The Virginia Smith Scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates academic potential and merits the respect and support of fellow students and teachers, has earned recognition through good citizenship during school and/or personal service to the community in which they live, and clearly needs financial support in order to attain objectives through higher education. Dollar amounts will vary.
To be eligible, applicants must have attended a public high school in the city of Merced for at least three full years, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and have applied to a four-year public or private institution of higher education in the state of California that is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (This does not include community or junior colleges). Applicants must be incoming full-time students (whether for undergraduate or graduate degrees). Applicants who are renewing their application must maintain a college GPA of 2.8 during the year awarded.