.’s Single Parent Scholarship provides single parents with the possibility to receive a $1,000 scholarship whether they are enrolled in a college already or are high school seniors.

Eligibility: This scholarship supports low-income single parents residing in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college or university, either full-time or part-time, and must demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount: $1,000, intended to help with educational expenses for single parents working to overcome financial challenges while pursuing a degree.
Application Requirements: Applicants need to submit a 1,000-word essay discussing their educational goals, personal achievements, and career aspirations.
Deadline: June 30, 2025.

19. California Retired Teachers Association – Division 16 Scholarship

California Retired Teachers Association – Division 16 ScholarshipAre you already studying at Shasta College in California and have been for at least two years? Are you involved in extracurricular activities at Shasta? Do you have a financial need and could benefit from financial aid? If you answered yes to the above questions and are studying a career geared towards education, you may very well be able to qualify for this scholarship. While the amount of the scholarship varies every year, it definitely helps.

Eligibility: This scholarship supports students who have attended Shasta College for at least two years and are planning to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a career in education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need, and be involved in extracurricular activities.
Award Amount: The amount varies depending on available funds each year.
Application Requirements: Candidates need to submit proof of their commitment to becoming an educator and show active involvement in the college community.
Deadline: Typically in early spring; exact dates may vary.

20. Oliver Goldsmith, M.D Scholarship

There is always a need for doctors and that is why this scholarship awards $5,000 to help students finish medical school. If you are currently enrolled in a California college and are in your third or fourth year of studying medicine, you may qualify. Any student who has financial needs yet who is determined to finish their studies can greatly benefit from this scholarship.

Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to third- and fourth-year medical students in California who are committed to providing culturally responsive care to underserved communities. Applicants should demonstrate dedication to these values through community involvement, leadership, and research activities related to healthcare diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Award Amount: $5,000, along with additional benefits like mentorship from a Kaiser Permanente clinician and an opportunity to complete a clinical rotation at a Kaiser Permanente facility.
Application Requirements: Eligible applicants need to submit an essay and supporting documents demonstrating their commitment to serving diverse populations in healthcare.
Deadline: January 12, 2024.

21. Christopher Mark Pitkin Memorial Scholarship

If you are dealing with hemophilia and the complications that come with it, you may qualify for the Christopher Mark Pitkin Memorial Scholarship. Whether you personally suffer from it or someone in your family has it, the scholarship is designated to help you out. Depending on what you want to study, how committed you to seeing your studies through to fruition, if you are involved in extracurricular and community activities, have a decent GPA, and if you are intent on studying in California at a post-secondary school, you could be able to receive this scholarship.

Eligibility: This scholarship is available to individuals with a bleeding disorder or their immediate family members residing in Southern California counties (including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Kern, Inyo, and Santa Barbara). Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an educational or vocational program.
Award Amount: $250 to $1,000.
Application Requirements: To apply, students need to submit a resume, two recommendation letters, a transcript, and proof of enrollment. Applicants should demonstrate goal-oriented motivation and community involvement.
Deadline: The scholarship application deadline is typically around early June, with the next cycle expected by June 6, 2024.

22. Craef Scholarship

Are you in high school with a desire to study a culinary program in the state of California? You could qualify for the Craef Scholarship, as long as you have had a GPA of at least 2.5. All you have to do is submit an essay to the scholarship program stating why you think that you qualify for the program and why you think you are the best candidate. Take your time to ensure the quality of your essay as this will be taken into account in your application.

Eligibility: Open to California residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the scholarship is intended for high school seniors and undergraduates studying in foodservice-related fields, such as hospitality or culinary arts. Applicants can attend schools in or outside California. A minimum 2.5 GPA and verified industry work experience are required, with different hourly requirements based on educational level.
Award Amount: Up to $4,000 for four-year programs and up to $2,000 for two-year programs.
Application Requirements: Applicants must complete an online application, submit transcripts, a resume, and proof of work experience. An essay is also required, and scholarships are disbursed in two payments upon proof of enrollment each semester.
Deadline: Applications open on January 1, 2024, and close on May 1, 2024.

23. Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program

While nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one who committed their life to fighting crime, it does help that there are scholarships available for their children or spouses.

Eligibility: This need-based grant is available to spouses and dependents of California public safety personnel—including peace officers, firefighters, and Department of Corrections employees—who were killed or became totally disabled in the line of duty. Eligible students must be attending a California institution in an undergraduate, associate, or certificate program and must apply annually.
Award Amount: The grant amount varies, with awards matching Cal Grant allocations, ranging from $100 up to $12,192 per academic year, for a maximum of four years.
Application Requirements: Required documents include a birth or marriage certificate, relevant death or disability records, and verification of the event. A FAFSA or California Dream Act application is also necessary for financial assessment.
Deadline: Applications are accepted annually, with deadlines typically in late spring.

24. Association of Women in Architecture

If you are a woman who is a resident of California looking for scholarship to be able to study architecture, the AWA may be able to award you with a $1,000 to $2,500 scholarship. You will need to already be enrolled in a qualifying major to be able to receive the scholarship, as well as have completed 18 units when you apply.

Eligibility: This scholarship is for female students who are California residents or attending a California school, pursuing degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or land planning, interior design, historic preservation, or environmental design. Applicants must have completed at least 18 units in their major by the application due date, or 10 units if they are community college students.
Award Amount: Up to $2,500, awarded annually to support educational expenses for women entering architecture and design fields.
Application Requirements: Required documents include transcripts and an essay outlining the student’s commitment to her chosen field. Applications open at the beginning of the year and must be submitted by April 19, 2024.

25. Louise Snyder Scholarship for Re-Entry Women

Are you returning to study after having left your studies hanging? Are you a California resident? The Louise Snyder Scholarship of $500 is intended for women who have decided to continue their studies and have re-entered the education system.

Eligibility: This scholarship is designed to support California women between the ages of 25 and 55 who are returning to higher education after a gap. To qualify, applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be enrolled in an academic or vocational program.
Award Amount: $500.
Application Requirements: A personal statement discussing educational goals and achievements, proof of enrollment, and academic transcripts.

26. Lois Olsen Memorial Scholarship

The Lois Olsen Memorial Scholarship of $250 is for any Fortuna High School female athlete who has maintained a minimum GPA of 2.75 or more and who is going to study a two to four year degree and shows a need for financial aid.

Eligibility: The scholarship is awarded to female athletes graduating from Fortuna High School in California. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate financial need. This award supports students who plan to pursue a two- or four-year degree.
Award Amount: $250.
Application Requirements: Candidates are evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, and athletic participation.

27. Wilson Wade Memorial Scholarships

This scholarship varies in the amount awarded to the student. If you are a female student in the state of California, are graduating from high school soon, have had a GPA of 2.75 or more, and are planning on attending school for a four year college degree starting in the following autumn, and are a California resident, you may qualify for this scholarship. You must submit an essay stating your goals and scholastic achievements, as well as information on your background and prove a financial need for studying. Submitted paperwork should also include a FAFSA financial aid application, SAT scores, and proof of the last income tax return filed by parents.

Eligibility: The scholarship is awarded to female athletes graduating from Fortuna High School in California. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate financial need. This award supports students who plan to pursue a two- or four-year degree.
Award Amount: $250.
Application Requirements: Candidates are evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, and athletic participation.

28. Women Health Care Executives

This $5,000 scholarship is designated for women who are graduate level students dedicated to their studies in public policy and public health and who have shown great potential in becoming leaders in the health care community. It is provided by the Women Health Care Executives.

Eligibility: WHCE offers two scholarships: the Lynn Adamson Memorial Graduate Scholarship and an Undergraduate Scholarship. The Graduate Scholarship is intended for female students enrolled in a graduate-level program in a health-related field (like public health, healthcare administration, or nursing) in the San Francisco Bay Area, while the Undergraduate Scholarship is for third-year undergraduates majoring in a healthcare-related field in the same region. Both scholarships emphasize community involvement and leadership.
Award Amount: The Graduate Scholarship awards $5,000, while the Undergraduate Scholarship provides $2,500. Both scholarships include a complimentary one-year WHCE membership, connecting recipients with a professional network.
Application Requirements: Candidates for both scholarships should provide transcripts, a resume, a recommendation letter, and a statement outlining their healthcare career goals. For the Graduate Scholarship, financial need may be considered alongside merit-based criteria.
Deadline: Applications are due by February 27, 2024, for the Graduate Scholarship and by March 31, 2024, for the Undergraduate Scholarship.

29. M. R. Bauer Foundation Continuing Nursing Studies Scholarship

If you are a resident of Los Angeles County and you are looking into continuing your nursing studies, the M. R. Bauer Foundation Continuing Nursing Studies Scholarship may be able to award you an amount of $500-$3,000 towards your studies.

Eligibility: This scholarship supports nursing students in the Greater Los Angeles area, including Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. It is open to individuals pursuing degrees as an RN, LVN, or in graduate-level nursing programs, with a preference for those who have completed some units toward their nursing degree.
Award Amount: Up to $3,000, based on financial need and commitment to a nursing career.
Application Requirements: Applicants are evaluated on their statement of goals, financial need, and commitment to completing their nursing education. They must submit proof of enrollment in a qualifying nursing program.
Deadline: The application window opens on September 1, 2024, with a deadline of October 15, 2024.

30. SFSB Fleischman & Floro Awards Scholarship

If you have shown remarkable progress in your academic achievements, you could very well qualify for this valuable scholarship of $1,000-$5,000 towards your studies. Financial need is not critical to be eligible for this scholarship, but you do need to be a resident of Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, and Los Alamos. You need to have taken the SAT or ACT and also have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0. You also have to have had studied at a Santa Barbara school from grades 7-12.

Eligibility: Open to students who are Santa Barbara County residents and have shown academic achievement and community involvement. Financial need is not required but can be considered.
Award Amount: Varies, typically between $1,000 and $5,000.
Application Requirements: Applicants must provide academic transcripts, an essay, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters.
Application Period: Opens October 15 and closes in early February annually.
Selection Criteria: Based on academic merit, motivation, and potential; applicants go through an interview if they meet initial qualifications.

31. TELACU Scholarship Program

Are you a student in high school or college who could really use some financial help to further your studies? The Telacu Scholarship Program may be just what you need. The program offers a variety of means of assistance from mentoring to leadership activities and more and is available to students in California and elsewhere. If you can prove that you have a financial need, you can be eligible to receive scholarship money towards your studies.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to first-generation Latino college students from low-income households residing in selected areas in California, Texas, Illinois, and New York. Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Award Amount: Up to $5,000, with priority given to students pursuing Business or STEM fields.
Additional Support: Scholarship recipients receive access to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and other College Success Program resources designed to support their college completion and career readiness.
Application Period: Typically opens December 1 and closes February 1.
Selection Criteria: Emphasis is placed on applicants’ commitment to community development, leadership potential, and financial need, with preference for students at partner institutions in California offering matching funds.

32. Latin American Professional Women’s Association Scholarship

As a Hispanic female student, you could very well be able to qualify for the Latin American Professional Women’s Association Scholarship. If you have been out of high school for around 5 years, are above the age of 23 years old, and are a non-traditional student, as well as a Los Angeles resident, you can apply to receive the $500 scholarship.

Eligibility: Open to Latino students residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, regardless of legal status. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, financial need, and commitment to community service.
Award Amount: Varies each year, with funding support from community partnerships. Some awards include matching funds from participating colleges.
Additional Support: Recipients gain access to mentorship and professional development resources through LAWA’s network and events.
Application Process: All applications are “blind-reviewed” by a panel of educators, ensuring impartiality.
Selection Criteria: Focuses on a combination of academic achievement, financial need, and demonstrated community service.

33. Louis Armstrong Jazz Scholarship Honoring Duke Ellington

If you are an undergraduate studying at the University of California and are studying jazz composition, this scholarship is specifically for you. While scholarship amounts vary according to students and their financial needs, you may very well be eligible for a fair award towards your tuition.

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students studying jazz composition at UCLA, selected by the university’s music faculty.
Award Amount: Varies, with two scholarships awarded annually.
Application Process: Faculty selects recipients based on musical merit and dedication to jazz composition.
Deadline: December 31, 2024.

34. Ray Dale Memorial Scholarship

The Ray Dale Memorial Scholarship is designed to help students who are enrolled in Physician Assistants Programs. The student who wishes to receive the one-time $1,000 scholarship must show good standing with the California Academy of Physicians.

Eligibility: This scholarship is for Physician Assistant (PA) students enrolled in an ARC-PA-approved PA program in California who are CAPA student members.
Award Amount: $2,000.
Application Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be in good academic standing as verified by their program director, and plan to take the NCCPA board exam within 60 days of graduation. A personal essay is also required, detailing career goals and community service experience.
Application Deadline: December 13, 2024.

35. Joseph T. Desilva Scholarships

If you are a child of members of UFCW Local 770 or a spouse or parent, you may be eligible for the Joseph T. Desilva Scholarships. In order to receive this scholarship, you must be a student enrolled at the University of California, and do well on your essay, GPA, interview, and show interest and involvement in your community and extracurricular activities.

Eligibility: Available to members of UFCW Local 770, as well as their spouses, parents, or children. Applicants must plan to attend or be currently enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC).
Award Amount: Ten scholarships of $2,000 each are awarded annually.
Application Requirements: Applicants are evaluated based on an essay, GPA, extracurricular activities, community service, and an interview with the scholarship committee.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024.