Scholarships for Academic Excellence:
Alameda County Scholarship Foundation
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrated financial need.
- Application Deadline: March 15th
The Oakland Promise
- Scholarship Amount: Full-ride scholarship to Oakland Unified School District colleges.
- Eligibility: Oakland high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and financial need.
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
- Application Deadline: March 31st
Scholarships for Specific Areas of Study:
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000 – $20,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors planning to pursue a degree in engineering, computer science, math, or science.
- Application Deadline: November 15th
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- Scholarship Amount: Full-ride scholarship to any public or private college or university in the United States.
- Eligibility: High school seniors from low-income households who demonstrate academic excellence and are majoring in STEM fields.
- Application Deadline: October 15th
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $40,000 per year
- Eligibility: High school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, leadership, and financial need.
- Application Deadline: November 15th
Scholarships for Students from Underrepresented Groups:
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship Amount: $500 – $5,000
- Eligibility: Hispanic high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
- Application Deadline: March 15th
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship Amount: $2,500 – $10,000
- Eligibility: Asian & Pacific Islander high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
- Application Deadline: March 15th
The Native American Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000 – $10,000
- Eligibility: Native American high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
- Application Deadline: May 15th
Other Scholarship Opportunities:
Rotary Club of Oakland Scholarship
- Scholarship Amount: $500 – $2,000
- Eligibility: Oakland high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and community involvement.
- Application Deadline: March 1st
The Bay Area Community Foundation Scholarships
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Alameda County high school seniors who meet specific eligibility criteria determined by each scholarship.
- Application Deadline: Varies
The Alameda County Fair Youth Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Amount: $500 – $2,500
- Eligibility: Alameda County high school seniors who participate in the Alameda County Fair and demonstrate academic achievement and leadership.
- Application Deadline: June 1st
Tips and Tricks for Applying for Scholarships:
- Start early and give yourself plenty of time to complete applications.
- Proofread your applications carefully for errors.
- Personalize your essays and make them stand out from the crowd.
- Get letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can attest to your strengths.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Applying for scholarships that you don’t qualify for.
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate applications.
- Waiting until the last minute to apply.
- Not following the application instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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How do I find out about scholarship opportunities?
– Check with your school counselor or principal.
– Visit scholarship websites such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and CollegeBoard.
– Attend college fairs and scholarship workshops.
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How many scholarships should I apply for?
– Apply for as many scholarships as you meet the eligibility criteria for. -
What is the average amount of money I can expect to receive from scholarships?
– According to Sallie Mae, the average scholarship amount awarded in 2020-2021 was $3,250. -
Can I receive multiple scholarships?
– Yes, you can receive multiple scholarships and use them to offset the cost of college. -
What are some creative ways to generate ideas for scholarship applications?
– Brainstorm ways to highlight your unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
– Use online scholarship search tools to identify scholarships that match your interests and qualifications. -
How can I improve my chances of winning scholarships?
– Maintain a high GPA.
– Get involved in extracurricular activities and community service.
– Develop strong writing and communication skills.
– Seek out scholarships that align with your interests and strengths.
Additional Resources:
- Alameda County Scholarship Foundation: https://www.acscholarshipfoundation.org/
- Oakland Unified School District: https://www.ousd.org/
- CollegeBoard: https://www.collegeboard.org/