Paying For College |
Bay Area Scholarships
The Minerva Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- All California residents may apply and will be considered
- Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college for the 2023-2024 academic year
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Self-identify as female
Deadline
Amount Awarded
- Up to 108 one-time $2,500 scholarships
- One $10,000 scholarship
YPE SF Bay Area Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Full-time or part-time students pursuing an Associates or Undergraduate degree with an interest in entering the energy/climate space
- Demonstrated financial need (e.g., FAFSA student aid and report)
- Active academic enrollment at a college or university in Northern California in the fall of 2023.
- Academic record (official or unofficial transcript)
Deadline
Amount Awarded
Paying For College |
Managing finances is one of the biggest challenges for college students, especially for those living independently for the first time. Fortunately, there are many resources available to students through their college or university to help with the costs of living and college expenses.
Tapping into the Financial Resources at Your School
The first step is to always fill out a FAFSA or CADAA. The priority deadline is March 2, and aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Even if students are not expecting much federal aid these applications are necessary for other financial aid like state grants and scholarships. We’ll link the FAFSA and CADAA websites down below, as well as places to find and apply for scholarships. At each college there are resources for students of all backgrounds, such as first-generation college students, POC students, students who are parents and many more. Most California colleges have an EOP, Educational Opportunity Program, which offers academic and financial support to historically underserved populations of students. It may have different names at different schools, but regardless it serves the student population with financial resources. Some of these resources include, but are not limited to transportation assistance like free/reduced bus passes, discounts on Uber rides to and from campus, textbook assistance, and much more. Working on-campus is a great way for students to pay for living expenses and cut down on the cost of transportation to a job off-campus. It also helps students hear about financial resources, opportunities and events on campus much sooner, as well as contributing to their resume. Students can also actively seek out paid internships that align with their career goals and receive payments or a stipend from these programs. Lastly, students should be mindful of the financial resources available through the state, county, or city they live in. We encourage everyone to apply for CalFresh, look into their local food pantry or food distribution sites. Budget with priority for their necessities and later factor in expenses for entertainment and leisure. Being mindful of these expenses while trying to manage school life is not easy, but knowing where to access help and how to allocate money wisely is a necessary skill for college students.
Budgeting Food
In college, food options are endless, so it can be difficult to avoid spending excess amounts of money on food. College meal plans are convenient for certain students such as for those living in the dorms or spending long hours on campus. These plans offer them on-site dining and time preferences. Most colleges have established on-campus food pantries that provide emergency relief resources for those in need. What’s more, quick bites to eat are often offered on campus through student organizations, it’s just a matter of finding them. There is certainly no shortage of food options on campus, but off-campus resources are just as abundant. EBT, such as CalFresh, provides food assistance in the form of monthly stipends. Food discounts are widely available both online or on print. In addition, certain areas across California offer mobile food discount platforms.
Acquiring Textbooks
Textbooks for college are unnecessarily expensive. Students want to avoid paying the market price for textbooks as the money spent on them could be used for various other goods. Students can avoid this problem by applying to textbooks waivers provided by organizations or financial assistance programs at their college. What’s more, online websites such as Chegg, Amazon, and Archive.org often have reduced priced books for purchase or rent in new or used conditions. Free or affordable PDF versions of textbooks are also available through the internet. Sharing textbooks with a peer or purchasing it from former students is yet another budget friendly option. Bottom line is, unless the textbook is an investment for future courses, it is worth looking into free or low-cost textbook options.
Student Discounts
There are a lot of discounts that are exclusively available to students if they search online, view websites, or even ask in person. Options range from technology, clothing, entertainment, and utilities among others. By taking full advantage of student discounts, budgeting and saving, are two of the many benefits incurred. Popular examples are UniDays, Honey extension, and Student Beans. In addition, various platforms such as Amazon Prime, Doordash, Chegg, Hulu, Spotify, and Youtube among others, offer student plans.
Links
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
CA Dream Act Application
CalFresh
California Scholarships
Chegg – Used Textbooks
UNiDAYS
Help Applying For Scholarships, Paying For College |
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
Help Applying For Scholarships, Paying For College |
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
- Applicant must be a minimum of eighteen years of age.
- Applicant must have a high school diploma.
- Applicant must have a 3.0 overall G.P.A.
- Student must be enrolled full or part time in an accredited college or university in the United States.
- 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
- Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United States
- Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
- Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
- Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
- 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
- Graduating senior from John W. North HS with a minimum 2.7 G.P.A.
- 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
- Completed FAFSA form
- 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
- Minimum 3.5 G.P.A.
- 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.
- 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
Help Applying For Scholarships, Paying For College |
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
Paying For College |
For many students, college is an investment in their future. Along with the costly price of tuition many students have to juggle the cost of living. Students are expected to supply their own textbooks for their classes, many of which come at a heavy expense. However, not all textbooks must be fresh off the bookshelves. There are various ways students can save money on their textbooks all while being sustainable.
One way to save money on textbooks is to utilize campus resources. One crucial library resource is the online databases available to students. They can be an excellent digital resource to find books and sources for school. Another alternative when utilizing the library is renting books. Both of these are great options to save money while being sustainably smart. Library resources may vary from campus to campus.
A great resource when trying to learn on a budget is networking! It is always great to make friends in all your classes. Students can split the cost of a book for the class among each other. This way students can also take turns sharing the books in between assignments. Students can print specific pages for certain assignments and share online access to their books. Making friends can be beneficial, especially if you have friends who have previously taken the class and no longer have a need for the textbook.
A reliable online resource for textbooks is Amazon. Sometimes books will be found cheaper on Amazon, if that is the case most campus bookstores will price match and students can either choose to buy from Amazon or their campus bookstore. There is also a renting option for some books on Amazon where students can rent the book of their choice for a set period of time.
Yet another way to save money on textbooks is opting for the electronic version of textbooks. The digital versions of textbooks are often the most up-to-date versions, cheaper and sustainable. In addition to the perks of digital textbooks is the convenience of being on the go.
There are various apps that offer students great alternatives to a cheaper and sustainable way to get textbooks for college.
ECampus is a great app for students looking to save money on used, rented, and new textbooks. It also offers students a way to rent their own textbooks after they’re done using them.
Campus Books offers students a way to compare textbooks prices across various platforms.
Chegg is a great resource for finding books as well as getting access to books digitally.
There are various expenses college students have to juggle. Textbooks can be one less financial stress through cultivating these resources. Not only are these great alternatives for pricey textbooks, but it’s also a great sustainable way to help the environment.
Financial Aid For Undocumented Students, Paying For College, Student Loans |
Background
The creation of the California Dream Loan was first introduced by then-Senator Lara back in 2014. Then in 2018, Assemblymember Ian Calderon introduced AB1895 and it was signed by the California governor. AB1895 provided repayment programs based on someone’s income for the loan. The latest piece of legislation signed by Governor Newson was SB354 by Senator Maria Elena Durazo which expanded the Dream Loan program to graduate students.
How to apply and know you if are eligible
Students are eligible if they are enrolled at a CSU or a UC where the loan is currently being provided and they are enrolled as an AB540 student. Students may also be eligible if they file the California act application with the financial aid office and show that they are in financial need. Students need to keep in mind that the loan is provided on a main campus basis so they have to make sure to talk to their campus because it is not administered by anyone else.
Important details about California Dream Loans
- The interest rate that you agree upon in your contract can not change, it is a fixed interest rate and the interest rates are the same as federal student loans.
- Just like federal student loans, you have a six-month grace period before you have to pay it back.
- There is an income-based payment program that schools have come up with. This is based on what you are making as someone who has entered their career and are you eligible to repay this program.
To learn more about CA Dream Loans click the video below!
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Paying For College, Submitting FAFSA |
Paying for college can be challenging, but as a Californian student, you have several state-based financial aid programs available to help ease the burden. Remember that you will either need to submit the FAFSA or the California Dream Act application by March 2 in order to be considered for most types of financial aid. See our post, “Financial Aid 101”, to learn more about the process of applying for financial aid. Read on to find out more information about the Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, Chafee Grant, and other financial aid opportunities in California.
Cal Grant
Perhaps the most well-known financial aid program in California is the Cal Grant. The Cal Grant is a state-sponsored grant program available to eligible California students who attend participating colleges, universities, and technical schools in California. Some key facts about the Cal Grant program are:
- The Cal Grant is gift aid and you do not need to pay it back
- You need to meet certain financial, academic, and general requirements in order to be eligible for one of the Cal Grant awards
- There are several types of Cal Grant awards, based on factors like when you are applying for financial aid, what type of college or institution you attend, and your income level. The following provides brief descriptions of the types of Cal Grant awards:
- Cal Grant A or B High School Entitlement: For eligible current high school seniors and recent high school graduates
- Cal Grant A or B Transfer Entitlement: For eligible students who plan to transfer directly from a California Community College to a participating four-year college or university
- Competitive Cal Grant A or B: For eligible students who are not applying as a high school senior, within one year of high school graduation, or upon transfer from a California Community College to a four-year college or university
- Cal Grant C: For eligible students who are pursuing an occupational or technical program
- You do not need to figure out which Cal Grant you may qualify for on your own – you are automatically considered for the correct award based on the information you provide when applying.
- The award amounts for the Cal Grant program depend on which award you have received and the type of institution you attend
Your FAFSA or California Dream Act application serves as your application for the Cal Grant program. Once you have submitted the appropriate financial aid application, you will need to create a WebGrants 4 Students account to access the next steps and secure your Cal Grant, if awarded. For more information about Webgrants, see our post, “After the FAFSA/Dream Act: Next Steps”.
Keep in mind that students who are current or former foster youth, and students who have dependents, may be eligible for additional funds or increased Cal Grant eligibility.
Important Links and Resources:
- Read detailed information about the different types of Cal Grant awards and their eligibility requirements here
- Check out the various Cal Grant award amounts by institution type and award type here
- Check out the 2022-2023 Cal Grant Program Income Ceiling chart here
- Create your Webgrants 4 Students account here
- Learn more about the Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award here
- Learn more about Cal Grant awards for students with dependents here
Middle Class Scholarship
If you are not eligible for the Cal Grant program but still meet certain financial and general requirements, you may be eligible for something called the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS). Unlike the Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship is only available to eligible students at public, four-year universities in California. Some key facts about the MCS are:
- In order to be eligible, your family may have an annual income of up to $184,000 and hold up to $184,000 in assets
- The Middle Class Scholarship is gift aid and does not need to be repaid
- Award amounts for the MCS are sliding scale and may vary by student and institution. This means that you may receive a MCS at one college you have been accepted to but not another
- Students who are eligible can receive an award amount between 10% and 40% of the mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at a University of California or California State University campus
- At a CSU, awards can range between $574 – $2,298
- At a UC, awards can range between $1,257 – $5,028
Like the Cal Grant, your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application serves as your application for the Middle Class Scholarship. Once you have submitted the appropriate financial aid application, you will need to create a WebGrants 4 Students account to manage your award. You will be notified if you have been awarded a Middle Class Scholarship by August.
Important Links and Resources:
- Read the top 10 things to know about the Middle Class Scholarship here
Chafee Grant
In addition to the Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship, current or former foster youth who meet certain criteria may also be eligible for another financial aid program in California called the Chafee Grant. If you have been in foster care for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18, as a dependent or ward of the court, you qualify for this award. If eligible, you can receive up to $5,000 per year (that does not need to be repaid) for five years as long as you attend a qualifying institution in or outside of California.
You will first need to submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application to be considered for the Chafee grant. If a first-time applicant, you will also need to complete an additional form called the California Chafee Grant application, which you can access through their Webgrants 4 Students account. If the California Department of Social Services is unable to verify your foster status, you will need to complete an additional form to certify your eligibility.
Important Links and Resources:
- Find detailed information about eligibility, the application process, and more for the Chafee Grant here
- To learn about your rights as a California foster youth as well as resources available to you, visit the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson here
California College Promise Grant
For California residents who attend a California Community College and meet certain financial and general eligibility requirements, there is another financial aid program available called the California College Promise Grant (CCPG). This grant waives all enrollment fees for eligible students and does not need to be repaid. It is important to keep in mind that the CCPG waives the $46/unit enrollment fee for any number of units you enroll in, but does not cover additional student fees or books and supplies – you will need to cover these costs through the use of other financial aid or out of pocket.
There are several ways to qualify for the California College Promise Grant, for instance by meeting the income requirements, providing proof of receiving certain federal or state benefits or showing a certain level of financial need. The easiest way for you to determine your eligibility is by completing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, and submitting the California College Promise Grant Application for the specific community college you attend. The financial aid office will follow up to confirm eligibility and potentially request additional documents as proof.
Important Links and Resources:
- For a complete list of links to the California Community Colleges that offer online CCPG applications via CCCApply, click here
- To learn more about the financial aid and opportunities available at the California Community Colleges, check out the website icanaffordcollege.com
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Financial Aid For Undocumented Students, Paying For College |
You have applied for FAFSA, the CA DREAM ACT, scholarships, so now what comes next? Budgeting! Budgeting your aid is a great way to assure all your needs are met while also giving you the ability to plan around how much money you will receive/ have left. Immigrant Rising has conducted a budgeting worksheet to make it easier for you!
On this worksheet, you lay out your cost of attendance, your scholarship money, your CA grant money, and any other methods of income. By laying out your aid, you are able to see which college is the BEST for you by the aid they give you as well as allowing you to petition for even more aid. To access this worksheet and more resources for undocumented students follow the links below!
Resources – IMMIGRANTS RISING
Undocumented Student Budget Worksheet
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