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
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
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