Help Applying For Scholarships, Paying For College |
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
- Ask for Recommendation Letters
- Have transcripts ready
- Search for local scholarships
- Find scholarships that fit you
- Use the ‘About Me’ Sheet in the PDF below to help brainstorm your characteristics
- 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!
Help Applying For Scholarships, Paying For College |
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:
College Success |
Throughout our whole education journey, we constantly hear about scholarships and how
wonderful it is to be awarded one, but we almost never see how to really apply for one.
Depending on the sort of scholarship you are seeking for, the application might be extremely
complex or quite simple. There are many different scholarships available, and the greatest thing
about them is that anybody may apply for one. Some scholarships are only available to members
of particular groups, while others are available to all applicants. Everyone is able to receive one
no matter what, if you put in the work and work hard you will be able to receive one. Let’s go
through a few ways you can look for a scholarship!
1. Research the Types of Scholarships:
● Be knowledgeable about the scholarships you’ll apply to. Do research
if you need to!
● Apply to scholarships that connect with you
– Such as those that speak to your interests, background, and
desires.
● Look into scholarships that list your unique traits to help you stand out
from other candidates.
2. Complete All Requirements/Criterias:
● Make sure to read all of the scholarship details.
● Read carefully (don’t miss deadlines or requirements).
● It is essential to complete every part.
3. Exceed:
● If possible, turn in ahead of time, to prevent missing deadlines.
● Go above and beyond in your responses.
● Apply to as many scholarships as possible, don’t rely on just one!
● List unique traits about yourself! Don’t be afraid to be your own
supporter!!
4. Have Documents at Hand & Ready to Use:
● Letters of Recommendation
● Resume (updated and polished!)
● Get advice on your writing piece
– Have a few people revise your work.
5. Check in On the Scholarships:
● Follow up with any requirements that may be needed or missing.
● Check your emails regularly.
● Get in contact if necessary.
Last Note:
Make sure you’re authentic to yourself and just apply, you don’t lose anything!
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
