Scholarships | Soquel High School

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Scholarships

Did you know there are a variety of scholarships available to future college students that do not require a 3.0 GPA, financial need, or US citizenship? Here are some of the scholarships offered for the current school year- remember to apply early!

If you are a senior please fill out a: SHS Student Profile for Scholarships

*If you would prefer to fill out a paper form please make sure to turn it into the counseling secretary.
*Scholarships are organized by the month in which the filing deadline occurs - please click on the names of the months to see which scholarships are available.

September & October

Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise Youth Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th, application acceptance begins in September

Amount: $700 - $1000, Each scholarship is paid in annual increments for either 2 or 4 years and range from $700 per year to $1,000 per year.
Criteria: For high school seniors planning to further their education at either an academic or vocational college. Both academic performance and a need for financial assistance are taken into account, as well as active involvement in the school and community.
Description: Rotary scholarships are available for both academic and vocational fields of study. There are three categories of scholarships available.

For more information: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2276/sitepage/scholarships

Be Bold Scholarship

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: Rolling deadline, 1st of each month (11:59 PM ET / 8:59 PM PT), Students applying earlier will have a greater chance of winning. Will be awarded on December 1, 2025.
Eligibility: The "Be Bold" Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. It takes less than 2 minutes to apply. To us, boldest does not mean "best", or "most accomplished."
For more information: https://bold.org/scholarships/the-be-bold-no-essay-scholarship

Scholarship AmericaDeadline: Varied - many different scholarship types available

Amount: Award sums vary as do deadline dates.

Description: Hundreds of scholarship opportunities for students and parents looking for assistance on the way to university. Phone contact available for more information.

For more information: Scholarship America

QuestBridge College Match Scholarships

Amount: up to $200,000
Deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Criteria: For high school seniors with financial need and strong academic standing
Description: College Match Scholarship Recipients are granted admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full, four-year scholarship worth over $200,000 each. Our college partners use a combination of their own funds as well as state and federal aid to fund the scholarship. Can cover the cost of attendance, including: Tuition and fees, Room and board, Books and supplies, Travel expenses.
For more information: https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/national-college-match/how-to-apply

The Gates Scholarship

Amount: Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the Student Aid Index, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university. *Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, books, housing and food, and may include additional personal costs.

Deadline: Sept. 15, 2025

Criteria: A student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university. A high school senior, Pell-eligible, US citizen or permanent resident, In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

For more information: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

AES Engineers Scholarship

Amount: $500
Deadline: October 8, 2025
Criteria: This is a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, not GPA. Must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or eligible non-U.S.citizen.
Description: Students must submit an essay between 500 and 1,000 words (prompts on their website). Submit essay to scholarships@aesengineers.com
For more information: http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php

AmericanMuscle Scholarship
Deadline: October 15, at 12 noon EST(For Spring enrollment)
Criteria: High school seniors planning to attend a college or post-secondary institution pursuing an automotive or related degree. Must submit a 700-1000 word essay.
Amount: 2 a year at $2500 each / second round due June 15, 2022
For more information: https://www.americanmuscle.com/scholarships.html

AmericanTrucks Student Scholarship
Deadline: October 15, at 12 noon EST (For Spring enrollment)
Criteria: Currently attending high school and will be attending an accredited school in the next academic year to an automotive school program.
Amount: 2 a year at $2500 each / second round due June 15th for Fall '26 enrollment
For more information: https://www.americantrucks.com/scholarships.html

VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Scholarship
Deadline: October 31st, by midnight

Amount: Winners can win an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. and up to $35,000 in scholarships.
Criteria: Open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a high school, home study program, or an overseas U.S. military/civilian dependent school.
Description: This scholarship is a "Voice of Democracy Audio Essay" competition- students record a 3-5 minute essay on cassette tape or CD. The 2025-26 theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
For more information: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Sallie Mae “No Essay”

Deadline: October 31, 2025

Amount: $2,000

Eligibility: 1) a parent who currently has a child enrolled in an accredited college/university within the United States 2) a student who is currently enrolled in a college/university in the US 3) a parent who currently has a child enrolled in high school as a senior 4) a student currently enrolled as a junior or senior who plans on attending college one (1) year after graduating
For more information: https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/2k-scholarship/

November

The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

Amount: Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time grant to fund their college education or to fund a community service effort that tackles a social issue, and then one national Awardee is selected in each of the categories.

Deadline: November 2, 2025

Description: Youth Awards for Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community. Recipients receive a one-time grant to fund their college education or community service effort that tackles a social issue.

Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in high school and graduating in the spring of 2025, have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale and heading to an accredited higher education institution of Hispanic heritage (includes Philippines, Spain and Brazil). If selected, attendance to virtual regional awards ceremonies is mandatory.

For more information: https://hispanicheritage.org/programs/leadership/youth-awards/

Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship

Amount: 10 scholarships for $10,000 to each winner

Deadline: November 3, 2025 at 12PM PST

Criteria: High school senior graduating in Spring 2025; resident of one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Yolo; winners must volunteer a minimum of 1 shift (~2-4 hours) for our Good Tidings' Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway Program between 12/9 - 12/20/23 in Burlingame, CA; must plan on attending college/university, junior college, vocational, trade, or continuing education

For more information:

https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/GoodTidingsCommunityServiceScholarship2025

Elks National Scholarship

Deadline: November 12, 2025

Eligibility: Current high school seniors persuing a 4 yr degree on full-time basis (min. of 12 semester hrs), at a U.S. college or university next school year

(or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply, applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks, Male and female students compete separately, choose Santa Cruz Lodge #824 as their sponsoring Lodge

Amount: National awards range from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year

For more information: enf.elks.org/MVS

Jack Kent Cooke

Deadline: November 12, 2025

Amount: 40 awards of $55,000 each

Eligibility: MUST 1) be a senior 2) have fall enrollment for 2026 college 3) GPA of 3.5 or above 4) family income of 95,000 or less

For more information: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/11973/jack-kent-cooke-foundation-college-scholarship-program

10 Words or Less Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: November 15, 2025 (11:59 PM ET / 8:59 PM PT)
Eligibility: Anyone who is between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2024.In order to apply go to facebook and place a comment on any post you see answering the question in 10 words or less.
For more information: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10258/10-words-or-less-scholarship

National Space Club Scholarship

Amount: $20,000

Deadline: Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:59:59 PM

Criteria: Must be a U.S. citizen, open high school senior who must have the intention of pursuing a career in the STEM fields and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university to follow a course of study to pursue a career in the STEM field, with a preference for those with space related interests,

can only use the $20,000 scholarship towards tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year, applicant must NOT have previously spoken at the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner.

Description: Since 2013, The National Space Club and Foundation has offered the opportunity for a student to give the keynote address at the National Space Club and Foundation's annual Goddard Memorial Dinner, one of the space industry's most prestigious gatherings. The student must intend to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields, be academically strong and excel in public speaking.

For more information: https://www.spaceclub.org/scholarship/

Education Matters Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: November 30, 2025
Eligibility: 1) Be fourteen (14) years of age or older at the time of application. 2) Be legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or DC. 3) Be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2024) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education.
Description: "What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?" (250 words or less)
For more information: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/education-matters-scholarship

December

Raoul Teilhet Scholarships

Deadline: December 15, 2025

Amount: $3,000 for four year study, $1,000 for two year programs

Criteria: 1)Applicants must be high school seniors or undergraduate continuing college students. 2)The applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member in good standing of an AFT local union in California. 3)The applicant must be listed as a dependent on their parent’s or guardian’s tax return. Award selection is based on academic achievement, special talents and skills, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, financial need, and a 500-word essay on a social issue of the applicant’s choice. Scholarships are awarded for any one year of higher education: High school seniors who received Raoul Teilhet Scholarships are not eligible for another scholarship as continuing college students.The CFT accepts only online applications.

For more information: https://www.cft.org/scholarships

Chuck Hall Star Of Tomorrow Scholarship

Deadline: Dec 01, 2025

Amount: $6,000, $2,500, $1,500, and 1,000

Criteria:

Be a current USBC Youth member in their senior year of high school or enrolled in college
Be a USBC Youth member in good standing
Have a current GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale
Completed application
Include at least two letters of reference (by a teacher, principal, employer, etc.)
Include an official or unofficial school transcript

Description: This award annually recognizes star qualities in a high school senior or college student who competes in the sport of bowling. Candidate must be a Non-Professional USBC member in good standing and not reached their 20th birthday prior to Aug. 1. Star qualities include distinguished certified bowling performance on the local, regional, state and national levels, academic achievement and extracurricular and civic involvement.

For more information: https://bowl.com/youth/scholarships-and-awards/usbc-youth-scholarships

Roger W. Kahn Scholarship

Amount:$10,000

Deadline: closes December 31 at 2359 hrs ET, opens Sept. 1, 2025

Critertia :

Current high school senior intending to pursue an aerospace or related major at a college or university (must provide proof of enrollment to receive the scholarship funds)
Minimum high school GPA of 3.5
Demonstrated interest in aerospace through extracurricular activities

For more information: https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/k-12-students/scholarships/aiaa-roger-w.-kahn-scholarship

Scholarship Guides to Review

Scholarship Guide for Hispanic and Latino Students

Scholarship Guide for LGBTQ Students

Scholarship Guide for Students of Color

Winter Scholarships

January

MALDEF Scholarship Information Source

Website: https://www.maldef.org/resources/scholarship-resource-guide/#

St. John's University Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling dates through the year

Criteria: Applicants must be graduating high school and have an overall B average and a combined score of 1000 on the SAT'S or an ACT composite score of 22.

Description: Applicants must submit the Ozanam Scholars application and St. John's University application for admission. (There are 4 other scholarships on this page as well)

Amount: Up to a $10,000 renewable annually, for four years.

For more information: https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/scholarships

The Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Amount: $20,000

Deadline: January 12, 2026 3:00 PM CT

Description: Applicants should highlight academic achievement, work ethic, and support of their community through volunteerism and work experience.

Criteria: Must be a US citizen and currently a high school senior with plans to attend a 2 or 4-yr college or university.

For more information: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/equitableexcellence/

APIA Scholarship

Deadline: January 12, 2026 by 5pm EST, 2026-2027 application will open November 2025

Amount: $2500

Criteria: The APIA Scholarship is open to Asian and Pacific Islander American students who'll be enrolling or are currently enrolled in a U.S. accredited college or university as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in the fall of 2023. This year's application opened on September 7, 2022, and closes on January 19, 2023. Learn more about the application process and minimum eligibility criteria.

For more information: https://apiascholars.org/scholarship/apia-scholarship/?SFMC_cid=EM190588-&rid=67690155

Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 27, 2023

Criteria: Available to students entering or already attending college and majoring in agriculture. Must provide transcripts. Should have school activities and leadership. Financial need. Planning to attend college. Essay required. Letters of recommendation required. Must reside in Santa Cruz County or within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District boundaries.

Description: This award will be allocated for every year in college (maximum of four), proof of full-time registration required.

Amount: up to $4,000 for 4 years.

For more information: Contact the Agriculture office at (831) 722-6622 or http://www.agri-culture.us/scholarships/

Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 27, 2023

Description: A $1,500 award for a student active (past or present) in California High School Rodeo Association District 4 or California 4-H Horse Program, entering or currently attending college and majoring in agriculture and/or animal sciences.

Criteria: Student must be active (past or present) in the California High School Rodeo Association District 4 (San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, Contra Costa, Alameda, and San Francisco counties) or a California 4-H Horse program in the same geographic area. The recipient of this scholarship will receive the award upon proof of enrollment in college or a professional technical school.

For more information: http://www.agri-culture.us/scholarships/

J.J. Crosetti, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

A $1,000 award for a student entering or currently attending college and majoring in agriculture.

Deadline: January 27, 2023

Criteria: Student and/or their legal guardian must live either in Santa Cruz County or within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District boundaries, or be a current member of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The recipient of this scholarship will receive the award upon proof of enrollment in college. The award will be allocated for the remaining years in college (maximum of 4 years) and issued proportionately during the school year.

For more information: http://www.agri-culture.us/scholarships/

Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship

A $2,000 award for a student entering or currently attending college and majoring in agriculture or a related field, or majoring in culinary arts.

Deadline: January 27, 2023

Criteria: Student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 and reside either in Santa Cruz County or the Pajaro Valley. Preference will be given to qualified students who have been members of 4-H. The recipient of this scholarship will receive the award upon proof of enrollment in college. The award will be allocated for the remaining years in college (maximum of 4 years) and issued proportionately during the school year.

For more information: http://www.agri-culture.us/scholarships/

Bay Federal Credit Union 2024 Education Scholarship

Amount: three individual winners will be awarded $1,500

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Description: Bay Federal Credit Union’s Education Scholarship is for students who are pursuing educational and career training opportunities after high school. Up to three individual winners will be awarded $1,500 to pay for expenses directly related to their continuing education.

For more information: http://www.bayfed.com/scholarship

I Have a Dream Scholarship

Deadline: January 31, 2023

Criteria: Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application, must be legal U.S. resident, must be resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

Description: Students write an essay (250 words max) answering the following prompt: "We want to know... what do you dream about? Share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college."

Amount: $1,500

For more information: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/i-have-a-dream-scholarship

e-Quality Scholarship

Deadline: Expecting January 31, 2023 for applications - interviews will be held in mid-March.

Amount: Up to $12,000

Criteria: Applicant must: be a resident of northern or central California but may study elsewhere (see map of specific counties); have completed or expect to complete high school or equivalent; and plan to attend or began attending an accredited post-secondary institution (college, university, or vocational/trade school) for the first time in 2023. Demonstrated service to the local LBGT community. Applicants of all sexual orientations or gender identities are eligible for most scholarships.

Link: https://www.equalityscholarship.org/apply.html

InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

Deadline: Anticipating January 31, 2023 at 11:59pm PST

Amount: $2000

Requirements:

1.Full-time graduating high school seniors in good academic standing (minimum unweighted cumulative GPA 3.40 on 4-point scale), of any ethnic or cultural background, who plan to attend an accredited college or university (2-year and 4-year) in Fall 2023.

2.Citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

3.Residents of one of the following states or metropolitan area where we currently have InspirASIAN chapters: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia).

Students interested in applying will need to complete the scholarship application that includes a student essay.

For more Information: https://inspirasian.us/programs/scholarship-program/

January

February

MALDEF Scholarships

Website: https://www.maldef.org/resources/scholarship-resource-guide/#

Boyd J. Cameron Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 1, 2025

Amount: $1,000

Criteria: Undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they are first generation college students pursuing a career in business and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For more information: https://bold.org/scholarships/boyd-j-cameron-memorial-scholarship/

San Jose Earthquakes BAASST Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: must be received by 11:59pm on Friday, February 7, 2025
Criteria: MUST by nominated by teacher or school official by letter of reccomendation, have college bound Santa Cruz county senior, minimum grade point average of 3.0 from sophomore to senior year of high school, & complete required documents
For more required, detailed information & application: San Jose Sharks Bay Area All-Star Scholarship Team | San Jose Sharks

Elks Legacy Award Scholarships

Amount: $4,000

Deadline: February 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST

Description: for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members.

Criteria: Must be high school senior, for more details see link

For more information: https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/Legacy.cfm

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Amount: $500-$5,000

Deadline: February 15, 2025

Criteria: 1) Must be of Hispanic heritage 2) U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA, or eligible non-citizen (as defined by FAFSA) 3) Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students 4) Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the U.S., during the fall of a scholarship cycle (academic year) 5)Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)

For More Information: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship

Sunni E. Fagan Memorial Music Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: Feb 21, 2025

Eligibility: Any high school senior or undergraduate student who is an underrepresented minority pursuing music or music education may apply for this scholarship.

Scholarship link: https://bold.org/scholarships/sunni-e-fagan-memorial-music-scholarship/

Native Daughters of the Golden West Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26
Mae B. Wilkin/Phyrne Lorenz Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February 28, 2025
Criteria:

Applicant must plan to graduate from a Santa Cruz County high school and be enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university by Fall 2023
must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA
must compose and submit a 600-word autobiography. Please refer to the Evaluation Criteria for the judging standards
must compose and submit a 600-word essay on: “What period or event in California’s history interests you and why?” Please refer to the Evaluation Criteria for the judging standard

For more information: See Mrs. April in counseling or email her at awalls@sccs.net

March

MALDEF Scholarships
Website: https://www.maldef.org/resources/scholarship-resource-guide/#

Horatio Alger Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2025

Amount: various; up to $25,000 for juniors and seniors
Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled full time in a U.S. high school and plan to graduate in Spring/Summer 2023, as well as plan to enter college in the fall. Students also must show financial need, show involvement in curricular and community activities, have a minimum GPA of 2.00, and be U.S. citizens.
Description: This scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.
For more information: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/

Rent A Knee Walker Scholarship
Deadline: 3/1/2024 expected - watch for updates Amount: 2 at $500 per cycle, 2 cycles/year
Criteria: 1. Currently enrolled on a 2 or 4 year accredited college as an undergraduate, graduate-level or final year of high school (accepted into college), in the US. 2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. 3. There are no requirements in terms of physical disability or ability. All applications are welcome. 4. Family or relatives of Rent A Knee Walker employees or associates are ineligible. ** In 2021 there will be quarterly offers of this type**
For more information: https://www.rentakneewalker.com/scholarship

California Wine Grape Growers Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: March 4, 2024
Criteria: Must be a dependent of a vineyard employee and plan to attend a University of California, California State University or California community college.
Description: Selection is based upon financial need (which may be waived), demonstrated scholastic ability, community involvement and leadership and/or work history, and determination to succeed.
Amount: $2,000 to $8,000
For more information: https://cawgfoundation.org/scholarship-eligibility-requirements/

Tzu Chi ScholarshipDeadline: March 16, 2024

Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. high school graduating senior, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and plan to enroll in an accredited U.S. college full-time for the 2024-2025 school year.

Description: This scholarship is funded by the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation to recognize and provide financial assistance to outstanding college-bound high school graduates. Applicants are selected based on their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Amount: up to $1,500

For more information: https://tzuchi.us/scholarships

Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group (PAFMG) Annual Pre-Med Scholarship

Amount: 30,000, paid out over 5 years: 4 years of undergraduate university and 1st year of medical school.

Deadline: March 24, 2025 at 11:59 PM, submitted electronically

Criteria: anticipate career as medical doctor & high school gpa 3.5

For more information: https://www.sutterhealth.org/for-patients/premedscholar-pamf

Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships ( 10 separate awards)

Amount: $1,000- $20,000

Deadline: varies March to May
Criteria: Incoming or current college students of various ethnic backgrounds planning on enrolling full time for the upcoming school year. A minimum of a 3.00 GPA is needed and U.S. citizenship or Permanent Residence is required.
Description: This Bay Area foundation provides scholarships to students with a financial need. They have 10 different scholarship programs focused on various elements of achievement.

For more information: www.asianpacificfund.org/scholarships

Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club, 2024 Youth Scholarship

Amount:

Deadline: March 27, 2024

Criteria: Must have 2 references, Reference Submission Form

For more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN3yLhEsAwgnvcRku9cdQKrzB39oPWUiCu_0aBqXLuqIvAFA/viewform

Sigma Alpha Omega Nu Scholarship
Deadline: March 26, 2025
Amount: from $500 for community college and vocational
schools, up to $5,000 for all Cal State and UCs. In addition we have
one supplemental scholarship for aquatics athletes who plan to attend
a Cal State or UC school. This scholarship averages $3,000.
For students headed for a UC or CSU program, 2yr Community CA college or a CA vocational school - new easier apply on line.
New aquatic scholarship open this year for 2 year varsity swimming or water polo participants in addition to the traditional.
For more information: http://www.duckyderbysantacruz.org/scholarship-main-page

Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise Youth Scholarships
Deadline: March 28, 2025

Amount: $700 to $1,000
Criteria: For local high school seniors planning to further their education at either an academic or vocational college. Both academic performance and a need for financial assistance are taken into account as well as active involvement in the school and community.
Description: Rotary scholarships are available for both academic and vocational fields of study. There are three categories of scholarships available.
For more information: http://scholarships.santacruzsunriserotary.org/ or contact David Campbell at (831) 476-2619

SJSU Alumni Scholarship Santa Cruz Chapter

Amount: $500-$2,000

Deadline: March 29, 2024

Eligibility: Graduating Senior, min 3.0 gpa, evidence of involvement in school &/or community affairs, full time and proof of admission to SJSU for Fall 2024.

For more information: https://www.sjsualumnisantacruz.org/home/scholarship-programs/scholarship-applications

Automotive Service Councils Educational Foundation (ASCEF)

Amount: 18 scholarships granted from $500 - $1000 each
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Criteria: Full time students at an accredited U.S. college or university or an ASE/NATEF Certified post-secondary automotive, heavy duty, or collision repair school, Be a high school senior, not graduating in December, who plans to enroll in post high school full time student at any of the above, NO GPA REQUIREMENT
For more information: https://automotivescholarships.com/apply-online

MOAA: Military Officer's Association of America

Amount:

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Criteria: Graduating high school senior scheduled to attend 2 or 4 yr college, applicants must be son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter or military members of an active, reserve, retired or deceased member of one of the 8 uniformed services.

For more information: See Ms. April in the counseling office, Application Form 2024(Ed).pdf

Slavic American Cultural Organization Scholarship
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Criteria: Must be of Slavic heritage (i.e. the former republics of Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, or Slovenia); must be a graduating Senior planning to attend an accredited university, college, junior college or technical school and must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0., parent membership in SACO
For more information: Email John Basor at john_basor@PVUSD.net
Scholarship application available in the SHS Counseling Office

Aviation Scholarships
Amount: up to $4000

Deadlines: March 31 and September 30
Criteria: 16 to 25 year old, Resident of Watsonville, Freedom, Aromas, or Moss Landing, Legal resident or citizen of the United States and Proficient in English (required by the Federal Aviation Administration),
For more information: http://www.pajarovalleyaviation.org/Home/scholarship-information

Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Scholarship

Amount: $500 to 8 local public high schools

Deadline: to be determined at the end of March

Criteria: must be senior studying withing the field of environmental science of some sort while in college.

For more information: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/2022/06/scff-scholarship-program or contact Ms. April in the counseling office.

April

Ocean Mist Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2025

Criteria: Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Application requirements include an essay, letters of reference, a completed scholarship application and proof of higher education acceptance. The Ocean Mist Farms Scholarship Committee will review all applications and award scholarships based on the applicant’s demonstrated potential for

academic success. To learn more, visit OceanMist.com/scholarship-program.

Amount: $1000

For more information: https://www.oceanmist.com/scholarship-program

Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship

Amount: $400

Deadline: April 1, 2025
Criteria: Students must achieve a total cumulative GPA (3½ years) of at least 3.2 and meet one of the following: 1) Are Roman Catholic and of Italian Descent and live within the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Arizona, California, Illinois and Nevada, only where Branches of the Federation are established; or, 2) Are Roman Catholic but need not be of Italian Descent or live where Branches of the Federation are established if either Roman Catholic parent, guardian or grandparent is a member of the “Italian Catholic Federation.”
For more information: https://www.icf.org/scholarships/

Ocean Mist Scholarship

Amount: $1000
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Criteria: Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Application requirements include an essay, letters of reference, a completed scholarship application and proof of higher education acceptance. The Ocean Mist Farms Scholarship Committee will review all applications and award scholarships based on the applicant’s demonstrated potential for
academic success. To learn more, visit OceanMist.com/scholarship-program.
For more information: https://www.oceanmist.com/scholarship-program

Big Stick Surfing Association

Amount: $100 - $800

Deadline: April 7, 2025

Criteria: graduating seniors in S.C. county with a commitment to ocean sports, preservation of the ocean environment and ecology, good citizenship, & sportsmans

For more information: https://bigsticksurfing.org/scholarships-and-community-giving.html

High School Scholarship Cabrillo College: Engineering Dept. Scholarship
Amount: $500

Deadline: April 7, 2025 by 5 pm
Criteria: Must be Santa Cruz County high school senior, enrolled as full time at Cabrillo College, engineering major, full-tims student at Cabrillo or at a university in the following Fall semester, must have completed one calculus & either one physics or one ENGR course

For more information: see Cabrillo College High School Scholarship Financial Aid-Scholarships - Cabrillo College

DON & ROY SPLAWN CHARITABLE FNDN - WEST SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $250-$2000

Deadline: April 13, 2025 at 11:59pm

Eligibility: 1) High School Senior (graduating) 2) CA resident 3) Financial need 4) Academics (2.6 GPA and above) 5) Employment: Paid or unpaid, Community Service Extracurricular Activities. Please note that we encourage students to apply that have extraordinary circumstances in their lives as well as students who may not have the chance to attend college without financial assistance. We are looking for students that understand and exemplify the meaning of "hard work". No SS# needed

For more information: https://online.foundationsource.com/ws/index.jsp?site=splawnscholarship

Laguna Seca Volunteer Association (LSVA)

Amount: four $5,000 awards

Deadline: April 15, 2025, by 1 pm

Eligibility: Plan on majoring in a field of study that would result in employment in a transportaion, motorsports or STEM related industry, reside in SC county for at least 1 or the past 3 yrs, plan to attend an accredited 4 yr college, community college or vocational school.

For more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kw8NIaVWVLfjtkPZXIOB5DAYUQKRltyO/edit

Application: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kw8NIaVWVLfjtkPZXIOB5DAYUQKRltyO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105934402718659593044&rtpof=true&sd=true

Alice B. Woolsey Scholarship

Amount: $500

Deadline: April 16, 2025, no later than 5pm

Eligibility: Must be a graduating senior who was a graduate of NBMS, have acceptance as full time student at accredited college or paid upon confirmation of Community College registration before June 30, 2025

For more information:https://www.suesd.org/post/2025-alice-b-woolsey-scholarship

LA Tutors Innovation in Education Scholarship

Amount: $500 every month - reapply in May!... and June!

Deadline: By 11:59pm April 20, 2025 ...& the 20th day of each month onward

Criteria: Students must be seniors bound for college, a grade point average of 3.0 and above, and a US citizen or permanent resident

Description: Showcase your creativity/innovation skills by either solving a problem, or designing something that helps others solve problems, in several different possible presentation formats.

For more information: Innovation in Education Scholarship | LA Tutors 123

Hellenic Cultural Institute Scholarship

Amount: $5,000 divided among recipients

Deadline: Application must arrive at the Monterey address listed by April 22, 2025

Criteria: must be seniors bound for college, GPA of 3.0 and above, exemplary classroom conduct.
For more information:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DQL0pa9mToYihGYJrLQu8DUgNmm6sLkd/view?usp=sharing

Big Creek Lumber McCrary Family Scholarship

Amount: One time $2000

Deadline: April 25, 2025 no later than 5pm PST

Criteria: Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to attend a university or college majoring in forestry or attend a trade, vocational or truck driving school in the fall of 2024. Only open to applicants who live within a 25 mile distance of Big Creek Lumber.

For more information: https://bigcreeklumber.com/scholarships/

Howard Marcus Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2025

Amount: $16,000 total ($4,000/yr, renewable for 4 yrs)

Criteria: Graduate from Santa Cruz County high school, min. 3.0 cumulative high-school GPA, High school track & field or cross-country experience, plans to compete in track or cross country at a 4 yr college or university.

For more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBiVZ2IcatXiVAoBzJmqT8zv-tRvmtFALAnDhpx_LAjBlzQw/viewform?usp=header

Otis Chandler Scholarship

Amount: $6,000 total ($3,000 per yr, renewable for 2 years)

Deadline: April 30, 2025

Criteria: Graduate from a Santa Cruz County high school, high school track & field or cross-country experience, accepted into a two or four yr college, demonstrates academic performance, athletic achievement, financial need, commitment to lifetime fitness

For more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBiVZ2IcatXiVAoBzJmqT8zv-tRvmtFALAnDhpx_LAjBlzQw/viewform?usp=header

May

Spring/Summer Scholarships

May

NAACP Scholarship

Amount:
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Criteria: African American or Black-Identifying high school seniors planning on attending a community college (2.0 GPA min.)or university (2.5 GPA min.) in fall of 2025, 2 letters of recommendation,
For more information: naacpsantacruz.com/scholarships

We the Students Scholarship Essay Contest

Amount: 16 student winners for a total possible $20,000

Deadline: Monday, May 21, 2024 11:59PM PT Pacific time

The scholarship will be awarded to one high school in grades 9-12 attending a school in one of the participating states.

Essay: How does an understanding of natural rights and respect build a free society?

Website: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/we-the-students-essay-contest

Ryan Yebba Memorial Mental Health Scholarship

Deadline: May 10, 2024

Criteria: Any high school junior or senior who is interested in going into a mental health field may apply for this scholarship if they’re devoted to creating a positive social change and progress in our schools.

Amount: $18,450

For more information: https://bold.org/scholarships/ryan-yebba-memorial-mental-health-scholarship/

Merritt S Duncan Scholarship

Amount: call 864-368-3363 or email Hanna at hanna@csascholars.org

Deadline: May 13, 2025 by 5pm, application window March 13 - May 13, 2025

Requirements: resident of Santa Cruz County, California, in good academic standing, demonstrate financial need, plan to attend full-time, Cabrillo College or the University of California, Santa Cruz

For more information: https://csascholars.org/duncanm , call 864-368-3363 or email Hanna at hanna@csascholars.org

Caltrans District 5 Employee Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: May 15, 2025

Criteria: graduating from a High School in District 5 ( includes Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz county), intend to enroll in a Community College, College or University, or Trade School within California.

For more information: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/district-5-popular-links/d5-scholarships

Joseph Schnaier Scholarship for Finance Students

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: May 15, 2023

Criteria: Available for students in the United States who are currently enrolled in a university or high school students who have plans to attend a university with wishes to become a finance professional. See link for more details.

For more information: https://josephschnaierscholarship.com/joseph-schnaier-scholarship/

Kids Chance California

Amount: $1,000 - $10,000 per year

Deadline: May 15th, 2023

Criteria: between 16–25 years old., your parent/legal guardian was killed on the job or had a serious injury that has significantly reduced your family’s financial income, enrolled, accepted or applying as a full or part-time student at a university, college, or vocational school, you can show a financial need based on the Federal Expected Family Contribution—FAFSA criteria: https://fafsa.ed.gov.

For more information: https://apply.kidschanceca.org/overview/

LA Tutors Innovation in Education Scholarship

Deadline: The 20th day of each month... May 20, 2023 onward

Criteria: Students must be seniors bound for college, a grade point average of 3.0 and above, and a US citizen or permanent resident

Description: Showcase your creativity/innovation skills by either solving a problem, or designing something that helps others solve problems, in several different possible presentation formats.

Amount: $500.00 every month - reapply in June, July, …!

For more information: Innovation Scholarship

B.Davis Scholarship
Deadline: May 21, 2023
Criteria: There is no age restriction. Be sure to include your name and the school you are attending this year and next. This is not an academic scholarship but we would like to know where you are going to school now and what your future academic plans are.
Description: This Scholarship is available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any post-secondary institution.
Award: $1,000
Information: http://www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm
Submissions must be sent by email to awards@studentawardsearch.com

June

Jackie Herrera Scholorship

Amount: four scholarships at $400 each

Deadline: June 1, 2023 by 11:59 PM

Eligibility: Must be a self-identifying womxn, high school graduating student or first year transfer, attending a four-year university during the 2023-2024 school year

For more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjSE7IFArxfyDavP-dQy-B5HVvKHhv3ImwBbTQSfAneNIU_A/viewform

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: June 10, 2025
Criteria: To apply for this scholarship you will need to write an essay on the topic below. The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email to scholarships@abbottandfenner.com. Topic: Describe your educational career and life goals. Explain your plan for achieving these goals. Include your degree/major, why you selected it, and how this degree/major will help you achieve your goals.
Description: The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post-secondary institution.
For more information: http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.php

Big Sun Athletics Scholarship
Deadline: June 19, 2025
Criteria: Available to all student athletes, regardless of sport
Description: Students should be high school seniors or be attending a post-secondary institute and currently involved in some sport at the institution within the community. To apply, visit the website.
Amount: $500
For more information: http://www.bigsunathletics.com

California Association of Collectors Scholarship
Deadline: June 30, 2022
Criteria: Available to any California high school senior for their use at any accredited college, university, or trade school.
Description: One-page application and essay on "The Importance of Establishing and Maintaining Good Financial Credit During Your College Years."
Email entries to: scholarship@calcollectors.net
Amount: $1,500- $2,500
For more information: https://www.cacesf.org/

OppU Achievers Scholarship
Deadline: June 30, 2022
Amount: $2,500
Eligibility: GPA above 3.0
How to Apply: Students submit a short essay through the portal on our scholarship page
Link: https://www.opploans.com/scholarship/

Purdue Global

Deadline: various

Amount: various

Description: Various scholarships for minority students

For more information: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/student-life/scholarships-minority-students/

July

July & August

Boucher Scholarship

Award: $1,000
Deadline: July 15, 2023
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
More Info: https://boucher.la/scholarship/

Know Your Rights! Employment Law Scholarship Contest

Award: Three (3) $500 prizes
Deadline: August 1, 2023
Eligibility: Applicants must be EITHER out-going high school seniors (graduating in 2023) OR students enrolled in a college, trade school, university, or graduate program as of the fall 2023 semester.
More Info: https://workplacerightslaw.com/about-us/in-the-community/scholarship/

No Deadline

Without Deadline

California-Hawaii Elks Vocational Grant

No deadline (file 3 months after beginning application process)

Criteria: This program is open to any prospective applicant, residing in California or Hawaii who is an American citizen planning to pursue an eligible vocational/technical course, culminating in an associate degree, diploma, or certificate, but less than a baccalaureate program(Bachelor's degree).

Description: This vocational grant is available for one year, with an option to renew. The grant may be used for tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies.

Amount: $1,000

For more information: https://chea-elks.org/youth-activities/scholarships/

The Johnson Scholars Program
No deadline (must apply to attend Santa Clara University)
Description: Santa Clara University's Johnson Scholars Program offers exceptionally committed, talented, high achieving students an extraordinary opportunity to develop the leadership skills, knowledge, and commitment required to help build a better world. The program is an integral part of a rigorous, honors-level undergraduate education with the privileges and challenges associated with joining a distinctive community of scholars.
Students selected as Johnson Scholars receive a merit scholarship covering full tuition during the academic year, renewable annually for up to four years. In addition, the University is committed to fully meeting the demonstrated financial need of each Johnson Scholar.
Criteria: Evidence of leadership and spirit of tenacity; demonstrated record of high academic performance; an unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher; a minimum ACT composite score of 30 or SAT combine score of 1,400 in the math and critical reading sections; record service throughout the high school career.
Amount: A merit scholarship covering full tuition during the academic year.
Link: https://www.scu.edu/johnsonscholars/selection/

Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Scholarship

Amount: $500 to 8 local public high schools

Deadline: to be determined at the end of March

Criteria: must be senior studying withing the field of environmental science of some sort while in college.

For more information: https://www.santacruzflyfishing.org/2022/06/scff-scholarship-program or contact Ms. April in the counseling office.

No Deadline: Monthly on the 15th
Description: Varsity Tutors holds a monthly $200 college scholarship contest where students write an essay in response to a monthly prompt. Visitors to the Varsity Tutors scholarship webpage are able to vote via social media for submitted entries. The top five entries with the most votes are reviewed by Varsity Tutors at the end of the month and one winner is subsequently chosen to receive the $200 college scholarship.
Amount: $200
For more information: http://www.varsitytutors.com/college-scholarship

Scholarship Websites:
BOLD Scholarships for Black Students
Career One Stop
Community Foundation - Santa Cruz County
CTF (California Transportation Foundation) Scholarships
Fast Web: Scholarships for High School Seniors
MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide 2020-2021
Mega Scholarships
UNIGO

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