Scholarship Information

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Be sure to check the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office for any of the colleges to which you are applying. Typically each institution will have its own scholarship application(s), even Community Colleges like MJC!

!!!!!!!!!!Bad Deals and Scams: Know and Avoid Them!!!!!!!!!!

  • Fee-based scholarship searches. Bad deal. Commercial financial aid advice services may cost more than $1,000, but you should never have to pay for this information.   Here are sources that offer information FREE:
    • The Federal Student Aid Information Center. Call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243); TTY users can call 1-800-730-8913
    • State of California Website for FAFSA and California Dream Act (CADAA) : California Student Aid Commission
    • Resources for California Dream Act Application (CADAA): Resources for CADAA
    • A college or career school financial aid office
    • Your high school counselor
    • Your city library's reference section
    • FREE online scholarship searches
    • Foundations and religious or community organizations
    • Ethnicity-based organizations
    • Your employer or your parents' employer
  • Fee-based FAFSA and CADAA assistance. Bad deal. Lots of free help is available to help you fill out the FAFSA or CADAA. Web sites that offer help for a fee are NOT affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. If you are asked for your credit card information, you are NOT at the official FAFSA Web site.
  • Protect your identity. Avoid scams. Be safe as you go through the financial aid application process to protect your identity. To reduce risk:
  • After completing your FAFSA online, exit the application and close the browser.
  • Don't tell anyone your Federal Student Aid PIN, even the person helping you fill out the application.
  • Review your financial aid documents and keep track of the amounts you applied for and received.
  • Never give personal information over the phone or Internet unless you made the contact. For questions about a solicitation or your student loan account, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
  • Shred receipts and documents with personal information when you are done with them.
  • Immediately report lost or stolen identification to the issuer and to the police, if appropriate.
  • Report fraud and identity theft. For more information about financial aid fraud or to report fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission's scholarship scams page at How to Avoid Scholarship Scams and FTC Report Fraud
  • If you suspect that your student information has been stolen, contact one of these resources immediately:
    • U.S. Department of Education, 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733)
    • Federal Trade Commission, 1-800-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
  • Get assistance from these FREE resources:
  • If you receive an invitation in the mail to attend a financial aid seminar or personal interview to “maximize your eligibility to receive financial assistance” for college, please contact the Guidance Office at [email protected] before attending. There are several companies in our area who are selling this service, which can cost you over $1,000. The information being sold can be obtained for free.

FAFSA and CADAA Information 

Colleges and career/vocational schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. You must apply for aid using the FAFSA form every year you are in college or career/vocational school. Watch this short video explaining what to expect   What is the FAFSA (2 min)?

  • You should complete the FAFSA if you are a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, Eligible non-citizen, or T Visa holder, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. 
  • If you are a student that is undocumented, have a valid or expired DACA, U Visa holder, TPS 2, meet non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540, SB 2000, or SB 68 then you will not complete the FAFSA but instead you will need to file a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2nd, 2024.

Need Help filling out the FAFSA or CADAA form?  Attend a webinar!

2/6/2024   6:00 PM   CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinar

2/13/2024   6:00 PM   FREE WEBINAR - Find Scholarships for You!

2/14/2024   5:30 PM   CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinar

2/28/2024   6:00 PM   FREE WEBINAR - Find Scholarships for You!

2/29/2024   6:00 PM   CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinar

3/12/2024   6:00 PM   FREE WEBINAR - Find Scholarships for You!

3/14/2024   6:00 PM   CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinar

3/19/2024   5:30 PM   CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinar

 

Free scholarship search services - Look for scholarships by type, name, location or field of study at 

Want an idea of how much federal financial aid you might be eligible for? Use Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate (just an informal calculation) of how much financial aid you possibly could receive. Then, learn what types of aid are available.

 

Loan Information:

You can work with your college's financial aid office in regards to loans but to get started for federal loans you will need to file the FAFSA online (CSU, UC, and Community College deadline is usually March 2nd but has been extended to April 2nd for 2024 only,  private and out of state university deadlines vary, so it's best to get this filed online as soon as possible).  Go to www.fafsa.gov .  Additionally, there is good information about loans here  Loan Information

 

Another idea for saving money: Article: Earn College Credit For What You Know - How to Save Money by taking CLEP Exams: CLEP Information

 

Popular Scholarships…

 

QuestBridge is a non-profit program that links bright, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation's best colleges. Check out this amazing opportunity at: http://www.questbridge.org/

 

Niche has several different scholarships available with various deadlines. Check it out. 

Niche Link

 

Unigo scholarships offered by Unigo for students 13 and older who must submit a written response.  Check it out. Sign-up for a free Unigo account. Doing so gives you access to their scholarship match tool. When you use their personalization tool you answer a handful of questions and they narrow down millions of awards to those that meet your eligibility criteria.

 

Unique Scholarships - Are you left-handed?  Are you tall?  Check out this site for some unusual scholarships! Unusual Scholarships Deadlines vary.

 

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Students who are residents of WICHE states may enroll at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state at a reduced tuition rate. WICHE states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. For more information, visit Western Undergraduate Exchange

 

Veterans Fee Waiver Program: Children of disabled veterans may be eligible for the College Fee Waiver Program. Waiver only applies to California State Universities, University of CA campuses, and CA community colleges. Details may be found at: Cal Vet Fee Waiver

 

Chafee Grant Program for Foster Youth gives money (up to $5,000) to current or former foster youth to use for career training, college courses and living expenses. Chafee Grants can be used at community colleges, vocational schools, public and private colleges. To qualify, you must be eligible, or have been eligible, for Independent Living Program (ILP) services between your 16th and 18th birthdays. To apply, submit a FAFSA online at  Chafee Grant for Foster Youth and complete the Chafee Grant Program application. For information go to: this link

 

Susan Steelman Bragato College Scholarship The California Charter Schools Association will award five $1,500 scholarships to high school graduates of Association member schools.  Scholarship awards will be payable to the recipient upon proof of his/her enrollment into an accredited four-year or two-year public or private university or college.  Selection Criteria:  Scholastic record must reflect a proven ability to succeed at a college or university level;  Student must be a graduating senior from a charter high school that is a member of the California Charter Schools Association; Student must demonstrate need for financial aid The application deadline is early October, you can google the scholarship by name.

 

Horatio Alger Scholarship In order to apply for this scholarship you must meet the following criteria; Intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution,Financial need, preferably $50,000 or lower adjusted gross income, Minimum GPA of 2.0, US citizenship, Involvement in extracurricular and community service activities. Go to www.horatioalger.org  for application. Deadline to apply is March 15. 

 

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award over $3 million this year to 250 high-achieving

high school seniors. Minimum 3.0 GPA. These awards are achievement-based (merit awards).

Apply online at:. Coca Cola Scholarship  Our school CEEB codes for Connecting Waters is 053706; for Connecting Waters Central Valley is 053963 and for Connecting Waters East Bay is 050352  The deadline to submit an application is October 2.  

 

The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards $40,000 scholarships to African-American high

school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel

academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need.  Apply at Ron Brown Application  by December 1

 

Bennington Young Writers Award Competition – students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades are

invited to submit one of the following: poetry, fiction (short story or play), or nonfiction (personal or academic essay). First place winner receives $500; 2nd place receives $250. Enter online at:

Application link by November 1

 

Stokes Educational Scholarship Program offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience

in your field while attending college. High school seniors with these qualifications are eligible: 1)

intend to major in computer science or computer/electrical engineering, 2) U.S. citizen, 3) SAT

minimum 1600 or ACT of 25. Apply online at: Application Link  by October 31. 

 

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship applications are now available. Seniors who have strong academic records, demonstrated leadership qualities, involvement in community and school, and some financial need should apply. Points are given for each section, so don't count yourself out by not applying! Winners at the local level can advance in the competition to state, district and national levels with the same application. 500 four-year scholarships, ranging from $1,000 per year to $15,000 per year, for graduating high school seniors based on financial need, leadership and scholarship at this Application Link  deadline November 13.  Follow all instructions exactly and make sure you include all signatures and required items

 

Elks Legacy Award for Elk Families  $4,000 ($1,000 year for four years) merit-based scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks who are members in good standing. Applicants must be high school seniors with plans to enroll in college, and exhibit the values of the Elks National Foundation: Integrity, Knowledge, Community and Charity. Applications are available at:Application Link Check website for deadline, usually Early January.

 

Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship – 20 scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to high school seniors who know the value of helping others. Selection is based on financial need and community service. Download the application at: Application Link  Deadline is usually early November. 

 

Violet Richardson Award – This monetary award is determined from a 750 word essay about where you volunteer and why.  It is a service (volunteer) award.  Applicants must be young women, currently between the ages of 14 and 17.  Local winners can become eligible for one of 29 $1,000 awards.  Pick up applications from your local Soroptomist Club.  Deadlines vary, most are due to your local Soroptomist Club by December 1.

 

Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors with plans to attend a two-year or four-year college full time in the Fall. Students enrolling at a two-year college must have plans to transfer to a four-year institution. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $2,500. Postmark deadlines vary, so please check the website.  General eligibility requirements are: Hispanic heritage: Persons descended from Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Central, South American or other Spanish Cultures;  U.S. Citizen OR legal permanent resident; Must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - FAFSA filing period begins January 1; Minimum 3.0 GPA.   The General Scholarship Fund deadline is usually December 15, but other deadlines vary. Please check the eligibility requirements for each program and download applications at  Application Link

 

SAE Engineering Scholarships: In recognition of the important contributions made by engineers in improving the quality of our lives, particularly those related to mobility, SAE is proud to be able to offer a number of scholarships to qualified seniors who are interested in the study of engineering and related sciences. These scholarships are made possible by the support of the corporate and academic community. The program includes undesignated and university sponsored scholarships. SAT or ACT scores are required. Postmark applications are usually due by end of February. There is a processing fee. You can find eligibility requirements and complete the application on your computer by using the Word format at:Application Link

 

Equitable Foundation Scholarship The Equitable Foundation Scholarship 2024 program offers Equitable Excellence Scholarships for high school seniors attending college. The scholarship program recognizes students who show potential by demonstrating these qualities: leadership, determination and resilience. 100 recipients will receive $5000 per year for up to 4 years, and another 100 recipients will receive one-time scholarships of $2500. Open to seniors. For more information and to apply, go to: Application Link

 

The Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 award given to two high school seniors with an identified learning disability (LD) who is pursuing an undergraduate degree.  The ideal candidate is a high school senior who has faced the challenges of having a learning disability; is committed to completing a college degree and setting career goals; has demonstrated perseverance; embraces new opportunities; has a well-rounded perspective shaped by experiences in school, in the community, and with family and friends; understands how LD affects his/her life and recognizes the importance of self-advocacy; believes in contributing to society in a way that increases the opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities; and will feel comfortable serving as a role model for others who struggle with LD.  Apply online at 

Application Link usually by Mid April. 

 

JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest – The JFK Library Foundation invites high school students to write an original essay on the political courage of a U.S. elected official. Top prize is $10,000, 2nd place receives $1,000, five finalists win $500 each. For rules and to submit your essay online, go to this link Usual deadline for submission is January 6.

 

Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides substantial scholarship awards to exceptional high school seniors of Hispanic, African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian Pacific Islander ancestry. Eligible applicants must have a 3.3 GPA, demonstrated leadership skills, and significant financial need. More information and applications are online at Gates link and uncf link . The application is extensive, so don’t wait until the last minute to begin. Deadline is usually middle of February. 

 

California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation provides three finalists with either a $2,500 First Award, a $2,000 Second Award, or a $1,500 Third Award for all California High School seniors for their use at any accredited college, university or vocational school.  The scholarship is based upon a simple one page application and a 700-1,000 word essay on the “Importance of Establishing and Maintaining Good Credit during Your College Years”.   You can too! Visit this link for scholarship information, deadline June 30.  

 

Christermon Foundation Beverage Industry College Scholarship Program has awarded 3.1 million dollars in college scholarships since 1987. Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 will be awarded to seniors whose parent, grandparent or legal guardian currently hold full time employment with, or who are owners of, a company holding a valid California liquor, beer or wine license. This includes restaurants, hotels, retail & wholesale grocery establishments, airlines, breweries, wineries, distributors, etc. Must be planning to attend a 4-year college in Fall after graduation, show evidence of community service and a strong academic record. Apply online at: https://www.christermon.com/ . Deadline to submit application is usually middle of February. 

North Modesto Kiwanis Club intends to award $2,000 scholarships to as many as 17 students for the 2024-25 academic year. Of these, up to 2 special scholarships may be awarded for students majoring in art in memory of longtime NMKC member and artist Jim Long. It is the hope of the NMKC that recipients in their adult life will give back to their communities as members of a community service club  SUBMISSION DEADLINE – MARCH 1 The application and further instructions are in a Google Form at this address:   North Modesto Kiwanis Club- Spring 2024 Scholarship Application  Questions? Email [email protected]   

Seniors: Be sure you are checking for scholarships offered at each college to which you apply. Nearly every college (including 2-year colleges and vocational schools) offers a scholarship program. This information is usually found on the school website under Financial Aid, Scholarships, or their Career Center. Some application deadlines may occur before you even know you’ve been admitted. Don’t miss out on free money!

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