Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships

Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships

Scholarships = free money! There are several scholarships to choose from: local, state, or nationwide scholarships. It is important to ensure that you are applying for all the scholarships available to you. Scholarships are a great way to pay for your turion or tuition related expenses. Books, technology, and even doing laundry on campus can get expensive. You should never pay for scholarship opportunities, be careful that you are not being scammed. 

 

To learn more about scholarships and get access to scholarship opportunities, download this guide You Need to Know About Scholarships. Guide provided by DecidED 

 

 

How to Apply for Scholarships

How to Apply for Scholarships

Applying for scholarships is tricky! Every scholarship is unique and asks for its own set of requirements. Not to mention, there are different types of scholarships! One thing to always remember is that scholarships are free money. You do not need to pay back a scholarship, it is not a loan! If you have questions about loans, click our previous post here. So let’s get started, how should we apply for scholarships? 

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH TIPS

  1. Ask for Recommendation Letters 
  2. Have transcripts ready 
  3. Search for local scholarships
  4. Find scholarships that fit you 
  5. Use the ‘About Me’ Sheet in the PDF below to help brainstorm your characteristics 
  6. Keep a ‘Progress Checklist’ which can also be found in the PDF 

FREE MONEY: Outside Scholarship FAQs 

What are “outside scholarships?” Private sources of financial aid.

How can I get one? Most require an application – separate from FAFSA – and essay(s).

Who gives them? Offered by national corporations/institutions, local businesses, community-based organizations, and private foundations.

When are they due? Deadlines vary by scholarship – check early and often during your college search process.

Where can I use them? Most can be applied to any school, but some can only be used for college(s) in a specific location (e.g. region, state)

Why should I care? Scholarships are an excellent supplemental source of aid to cover the remaining costs after financial aid from your school.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s start preparing to apply! 

Download this guide to help you apply for scholarships!

 

Applying for Scholarships

Applying for Scholarships

Scholarships are free money that you do not have to pay back. Scholarships are awarded based on grades, community service, major, class level, where you live, and more. The money that you are awarded can be used to pay for college tuition and other expenses. 

Investing in yourself 

Most scholarships have similar prompts, so you have the advantage of reworking the same essay for each application you submit. If a scholarship is worth $1,000 and you spend 10 hours writing an essay and submitting your scholarship application, it results in $100 per hour invested! Use the Scholarship Essay Worksheet to improve your essays and ability to receive multiple awards.

Getting started

Use Immigrant Rising’s Scholarship Lists and additional scholarship databases to identify scholarships you are eligible to apply. Use the Scholarship Search Chart to list the ones you are eligible for, including deadlines, and create an action plan. Remember the more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances to be awarded. 

Immigrants Rising Scholarship Lists 

Undergraduate List

Graduate List 

Additional Scholarship Databases 

My Undocumented Life

Scholarships A-Z

Silicon Valley Community Foundation 

Provided by:

North Region Scholarships

North Region Scholarships

We’re excited to share these upcoming scholarships with students residing in the North region of CA! Whether you’re ready to start the application process today or not, the Let’s Go team advises that you save these opportunities and get connected with the organizations who allocate these funds to further support your education. 

 

As always, good luck with the process! If you have any questions or would like to access additional scholarship opportunities, follow us on Instagram @gotocollegeca

 

Dare To Dream Scholarship

 

Each year the Dare-to-Dream Scholarship Program provides higher education funding opportunities for a number of current or former foster high school graduates and GED recipients in VOA’s service areas. Scholarships are given to former foster youth who are motivated to attend college in order to build emotional, financial and social security.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Current or former foster youth living or have lived in Northern California
  • Be a 2023 graduating high school student or has already earned a high school diploma or GED
  • Accepted or expects to be accepted to an accredited 4-year college/university, community college or vocational program
  • Current GPA of 2.0 or higher

Deadline

April 14, 2023

 

Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship

 

Each year, CLF selects 40-45 students to be part of the Leadership & Scholarship Program. As a recipient, awardees will participate in a year long program in the following ways: 

 

  • Awardees will attend all Leadership Institute sessions in August 2023 and February 2024
  • Awardees will receive a scholarship of $1,500, which is split into two payments.
  • Awardees will be invited to attend the Annual Award Dinner in January 2024.
  • Awardees will act as CLF Ambassador for 10 hours during the 2024 Application cycle by completing outreach on their campuses

 

Eligibility: 

  • Self-identify as a Chicana and/or Latina
  • Be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or community college in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo
  • Commit to attending the CLF Leadership Institute Sessions & CLF Annual Awards Dinner
  • Commit to volunteering 10 hours as a CLF ambassador before March 2024

Amount Awarded

$1,500

 

Deadline

March 31, 2023

10,000 Degrees Scholarship

10,000 Degrees proudly provides scholarships to students with significant financial need who exhibit a strong desire to go to college and accomplish their educational goals. Scholarship recipients will receive one-to-one support from trained Fellows who provide the student with ongoing mentorship both on campus and off during their entire college journey. After a student graduates, they will also have access to Career and Alumni Success services, and will be invited to stay connected to 10,000 Degrees through their Alumni LinkedIn group and Young Professionals and Alumni Council networking group! 

Eligibility: 

  • Must demonstrate financial need in pursuit of your first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, or certification for a technical program
  • Must be enrolled in 12 academic units or more
  • Must be a student in the Bay Area: Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, and Lake counties.
  • Must have completed either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application

Amount Awarded

$1,500

 

Deadline 

Rolling-basis until all funds are distributed

 

Don & Roy Splawn Scholarship

The Don and Roy Splawn Charitable Foundation West Scholarship Grant Program is open to financially disadvantaged students who wish to further their pursuit of post secondary education; whether it be of an academic or vocational nature.

Eligibility: 

  • Must be a High School Senior
  • CA resident
  • Must demonstrate financial need
  • Must have a 2.6 GPA and above
  • Must engage in paid or unpaid Community Service Extracurricular Activities

Amount Awarded

$200 – $2,000

 

Deadline 

April 9, 2023

 

March Scholarships

March Scholarships

We can’t believe we’re already halfway through the month of February! It’s never too early to get started on scholarship applications, that is why our team has put together yet another list of scholarships for you to take advantage of.

Again, if you’re new to the scholarship writing process, don’t worry we got you. The team over at Immigrants Rising created this Scholarship Essay Worksheet to help make the writing process easier for you. We hope this resource will help, be the first to access additional tips and tricks and college resources by following us on Instagram @gotocollegeca  

 

Matsuo Bridge Company, Ltd. of Japan Scholarship

Eligibility

  1. Applicant must be a minimum of eighteen years of age.
  2. Applicant must have a high school diploma.
  3. Applicant must have a 3.0 overall G.P.A.
  4. Student must be enrolled full or part time in an accredited college or university in the United States.
  5. Applicant must submit all application information.

Description

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to an individual interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering, welding engineering, or welding engineering technology.

Amount Awarded

$2,500

Deadline

March 1, 2023

 

Horatio Alger Scholarship

Eligibility

  1. Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United States
  2. Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
  3. Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
  4. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
  5. Be a United States citizen

Description

This opportunity assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. National Scholars receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., during the spring of their senior year to participate in the National Scholars Conference.

Amount Awarded

$25,000

Deadline

March 15, 2023

 

Dr. Horace Jackson Legacy Scholarship

*Riverside/San Bernardino Area students only 

Eligibility

  1. Graduating senior from John W. North HS with a minimum 2.7 G.P.A.
  2. Show proof of full-time enrollment in a 2-year college and proof of full-time registration in classes at the start of each semester
  3. Completed FAFSA form
  4. Exhibit involvement in community and/or school activities, which may include participation in an Academy program at North High

Description

This scholarship provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships to graduating high school students from John W. North who demonstrate a desire to continue learning and a deep commitment toward a better, more inclusive world.

Amount Awarded

$3,000

Deadline

March 31, 2023

 

David and Mary Hjorth Family Endowment Fund Scholarship

*Riverside/San Bernardino Area students only. To access the scholarship application and scholarship criteria, scroll to the designated scholarship and click [+] to learn more. 

Eligibility

  1. Minimum 3.5 G.P.A.
  2. Minimum 30 credits of honors/AP level coursework, 20 of which must be in Junior and/or Senior year and completed by the first semester of senior year.
  3. Minimum of 50 hours Community Service

Description

This scholarship offers one-time scholarships awarded to four students, who are graduating seniors of Upland High School and will be attending an accredited four-year college or university.

Amount Awarded

$5,000

Deadline

March 31, 2023

Black History Month – Scholarships and Resources for You

Black History Month – Scholarships and Resources for You

February 1st marks the start of Black History Month. To all Black students paving the way, you’re doing a great job! The Let’s Go team has compiled a list of resources catered for you and your college success, you can learn more below: 

Scholarships For You 

Black Students of California United Scholarship

The BSCU is offering scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to dedicated and committed youth leaders currently in the 12th grade. All applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 20, 2023. All required documents must be submitted via the designated Google portal to be considered.

Study.com Scholarship for Black Students

This opportunity provides a $2,000 academic award to a Black student who is pursuing their undergraduate college degree. All applications must be received by Monday, May 1, 2023. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements listed.

Resources For You

Black Students of California United

If you’re ever in search of additional scholarship opportunities, the BSCU is an excellent source to tap into.

Go For Yours

Go For Yours is an amazing initiative dedicated to celebrating the academic accomplishments of Black students all across the world. Check out their website to learn more about the programs, scholarships, and additional funding opportunities that they offer.

 On-Campus Resources 

Currently a student at a CSU campus?

The CSU website has compiled a list of resources for Black students to access during their college careers. Visit their website to learn how you can connect with other Black students on campus!

To learn more visit: https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/community/Pages/african-american-communities-resources.aspx

Currently at a Community College?

Did you know that CA Community Colleges currently partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to offer guaranteed transfer to students who receive at least a 2.0 GPA and 30 transferable units.

To learn more visit: https://icangotocollege.com/student-support-services/black-african-american-student-success

     

     

     

    North Region Scholarships

    North Region Scholarships

     

    We’re excited to share these upcoming scholarships with students residing in the North region of CA! Whether you’re ready to start the application process today or not, the Let’s Go team advises that you save these opportunities and get connected with the organizations who allocate these funds to further support your education. 

     

    As always, good luck with the process! If you have any questions or would like to access additional scholarship opportunities, follow us on Instagram @gotocollegeca

    Dare To Dream Scholarship

     

    Each year the Dare-to-Dream Scholarship Program provides higher education funding opportunities for a number of current or former foster high school graduates and GED recipients in VOA’s service areas. Scholarships are given to former foster youth who are motivated to attend college in order to build emotional, financial and social security.

     

    Eligibility: 

    • Current or former foster youth living or have lived in Northern California
    • Be a 2023 graduating high school student or has already earned a high school diploma or GED
    • Accepted or expects to be accepted to an accredited 4-year college/university, community college or vocational program
    • Current GPA of 2.0 or higher

    Deadline

    April 14, 2023

     

    Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship

     

    Each year, CLF selects 40-45 students to be part of the Leadership & Scholarship Program. As a recipient, awardees will participate in a year long program in the following ways: 

     

    • Awardees will attend all Leadership Institute sessions in August 2023 and February 2024
    • Awardees will receive a scholarship of $1,500, which is split into two payments.
    • Awardees will be invited to attend the Annual Award Dinner in January 2024.
    • Awardees will act as CLF Ambassador for 10 hours during the 2024 Application cycle by completing outreach on their campuses

     

    Eligibility: 

    • Self-identify as a Chicana and/or Latina
    • Be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or community college in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo
    • Commit to attending the CLF Leadership Institute Sessions & CLF Annual Awards Dinner
    • Commit to volunteering 10 hours as a CLF ambassador before March 2024

    Amount Awarded

    $1,500

     

    Deadline

    March 31, 2023

    10,000 Degrees Scholarship

    10,000 Degrees proudly provides scholarships to students with significant financial need who exhibit a strong desire to go to college and accomplish their educational goals. Scholarship recipients will receive one-to-one support from trained Fellows who provide the student with ongoing mentorship both on campus and off during their entire college journey. After a student graduates, they will also have access to Career and Alumni Success services, and will be invited to stay connected to 10,000 Degrees through their Alumni LinkedIn group and Young Professionals and Alumni Council networking group! 

    Eligibility: 

    • Must demonstrate financial need in pursuit of your first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, or certification for a technical program
    • Must be enrolled in 12 academic units or more
    • Must be a student in the Bay Area: Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, and Lake counties.
    • Must have completed either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application

    Amount Awarded

    $1,500

     

    Deadline 

    Rolling-basis until all funds are distributed

     

    Don & Roy Splawn Scholarship

    The Don and Roy Splawn Charitable Foundation West Scholarship Grant Program is open to financially disadvantaged students who wish to further their pursuit of post secondary education; whether it be of an academic or vocational nature.

    Eligibility: 

    • Must be a High School Senior
    • CA resident
    • Must demonstrate financial need
    • Must have a 2.6 GPA and above
    • Must engage in paid or unpaid Community Service Extracurricular Activities

    Amount Awarded

    $200 – $2,000

     

    Deadline 

    April 9, 2023