Warning! Editing this pageset section will affect all pages on your website.

Scholarships and Opportunities

graduate


Jim Thompson Conservation Scholarship

The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCDGSDC) invites local high school students to apply for our annual Jim Thompson Conservation Scholarship! The deadline is April 14th, 2025, so please remind your interested students to apply!

Eligible candidates must:

  1. Be a resident within the RCD of Greater San Diego County’s sphere of influence (see the application for a map).
  2. Have successfully completed three years of study at an accredited high school.
  3. Be nearing completion of their fourth year of high school while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
  4. Expect, or have received, a “notice of intent” to enroll in undergraduate college courses related to resource conservation, agriculture, biology, or other related fields.

The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCDGSDC) will award up to seven scholarships of $1,000 each to senior students pursuing further education in the fields of resource conservation, environmental science, biology, sustainability, agriculture, or a related field.

All applications must be completed and submitted online. You will need a valid Google account to access the application. To apply, click here and complete the google application by 11:59pm Sunday, April 14th, 2025.


SDCSBA/ACSA Region 18 2025 Student Scholarship Applications

Ten $1,000 Student Scholarships Available!

Applications Due March 28, 2025 by 5:00pm

Region 18 of the Association of California School Administrators (San Diego and Imperial Counties) and the San Diego County School Boards Association are very pleased to offer ten $1,000 scholarships as a result of donations made by both organizations and our generous business partners.

Our scholarships provide an award for ten (10) public high school seniors who meet the following criteria:

  1. pursuing a career in education as a teacher or other certificated employee.
  2. attend a public high school in the San Diego or Imperial Counties area.
  3. show proven academic success with at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average.
  4. are involved in community service.
  5. who may not necessarily qualify for other financial aid.

Download a copy of the Application


THE 2025 DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION “WE SERVE!”

The Downtown San Diego Lions Club, through its Welfare Foundation, has scholarships available to students graduating from eight area high schools to assist with pursuing higher education in an undergraduate college or vocational school of their choice. Scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded to each student selected.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and are required to submit a copy of their alien registration identification card and write their registration number on the application form in the designated area.

Graduating seniors will be selected only from Hoover, Garfield, Kearny, Twain, Lincoln, San Diego, Monarch and Gompers High Schools. This scholarship is intended to assist graduating seniors from the geographical area of the Downtown San Diego Lions Club.

Applications submitted from students of other schools will not be considered.

The Downtown San Diego Lions Club is seeking students who have demonstrated a desire to serve their communities and will continue to foster a spirit of community service. For this reason, scholarships will be awarded based on demonstrated community service, financial need, and merit.

Applicants should complete and submit the application form, the financial data form, and provide transcripts from their High School.

Please ensure that your name, address, phone, and email address are legible.

All applicants shall submit a typed essay explaining why they deserve this scholarship. The essay should include the activities in or out of school that were/are beneficial to others. This may include but are not limited to assistance provided to family members, music/performing arts, sports, civic groups, church, etc.

Your completed application and all attachments must be submitted electronically as a PDF by 12:00 pm Thursday, March 13, 2025

To: [email protected]


Futuro Peruano Scholarship 2025

The House of Peru will offer the following Scholarships:

  • Two merit scholarships of $1,000 each.
  • Two merit-financial scholarships of $2,000 each.
  • The deadline to submit the completed application is April 15, 2025.
  • Awards will be announced on June 30th, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • High School Senior with Peruvian Heritage
  • 3.5 Minimum GPA

How to Apply:

  • Complete the Application Form HERE
  • For other requirements click HERE

QUESTIONS: PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected]


Young Legislators Program Application Now Open!

The Young Legislators Program (YLP) is an educational program sponsored by the Office of Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. of the 39th Senate District. The goal of the program is to equip our youth with the skills and knowledge to consider a career in government or public service, and an opportunity to learn about the state legislative process, current events, leadership development, financial literacy, and more.

The Young Legislators will meet for six monthly sessions from April through September, on the 4th Wednesdays (except July) from 5pm-7pm at the La Mesa Spring Valley School District Administration Building.

Selection Criteria:

  • Open to high school sophomores and juniors who live or attend school in the 39th Senate District.
  • Must submit official high school transcript.
  • Must complete application form including short essays.
  • Must be able to commit to the scheduled sessions.

Program Dates:

  • Session #1: April 23, 2025
  • Session #2: May 28, 2025
  • Session #3: June 25, 2025
  • Session #4: July 30, 2025
  • Session #5: August 27, 2025
  • Session #6: September 24, 2025

You must submit your application by March 1, 2025 to be considered. Upon admission to the program, students must submit a participating agreement. We expect our Young Legislators to demonstrate characteristics for collaborative learning and integrity including adaptability, initiative, respect, and maturity. The attire for each session is business casual unless otherwise noted.

Apply to be a Young Legislator Today!


2025 CGCS-Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship

The Council of the Great City Schools is accepting applications for the 2025 CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship Program. Four scholarships for two males and two females --- $5,000 each --- will be awarded to two African American and two Hispanic students on behalf of the former NASA astronaut, physician and businessman, Dr. Bernard Harris. Applicants must be currently completing their senior year of high school in a member district of the Council of the Great City Schools and be accepted for full-time enrollment at a four-year college or university in the next academic year and pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).

Deadline to apply is MARCH 31, 2025

Click HERE to apply.

View flyer for more information about this opportunity


State Seal of Civic Engagement

For the 2024-25 school year, the due date for student submissions will be Friday, April 11, 2025.

If you submit your application after the due date, it will be considered for the next school year.

In September 2020, California introduced a way for high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors to earn a special recognition called the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

If you qualify, you’ll get a special seal on your diploma that shows your dedication and achievement on applications for college and career.

To learn more about what you need to do to earn the Seal and how to apply, you can explore the tabs on this website.


National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) Scholarship

Application period is from January 15 – March 5, 2025.

The National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) scholarship application for LGBTQ+ students is live and open until March 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PST! Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the first statewide scholarship designed to exclusively support LGBTQ+ students pursuing their ambitions for higher education regardless of the public nature of their sexual identity.

NRCF is powered by San Diego Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. and the largest provider of scholarships of any community foundation in California

Awards and Timeline

NRCF will provide up to $500,000 in scholarship awards for up to 200 students at $2,500 per award recipient. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board and other educational expenses. It does not need to be repaid. The application period is from January 15, 2025 - March 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PST.

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, current undergraduate college students and adult re-entry students who identify as LGBTQ+ whether they are "out" or not.

Additional Criteria

Applicants need to have lived in California for at least one year and must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California DREAM Act Application or the Federal Student Aid Estimator Tool. Students must plan to enroll in at least 6 units in an accredited public or nonprofit community college, four-year university, or trade/vocational school anywhere within the United States.

The Application Process Starts Here

Ready to get started? For more details about eligibility and selection criteria, please visit RainbowCollegeFund.org/Apply.

Questions?

Learn more at RainbowCollegeFund.org or reach out to Rogelio Espinoza, Manager, National Rainbow College Fund, at [email protected].


North Island Credit Union Foundation Annual Scholarship Opportunity

The North Island Credit Union Foundation Annual Scholarship opportunity is now available! The Foundation will award 10 students with a scholarship of $1,000 each. High school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to participate. Selection criteria include academic performance, school or community involvement, a letter of recommendation, and an essay submission. Applications are available through Friday, March 7, 2025 and winners will be announced on our website Monday, March 31, 2025. Interested students can find more information and apply at northisland.ccu.com/studentscholarship.

CLICK HERE to view flyer with more details.


Common Scholarships from San Diego Foundation (SDF) Opportunities

Opportunities are available for San Diego County residents pursuing a higher education locally and nationally. Apply if you have:

  • Commitment to your education
  • Potential for success in college
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 for many scholarships
  • Participation in community service, extracurricular activities and/or work experience
  • Financial need (including middle income families)

CLICK HERE to view flyer with more details.


Kyoto Prize Scholarship Opportunity

We’re excited to announce that the Kyoto Prize Scholarship application is now open! This prestigious merit-based scholarship offers high school students the opportunity to apply under the following categories:

  • Advanced Technology
  • Basic Sciences
  • Arts and Philosophy

CLICK HERE to view flyer with more details.


Introducing the BIA Cares Scholarship

We understand that education is the cornerstone of progress, and we are dedicated to supporting bright and talented students. To that end, we are pleased to offer the BIA Cares Scholarship, a program designed to recognize and reward outstanding individuals who exemplify a passion for the building industry, community involvement, and leadership potential.

Scholarship Details:

  • Scholarship Amount: $15,000 total will be awarded. Note the award amount will vary per recipient.
  • Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the scholarship, students must:
    • Demonstrate an interest to pursue a career in the Building Industry. This incudes but is not limited to construction, real estate, design & management.
    • Exhibit strong community involvement and leadership skills
    • Submit a well-crafted essay per the attached application

How to Apply:

We have made the application process simple and accessible to all qualified students. Interested candidates can access the application form on our website at:
High School Scholarship App
Trade Scholarship App
College Scholarship App

The deadline for submission is December 2nd, 2024. Interviews (in person and/or virtual) will be held in December.

Why Apply for the BIA Cares Scholarship?

  • Financial support to pursue higher education
  • Recognition for your achievements and potential
  • An opportunity to make a positive impact in your community
  • Join a network of driven and like-minded individuals

Connect with Us:
For any questions or clarifications regarding the scholarship, please feel free to reach out to Jen Moran at the Building Industry Association (858) 514-7005 or email [email protected]. We are here to assist and guide you through the application process. We look forward to receiving applications from students who exemplify the qualities we value at BIA Cares. Let's work together to empower bright young minds and make a difference in their educational journey.


Are You a High School Senior? Make Sure You Claim your CalKIDS Account!

Graduating seniors are now preparing to finance an important next chapter in their lives: college or career training. Many have $500 to $1,500 in their CalKIDS account already which can be used to support these expenses.

What's Needed to Claim An Account?

Claiming an account and using the money is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Locate the high school senior’s 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), which may be found on their school’s portal, report cards, or by asking their campus.
  2. Check eligibility here.
  3. If eligible, claim your account at www.calkids.org.

Once the account is claimed, money can be used to pay for qualified higher education costs, such as tuition, fees, computers, books, and more. The funds can be used at eligible colleges, universities, vocational schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships.

Click here for CalKIDS resources/flyers


Guaranteed Admission to Cal State University San Marcos for San Diego Unified Graduates Under New Agreement Between University, District

Criteria and Additional Supports Laid Out for Students and Families 

High school graduates from the San Diego Unified School District will be guaranteed a spot at Cal State University San Marcos (CSUSM) under a new compact that includes college prep and supports for students and families starting in middle school

Approved by the Board of Education on May 14th, the partnership is designed to provide students the access and resources they need to attend and thrive at CSUSM.

“San Diego Unified is committed to giving every student a path to college, as well as the resources they need to prepare for a successful transition to higher education,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula said. “We are so grateful to Cal State San Marcos for this partnership, which provides our students with access to a world class university.”

Among the requirements for the district’s high school graduates:

  • Students must be continually enrolled in the district from at least 9th grade with exceptions for homeless, foster youth, and military dependents.
  • Completion of all A-G coursework required through California State University (CSU) system.
  • Meet minimum CSU eligibility requirements.
  • Graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

San Diego Unified will help prepare students for guaranteed enrollment under the compact with supports that include:

  • A Common Core State Standards-aligned mathematics curriculum for grades 6-12.
  • Additional high school mathematics electives that prepare students with skills to pass college entrance exams or to meet college course requirements.
  • Summer school opportunities for basic skills preparation.
  • Increased opportunities for 11th and 12th graders to experience university-level academic work at all high schools.

Additionally, the district will offer expanded intervention and credit-recovery opportunities for students and submit the required Cal Grant GPA Verification by March 2 of their senior year.

Family and community engagement is an integral component of the guaranteed admission partnership, especially for families of first-generation college students.

Beginning in seventh-grade, students, families and staff will receive notifications about the CSUSM partnership and how to meet eligibility criteria. The district will also lay out criteria for identifying and supporting incoming seventh graders who are at risk of not meeting the admission requirements.

For Blessyn Lavender Williams, a student Board of Education member and a senior at Lincoln High School, one of the benefits of this agreement is that it could eliminate some of the anxiety - and mystery - that comes with the college application process.

“Getting into college often feels like a random lottery for so many students. This agreement gives students at every San Diego Unified high school the ability to plan for college without the stress and uncertainty of increasingly competitive college admissions,” Lavender Williams said.

In an effort to help students and their families familiarize themselves with CSUSM, tours and orientations - along with transportation - will be organized by the district.

“The admission pipeline to Cal State San Marcos provides an incredible opportunity to students at every San Diego Unified high school by providing them with a clear path to college,” Board of Education President Shana Hazan said. “This alliance shows the shared commitment of both institutions to enhance and expand educational opportunities that benefit our students, families, and the entire community.”

For its part, CSUSM has pledged to assign a Recruitment and Outreach Officer to San Diego Unified schools who will, among other things, promote college awareness, preparation, and access to CSUSM.

“This partnership with San Diego Unified School District will provide opportunities to transform the lives of more students, their families, and their respective communities,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Viridiana Diaz. “We want students to envision themselves in college early on and to know that CSUSM is a great option given that many of our graduates stay in the area after college to give back to their community.”

The district will begin providing supports to students this summer. The class of 2025 will be eligible to apply for admission to CSUM under the compact.

More than 17,000 students are currently enrolled at CSUSM in 43 undergraduate programs, 24 master’s programs, 11 teaching credentials, and one joint doctoral program. 


Students Who Enroll Full-Time at a California Community College Can Qualify for the Student Success Completion Grant (up to $8,000)

The Student Success Completion Grant is a financial aid program that encourages community college students to enroll full-time by offering up to $8,000 in financial aid, so they can work less, focus on classes more, and graduate, begin careers and start earning money as soon as possible. The amount of money students receive is dependent upon the number of classes they take. Students can get up to $2,596 per year for taking at least 12 units per semester, and that amount more than triples to up to $8,000 per year for taking 15 or more units. This means if current students are enrolled in 12 units, they could receive much more financial aid if they take just one more 3-unit class.

The Student Success Completion Grant is an incredible opportunity for current and prospective community college students to secure additional financial aid for being a full-time student. And it does not have to be repaid. 

Who is eligible?

Community college students are eligible for the Student Success Completion Grant if they:

  • Enroll in 12 or more units per semester (and with 15 or more units they get additional aid)
  • Apply for financial aid (such as the FAFSA and CADAA) and are awarded a Cal Grant B or C
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress requirements, including a 2.0 GPA or higher. Contact a local community college financial aid office for more information about eligibility.

How to apply?

Complete the FAFSA or the CADAA and the appropriate community college financial aid office will determine eligibility and automatically award this grant.

Financial aid applications are being accepted now! Be sure to encourage students to complete their application as soon as possible to see if they are eligible to receive the grant. Current and prospective students can visit ICanGoToCollege.com for direct links to the FAFSA or CADAA, and to enroll at their local community college.

Students who have already completed the FAFSA or CADAA for the 2024-25 academic year do not need to re-apply. They will be notified if they are eligible and are awarded the Student Success Completion Grant as part of the financial aid application process.

Learn more about the Student Success Completion Grant and other community college financial aid opportunities and support services by visiting ICanGoToCollege.com.