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California Scholarships

I realize California scholarships may seem elusive at times, but take heart - there are plenty of scholarships out there for California residents. When you conduct a free college scholarship search at Scholarships.com, you can find information about myriad financial aid opportunities that can more than cover your college expenses. Using your location as a search criterion, Scholarships.com can help you find awards restricted to students living or attending a college in your state. The California scholarships below will give you an idea of the financial aid information you can find at Scholarships.com. For additional information about scholarships and grants you qualify for based on state and additional criteria, you can conduct a free college scholarship search.

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AAUW's Re-Entry Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2023
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Women's Re-Entry Scholarship is awarded by the Poway-Penasquitos Branch of the American Association of University Women and is intended for a woman who is returning to a school of higher education to complete her education.

    Applicants must be female, high school grads or GED recipient 23 years of age or older without a bachelor's or advanced degree. Must live or attend a school in north [...] More

Association of California Water Agencies Awards

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2023
  • Amount: $3,500
  • Each year, ACWA awards scholarships to deserving students in a water-resources related field of study. Awards are based on a combination of scholastic achievement and a commitment on the part of the applicants to their chosen fields, best demonstrated by pursuing a degree related to or identified with engineering, agriculture or urban water supply, environmental studies and public administration [...] More

Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund

  • Application Deadline: 2/28/2023
  • Amount: $20,000
  • The Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund will award five scholarships of $5,000 to qualified incoming freshmen enrolled at four-year colleges or universities. Each scholarship is renewable for a total of four years on the basis of satisfactory academic performance in a full-time undergraduate program.

    Awards are for undergraduate study only. Applicants must be pursuing a career in [...] More

California Assn. of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation

  • Application Deadline: 6/30/2022
  • Amount: $2,500
  • CACESF’s scholarship contest is open to current high school juniors and seniors who are enrolled in a California high school and will be attending any accredited public or private college, university, or trade school within 12 months of graduation.

    All applicants must write an original essay on the following topic: The importance of establishing and maintaining good financial credit during [...] More

California Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF)

  • Application Deadline: 12/31/2022
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Orange County (OC) Hispanic Educational Endowment Fund (HEEF) serves US Citizens, Permanent Residents and Dream Act/ AB 540 students who live in Orange County, California only. HEEF offers competitive academic scholarships for OC high school and community college transfers who qualify for need based financial aid and who enroll at a 4-year college or university. For more information or to [...] More

California Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $12,192
  • The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program provides need-based educational grants to dependents and spouses of: California peace officers (Highway Patrol, marshals, sheriffs, police officers), Department of Corrections and California Youth Authority employees, and permanent/full-time firefighters employed by public entities who have been killed in the performance of duty or 100% [...] More

Capture the Dream, Inc. Single Parent Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 7/30/2022
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The goal of the Capture the Dream, Inc. Single Parent Scholarship is to help eliminate one of the leading obstacles preventing single parents and minority students from attending college – the soaring cost of tuition. We provide talented students with the means to be able to reach a higher education, which helps develop the future leaders of the Bay Area – and the world. For more information or [...] More

Carson Scholars Fund, Inc.

  • Application Deadline: 1/10/2023
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Carson Scholars Fund awards college scholarships to students in grades 4 through 11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. An interested student must be nominated by his/her school to be able to compete for a Carson Scholarship (it is up to a school how to determine its nominee). The minimum requirements are a 3.75 GPA and involvement in community service. For [...] More

Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/30/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • CCAPW scholarships provide financial assistance to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women pursuing higher education who are from the following California counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Tulare.

    Applicants will be evaluated based on the following: first generation student, academic achievement, leadership, contribution to API community, and ethnic [...] More

Clair A. Hill Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2023
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The ACWA offers the Clair A. Hill Scholarship to a qualified undergraduate student. Eligible applicants must: be California residents attending a California State or University of California campus; be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water resources-related field related to engineering, agricultural and/or urban water supply, environmental studies, or public administration; commit to [...] More

Community Foundation of the Verdugos Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/2/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Community Foundation’s scholarships are created by individuals and organizations to assist students who are pursuing a higher education.

    Each scholarship has a specific eligibility criteria that is defined by the donor when the fund is created — check to see which awards you’re eligible for by reading that scholarship’s guidelines. Applicants for most scholarships must complete the FAFSA. [...] More

CSAC Cal Grants

  • Application Deadline: 3/2/2023
  • Amount: $14,242
  • CSAC Cal Grants are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, and do not have to be repaid.

    In addition to meeting the financial criteria and Cal Grant requirements, applicants must submit the FAFSA or CADAA application by the deadline, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen who is a California resident for at least 1 year, attend a qualifying [...] More

CWGGF Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/3/2023
  • Amount: $8,000
  • The California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Two types of scholarships are offered - scholarships for four years at any campus in the University of California or California State University System, and scholarships for two years at any California community college. Only the children with a parent or legal
    guardian employed by a [...] More

David C. Lizárraga Fellowship

  • Application Deadline: 2/26/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • Through The David C. Lizárraga Fellowship, TELACU recognizes graduate students who demonstrate the potential and commitment to advance TELACU's mission of building self-sufficient communities through economic empowerment. Applicants must be a first-generation college student, pursuing a master's degree in business administration or engineering (students pursuing other graduate degrees may also be [...] More

Don Diego College Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/28/2023
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for outstanding high school seniors and graduates who participate in activities and events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, including the San Diego County Fair. Scholarship winners demonstrate talent for organization, leadership and innovation and make a valuable contribution to the community [...] More

Dr. James L. Hutchinson and Evelyn Ribbs Hutchinson Medical School Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/17/2023
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Hutchinson Medical School Scholarship Fund was established to assist young people who aspire to attend medical school and to recognize students who demonstrate excellence in both character and academic achievement.

    Applicant must be a college senior and accepted to medical school or currently enrolled full-time in an accredited medical school program and must demonstrate personal [...] More

eQuality Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 1/31/2023
  • Amount: $6,000
  • eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships to honor and encourage California students for their service to the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community. Applicants for all scholarships must have demonstrated service to the LGBT+ community. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible. Awards are available to graduating high school seniors, community [...] More

ERC Eco Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The ERC Eco Scholarship is available to provide financial assistance to high school seniors interested in environmental health sciences and the pursuit of a higher education. Eligible applicants must major in an environmental studies program at an accredited California college or university, have a 3.25 GPA, complete at least one high school science class in addition to the minimum required for [...] More

ESA Youth Scholarship Program

  • Application Deadline: 3/23/2023
  • Amount: $12,000
  • The electronic security industry works intimately with the public safety sector. We appreciate the contribution that police, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs offer to our communities. To show our appreciation, the program was developed to provide college scholarships to their deserving children. Since its launch in 1996, ESA’s Youth Scholarship Program has contributed more than $750,000 to [...] More

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

  • Application Deadline: 3/14/2023
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is open to underrepresented, low-income and first-generation college-bound students. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in transportation, math, science, engineering, architecture, environmental design, pre-med, psychology, or Spanish language/literature. The applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen but must have a minimum [...] More

Ford ReStart Program Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Ford ReStart Program is need-based and is for adults with considerable years of employment ahead. The award covers 90% of unmet college costs and is calculated on the college’s Cost of Attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, personal costs, etc.), minus other grants and scholarships. Applicants must be residents of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California, be an adult 25 years or older, no [...] More

Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/20/2023
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship is offered to first generation Asian Americans who have a demonstrated interest in business (business major not required). Eligible applicants must be an incoming freshman enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college/university with a minimum 3.0 GPA and must be able to demonstrate financial need. Must also be a resident of Alameda, Contra [...] More

Italian Catholic Federation First Year Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2023
  • Amount: $2,500
  • Since 1964, the Italian Catholic Federation has awarded over $2,000,000.00 in scholarships to more than 6,000 high school students, of the Catholic faith, attending college.

    Each spring, the Italian Catholic Federation receives nearly 400 applications for its yearly scholarship awards. Applications are received from students in public as well as Catholic high schools in California, Arizona, [...] More

Jewish Family and Children's Services Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 6/17/2023
  • Amount: $10,000
  • At JFCS, we annually help hundreds of Jewish students achieve these goals by providing them with loans and grants. In order to apply, you must be Jewish and have been a legal and permanent resident of Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, or northern Santa Clara counties for at least two years prior to submitting your application. Must be able to demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA [...] More

Korean American Scholarship Foundation - Western Regional Chapter

  • Application Deadline: 6/30/2022
  • Amount: $5,000
  • KASF scholarships (which range from $500 to $5,000) are offered to the qualified Korean American students (including foreign students from Korea). All applicants must be enrolled in a full time program in the U.S during the scholarship application year. If extra funds are available, other students (non Koreans) may qualify for scholarships. Specifically, descendants of American veterans served [...] More

Matsuo Bridge Company Ltd. of Japan Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2023
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Matsuo Bridge Company, Ltd. of Japan Scholarship will be awarded to a college junior, senior, or a graduate student pursuing a degree in civil engineering, welding engineering, welding engineering technology, or related discipline. Must be enrolled at least part-time at an accredited college/university in the U.S. and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Priority is given to residents of California, [...] More

Mel C. Marshall Student Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $500
  • The Mel C. Marshall Student Scholarship was developed to encourage high school seniors or college students to enroll in careers related to the precast concrete industry and to provide opportunities for those students who receive financial support to liaise with CPCA. Scholarship applications are requested by October 31 for the academic year beginning the following fall, and by April 30 for the [...] More

National Hispanic Business Women Association Educational Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/27/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • To be eligible for the National Hispanic Business Women Association Educational Scholarship, applicants must: be a student with home residence in California; involvement in some form of community service; demonstrate financial need; have a 3.0 GPA; and, attend a college or university in the US. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More

NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/9/2023
  • Amount: $3,500
  • The NIADA Foundation promotes the academic growth of youth throughout the United States and awards scholarships annually at the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Convention. The Foundation proudly sponsors four young men or women each year who have displayed outstanding abilities in education. Applicants must be high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic [...] More

Palo Alto Rotary Club Vocational Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 4/3/2023
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Rotary Club of Palo Alto vocational scholarships are intended to provide financial assistance to students who will enroll in an accredited career program or vocational program at a community college in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Eligible students will enroll in a program leading to a certificate or degree, and will plan to go directly into employment in that field upon completion of [...] More

Pinay Aspire Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/14/2023
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Pinay Aspire Scholarship is offered to Filipina women who reside or attends school in one of the 9 San Francisco Bay Area counties. Eligible applicants must: demonstrate personal, community and/or academic success; and, demonstrate financial need. For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More

Professional Business Women of California Scholarship for Young Women

  • Application Deadline: 1/13/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • Each year, PBWC is proud to honor three or more female, California high school seniors with academic scholarships. Since 2003, PBWC has awarded scholarships totaling over $300,000 with individual awards up to $15,000. Each winner will receive a ticket to our annual conference. Funds will be sent directly to an accredited college or university where the awardee is enrolled in an undergraduate [...] More

Protect American River Canyons Essay Contest

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2023
  • Amount: $500
  • To enter the PARC Essay Scholarship Contest, eligible students must write an original essay of 500 words or fewer responding to an essay prompt provided at the PARC website. Applicants must be high school seniors who are a resident of Placer, Nevada or El Dorado County, CA (but may attend school in another county). Must be in good academic standing, on track to graduate. For more information or [...] More

Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2023
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Tall Clubs International annually awards student scholarship(s) of up to $1,000 each to tall students who are under 21 years of age and attending their first year of college in the following fall. To enter, applicants must be under 21, entering college in the upcoming fall and meet the TCI height requirement minimums: 5'10" for women and 6'2" for men, barefoot. You must also find a local Tall [...] More

The Doyle Foundation, Inc. Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Doyle Foundation offers scholarships to enable students from qualifying schools to pursue further education and training at universities, trade schools and community colleges. Applicants must be a graduating senior or graduate of the Huntington Beach Union High School District in Southern California, a graduating senior or graduate of the Washoe County School District in Northern Nevada, or a [...] More

The Ebell/Flint Scholarship Program

  • Application Deadline: 4/30/2023
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Ebell/Flint Scholarship is open to full-time undergraduates attending a school in Los Angeles County. Eligible applicants must reside in Los Angeles County, have a 3.25 GPA, have at least sophomore status by the end of the current year, and must have US citizenship. For more details or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More

The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/4/2023
  • Amount: $20,000
  • The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship is for female students currently enrolled or planning to attend a college within the San Mateo County Community College District. Applicants must be female graduating high school seniors or re-entry students planning to attend Cañada College, College of San Mateo or Skyline Community College and demonstrate financial hardship. Applicants may be U.S. citizens or [...] More

U.S. Army Loan Repayment Program

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $20,000
  • The Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is a special incentive that the Army offers to highly qualified applicants entering the Army. Under the LRP, the Army will repay part of a Soldier's qualifying student loans. Only specified Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) qualify for the LRP. The Army will repay 15 percent of the outstanding principal balance, less taxes of the Soldier's student loans [...] More

University of California Berkeley Achievement Award Program

  • Application Deadline: 5/9/2023
  • Amount: $24,000
  • The Achievement Award Program has provided low-income students with the resources needed to attend and excel at U.C. Berkeley.

    Eligible applicants must: demonstrate financial need; be enrolled full-time at UC Berkeley; be an incoming freshmen (or GED-equivalent) or incoming junior transfer; and, have participation in retreats, workshops, and alumni engagement events, and one-on-one advising [...] More

Vandenberg Spouses' Club College Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/19/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • The VSC offers merit based scholarship opportunities to military spouses, high school seniors and undergraduate dependents. Eligible applicants must: be children or spouses of service members who are stationed at Vanderberg Air Force Base; have a 2.5 GPA; reside in Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County; be a high school senior (including home school) or current undergraduate (if applying [...] More

Virginia Smith Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/2/2023
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Virginia Smith Scholarship will be awarded to a college junior 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.

    To be [...] More
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Latest College & Financial Aid News

Which Student Loan Is Best for Me?

June 13, 2022

by Scholarships.com Staff

The new semester is just around the corner, which means it is time to start thinking about how you are going to afford the new school session. Student loans can be taken out any time of the year and are useful for paying for textbooks, special classes or summer terms and additional living expenses. Choosing the right student loan can help you reach your education and career goals while still keeping your finances balanced. Here’s what to look for before you take out a student loan this summer. [...]

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2022 Scholarships

May 25, 2022

by Liz Montenegro

As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we reflect on the enormous contributions of Asian Americans and share their culturally rich history. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up the fastest-growing racial group in the United States, with more than 23 million it total. However, API individuals, communities, and businesses have been disproportionately impacted by discrimination and criminal acts that have only been exacerbated by the pandemic in recent years. Now more than ever, we need to stand united as Americans against anti-Asian racism. [...]

Travis Scott's Foundation Awards 100 HBCU Student Scholarships

May 20, 2022

by Liz Montenegro

Now in its second year, Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation awarded $1 million dollars to 100 high-achieving Black high school seniors with financial need. This scholarship, known as the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund, was named after Scott’s grandfather who was a Dean of the Prairie View A&M, as well as an alumnus. Each recipient won $10,000 that will be applied to their college educational expenses. These students have maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA throughout their high school career and will attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the fall. This year, all 38 HBCUs across the nation were represented among the recipients. [...]

Last Reviewed: June 2022

California Scholarships

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