Serra Scholarships

Students are able to access scholarship opportunities in Naviance.  Scholarships are primarily for seniors, unless otherwise noted.  PLEASE allow ample time to complete applications.  Keep copies for your personal scholarship file.  See Mrs. Bobis in the Counseling Center for any questions.  NOTE: Newly added scholarships are highlighted in yellow.


BBB Torch Award Scholarship
Deadline:  October 17, 2017 
Amount:  $500 - $1500
Ø  High School Junior or Senior
Ø  Attends an accredited high school in San Diego, Orange or Imperial County
Ø  Resides in San Diego, Orange or Imperial County
Ø  ESSAY:  400 words maximum
Write about the importance of ethics and integrity in our community.  Discuss your viewpoints and give examples, as applicable.  You may want to discuss how marketplace ethics involves integrity and civility in our community.


Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway

Deadline:  October 18, 2017
Amount:  $2500 - $100,000

Ø  Must be at least 18 but no older than 24 on 12/2/17
Ø  Must be a U.S. legal resident of an Eligible State
Ø  Must NOT be an active NCAA collegiate athlete (any division) in any sport, nor played professional, semi-professional, or Division I collegiate football at any time
Ø  ESSAY:  350 words or less
“Tell us how you’ll change the world in 350 characters or less.”
Ø  Apply online at www.drpeppertuition.com




Golden Door Scholars

Deadline:  October 25, 2017

Amount:  Up to four-year tuition and room & board
           Ø  High School Senior, recent high school graduate, currently enrolled undergrad, and 
                transfer students     

           Ø  Must have DACA (or have been eligible under previous rules) or TPS (Temporary                  Protected Status)       
           Ø  Must maintain minimum GPA:  3.0 each semester
           Ø  Lives in a state that doesn't allow in-state tuition for DACA students
           Ø  Taking advanced or challenging high school classes
           Ø   Driven to excel and help others succeed too
           Ø   Has held leadership positions or is involved in the community
           Ø   Has applied for a variety of scholarships
           Ø   Apply online at https://www.goldendoorscholars.org/app/open




Horatio Alger Scholarship
Deadline:  October 25, 2017
Amount:  $6000 - $25,000
Ø  High School Senior planning to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation
Ø  Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)
Ø  Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
Ø  Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
Ø  Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
Ø  Minimum GPA: 2.0
Ø  Be a United States citizen



Coca-Cola Scholarship
Deadline:  October 31, 2017
Amount:  $20,000
Ø  Current High School (or home-schooled) Seniors attending school in the U.S. (or select DoD schools)
Ø  Must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, or humanitarian parolees
Ø  Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution




DontPayFull Student Scholarship

Deadline:  October 31, 2017

Amount:  $500
           Ø  High School Students in grades 9-12
           Ø  Be from the U.S.
           Ø  ESSAY:  Minimum 350 words
Please respond to ALL topics:
1.   If you were to launch an online store, what type of products would you sell and why?
2.   How do you think the internet affects retail product price, and why?
3.   Describe your best and worst experiences with a retail brand (online or in-store)
Apply online at https://www.dontpayfull.com/page/scholarships



Gifted and Talented STEM Program for High School
Deadline:  October 31, 2017
Amount:  $26,474 annually, which equates to $12.72 an hour (Employment Opportunity)
Ø  High School Senior who will have completed at least an AP/IB level physics and calculus course, and either a computer science, computer programming or an engineering course by completion of their senior year
Ø  Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of hire
Ø  Unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred
Ø  Must be a U.S. citizen
Ø  Must be eligible for a security clearance
Ø  Resume
Ø  Two (2) teacher recommendations from a Physics, Calculus, Computer Science or Engineering teacher 
Ø  Official transcript from High School (inclusive of the final 11th  grade year)
Ø  Verification of SAT or ACT Scores (at least 1200 on SAT/25 on the ACT)
Ø  ESSAY:  One-page typed written response
“Why am I interested in STEM?'




Good360 Sustainability Scholarship
Deadline:  October 31, 2017
Amount:  $1,000
Ø  High School Senior applying to college OR currently attending college
Ø  Must have an interest in Environmentalism or Sustainability
Ø  Minimum GPA: 3.3
Ø  ESSAY:  200- 300 words
What do you do to live sustainably? Post a photo on Instagram with your essay explaining what sustainability means to you?




2017 National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarship
Deadline:  October 31, 2017
Amount:  Varies
Ø  High School Senior and a member of the NESA
Ø  Multiple scholarships with one application:
    • Academic Scholarships - based on school and Scouting participation, academic performance, and financial need. Applicants must score a minimum 1800 SAT (if taken before January, 2016), 1290 (if taken after March, 2016), or 28 ACT to apply 
    • Merit Scholarships - based on school and Scouting participation, and community service  
      Ø Apply online at http://www.nesa.org/2017_scholarships.html



Stokes Educational Scholarship Program
Deadline:  October 31, 2017
Amount:  $26,474 annually and receive up to $30,000 for tuition per academic year
Ø  High School Seniors, particularly minorities, who are interested in pursuing degrees in Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering
Ø  U.S. Citizenship 
Ø  Minimum SAT score of 1200 (600 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, 600 Math), or ACT score of 25, or equivalent College Board Score
Ø  Copy of your SAT/ACT or College Board scores
Ø  Preferred GPA of 3.0 or above 
Ø  Demonstrated leadership abilities
Ø  One (1) Letter of Recommendation
Ø  Provide Official Transcript
Ø  ESSAY:  One-page 
"I want a career at NSA because..." 




Voice of Democracy
Deadline:  October 31, 2017
Amount:  $30,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., March 3-7, 2018
Ø  Open to students in grades 9-12 
Ø  Must be enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or in an overseas U.S. military/civilian dependent school
Ø  U.S. citizenship not required, but students MUST be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law
Ø  ESSAY:  3-5 mins recorded on an audio CD or flash drive
Theme: American History: Our Hope for the Future
Ø  Apply online at http://www.vfw.org/VOD/



Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Deadline:  October 31, 2017
Amount:  $2,000
Ø  High School Students in grades 9 - 12
Ø  Be thirteen (13) years of age or older at the time of application
Ø  Be legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia
Ø  Be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2023) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education
Ø  ESSAY:  250 words or less
"Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive."




P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) STAR Scholarship
Deadline:  November 1, 2017
Amount: $2500
Ø  High School Female Senior wome
Ø  Planning to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the United States or Canada in the next academic year
Ø  Exhibits excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success
Ø  Minimum Cumulative Unweighted GPA: 3.0 
Ø  Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
Ø  Is recommended by and receives the vote of a local P.E.O. chapter
Ø  ESSAY:  One page (Must apply for details)
Ø  Two (2) Reference Letters



Ron Brown Scholar Program
Deadline:  November 1, 2017 (Early Consideration) AND January 9, 2018 (Final Deadline)
Amount: $40,000 ($10,000/year for four years)

Ø  Black/African American High School Senior 
Ø  Must excel academically
Ø  Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential
Ø  Must participate in community service activities
Ø  Demonstrate financial need
Ø  Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card
Ø  ESSAY:  500 words Maximum
You must respond to both (A) and (B):
(A) Choose the one activity you listed (your extracurricular, community,                   employment or other activities) to you as most important in question #1             and tell us why it is significant. 
(B) Submit one essay that you plan to send or have sent as part of a college           application. This may be on any topic. If your college application did not           require an essay, please submit an essay on the topic of your choice.




Ron Brown Scholar Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program
Deadline:  Not stated
Amount: Not stated
Ø  African-American High School Juniors and Seniors
Ø  Have a strong A-B academic record
Ø  Have demonstrated leadership and active involvement at school and/or in the community
Ø  Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Ø  One (1) Reference Letter
Ø  Provide Unofficial High School Transcript
Ø  Provide SAT/ACT scores
Ø  Resume or list of activities/awards
Ø  Submit two brief personal statements (must apply for more information)
Ø  Apply online at http://rbsgps.com/



The NCWIT (National Center for Women in Technology) Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC)
Deadline:  November 7, 2017
Amount: $1000
Ø  High School Females in grades 9 -12
Ø  Be 13 years of age or older at time of account creation
Ø  Be a U.S. citizen who attends school in the U.S. or is a U.S. citizen attending school in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or on a U.S. overseas military base
Ø  Has a U.S. Tax Identification or Social Security Number
Ø  The application includes several short essays and multiple-choice sections



2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Deadline:  November 7, 2017
Amount: $1000 - $5000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Ø  Open to students in grades 5-12 
Ø  Be a legal resident of any U.S. state or Washington, D.C.
Ø  Have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred during the 12 months prior to the date of the application
Ø  Submit a completed application to a school or the head of an official
Ø  Apply online at https://spirit.prudential.com/apply/2018


Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarships
Deadline:  November 14, 2017

Amount: Up to $40,000 per year

     Ø  High School Senior

     Ø  Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college or university beginning in fall   
          2018 
     Ø  Minimum cumulative unweighted GPA:  3.5
     Ø  SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1200 or above and/or ACT
          composite score of 26 or above  
     Ø  Demonstrate significant unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with 
          family income up to $95,000
     Ø  Two (2) Teacher Recommendations from core subject teachers
     Ø  Provide Official transcripts
     Ø  Financial Form, including a copy of parent(s)/guardian(s) Federal Tax Return for 
          the last three years
     Ø  SHORT ESSAY:  600 word limit
1.  How would you describe your high school academic experience? What about it has been engaging, challenging, and/or underwhelming?
2.   What three factors do you attribute to your success thus far?
3.   Discuss the subject which you most love learning.  What sparked your interest or passion in this subject?

      Ø  LONG ESSAY:  1800 word limit





1.   Cooke Scholars are committed to making the world a better place.  They are inventing solutions, advocating for others, and giving back to their communities.  However, most started with small steps.  What steps, big or small, have you taken to make your own impact on the world?
2.  What is an important issue for our times, but is currently under-discussed?  Why do you believe this?  


Ø  Apply online at http://www.jkcf.org/





Fisher and Talwar Legal Inspiration Scholarship

Amount: $1000
Ø  Must be a full-time student who is currently attending (or planning to attend full-time) an accredited institution of higher education
Ø  Must provide proof of current enrollment or plans to enroll in an accredited institution of higher education. If you have not received acceptance, you may still apply, but be sure to provide proof of acceptance and enrollment for the scholarship to be released
Ø  Minimum GPA: 3.0
Ø  Must be a U.S. citizen
Ø  ESSAY: 500 words
Who or what is your inspiration for pursuing an education?


Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student
Deadline:  November 27, 2017
Amount: $4,000 - $50,000 for four years
Ø  High School Seniors, or the equivalent
Ø  Be citizens of the United States
Ø  Must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed; permanent legal resident status does not qualify
Ø  Applicants need NOT be related to a member of the Elks
Ø  Male and female students compete separately



Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities
Deadline:  November 28, 2017 OR until the first 700 applications are submitted, whichever comes first
Amount: $1250 - $2500
Ø  Be a High School Senior or graduate
Ø  Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activity)
Ø  Plans to enroll or who is already enrolled in full-time or half-time (at least 6 credits per term) undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2018-2019 academic year
Ø  Minimum GPA: 3.0
Ø  Provide high school transcript
Ø  Demonstrate financial need
Ø  A completed Applicant Appraisal Form 
Ø  Copy of the first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040
Ø  ESSAY:  word limit not stated
What life experiences have shaped who you are today?




The Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest

Deadline:  November 30, 2017

Amount: $500

      Ø   High School Seniors who have been accepted into a college, university, or trade
                school

            Ø  Be a citizen or lawful resident of the United States

            Ø  VIDEO:  No longer than 3 minutes

Create a public service advertisement video (PSA) which portrays the correct way of interacting with a police officer during a traffic stop or any other encounter.

            Ø  Apply online at https://www.andrewflusche.com/scholarship/





Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship

Deadline:  November 30, 2017

Amount: $1000

           Ø  High School Senior in a community served or approved by Comcast

           Ø  Be nominated by high school principal or guidance counselor

           Ø  Minimum GPA:  2.8

           Ø  Demonstrate leadership abilities in school activities or through work experience

           Ø  Show a strong commitment to and involvement in community service

           Ø  Plan to attend an accredited nonprofit college, university, or vocational/technical    
                 school in the United States

           Ø   For information see Mrs. Bobis in the Counseling Center



AXA Achievement Scholarship
Deadline: December 15, 2017 or until 10,000 applications are submitted, whichever comes first
Amount:  $2,500 - $25,000
Ø  High School Seniors who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2018-2019 academic year
Ø  Cumulative GPA: 4.0
Ø  United States citizens or legal residents living or claiming residency in one of the 50 united states, Washington, D.C. or Puerto Rico
Ø  Demonstrate ambition and self-drive as evidenced by outstanding achievement in school, community or work-related activities
Ø  ESSAY: Must begin application process to see essay prompt
Ø  Apply online at http://www.axa.com/achievers





Pretty Lightroom Presets Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 15, 2017
Amount:  $500
Ø  High School Senior or be transitioning from high school to a college or university
Ø  ESSAY: 800 – 1000 words
·  Carefully research and compose an essay style Adobe Lightroom tutorial with screenshots and photos included to illustrate your points on one of the following topics below. Use proper grammar and punctuation
1.      How Lightroom has changed Photography
2.      Lightroom techniques for Fall, Winter or Spring photos
3.      How to re-touch skin in Lightroom for photographers
4.      How to apply a cinematic look to photographs using                 Lightroom

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2017

Amount:  $100

 Ø  High School students in grades 9 -12, college, or graduate student including

                 adult students    

            Ø  Legal resident of the U.S.
            Ø  Merit-based program, which means Financial Need is not considered
            Ø  ESSAY:  250 words
Please respond to one of the following:
1. Why do you deserve to win this scholarship?  
2. Describe your academic or career goals.
3. Any topic of your choice.
*Feel free to re-use an essay that you wrote in class, for college             
  admission or another scholarship competition.  
            Ø  Apply online at http://genkellyscholarship.com/index.html




Carson Scholars Fund
Deadline:  January 8, 2018
Amount:  $1000
Ø  Students in grades 4 through 11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities
Ø  Must attend an accredited K-12 school in the United States
Ø  Minimum GPA:  3.75
Ø  Must demonstrate involvement in community service
Ø  Must be nominated by a school official (teacher, counselor, or principal) with nomination deadline December 20, 2017
Ø  Requests from individual students, parents, or other community members cannot be accepted
Ø  The application includes essay, biographical information, community service details, report card and teacher recommendation
Ø  For more information go to http://carsonscholars.org/



The Asian & Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund

Deadline:  January 11, 2018

Amount:  $2500 – $20,000

           Ø  Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) High School Senior and college students

           Ø  Plan to enroll or are currently enrolled in a U.S. accredited college or university in       

                Fall 2018
           Ø  Minimum unweighted GPA:  2.7

           Ø  First in their family to attend college

           Ø  Demonstrate financial need

           Ø  Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Citizens of 
                the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and the     
                Republic of Palau are eligible to apply

           Ø  One (1) Letter of Recommendation

           Ø  Apply online at http://www.apiasf.org/scholarship_apiasf.html





The Coolidge Scholarship

Deadline:  January 24, 2018

Amount:  Full tuition, room and board, and required fees for four years and an annual

                      stipend for books and supplies
           Ø  High School Junior who plans on enrolling in college in the fall of 2019

           Ø  Be U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

           Ø  Merit scholarship, granted regardless of geographic location, race, family                    

                background, family income, area of study or university to be attended
           Ø  ESSAY:  Must apply to see prompt

           Ø  Apply online at www.coolidgescholars.org



2018 Directing Change Program Student Film Contest 
Deadline:  March 1, 2018
Amount:  $250 and $500
Ø  Middle or High School Student in grades 7-12 attending any school in California
Ø  Produce a 30-60 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) in any of the following categories:
·  Suicide Prevention (60-second PSA)
·  Animated Short (30-second PSA)
·  Mental Health Matters (60-second PSA)
·  SanaMente (30-second PSA)
·  Through the Lens of Culture (60-second PSA)
Ø  For more information go to http://www.directingchangeca.org/schools/



Digital Arts, Film and Animation Competition
Deadline:  March 15, 2018
Amount:  $250
Ø  Deaf or Hard of Hearing High School Students in grades 9-12 
Ø  Parent or guardian permission to participate.
Ø  Teacher recommendation.
Ø  Must provide high school transcript
Ø  Submit artwork on a CD or DVD
Competition Categories:  Interactive Media, Graphic Media, Photo Imaging (formerly Photo Illustration), Web Page Design, Film, 3-D Animation
Ø  ESSAY:  150 – 300 words
Write a descriptive essay of the processes used for their project 
Ø  Apply online at http://www.rit.edu/ntid/dafac/



Spirit Writing Contest
Deadline:  March 15, 2018
Amount:  $500 
Ø  Deaf or Hard of Hearing High School Students in grades 10–11 
Ø  Provide High School Transcript
Ø  ESSAY:  Minimum or Maximum number of words not stated 
Theme of Self Preservation




American College Foundation (ACF) Visionary Scholarship 2018-2019
Deadline:  May 1, 2018
Amount:  $1000 - $5000
Ø  High School Students grades 9-12
Ø  Must be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
Ø  Financial need is NOT considered; all income levels are encouraged to apply
Ø  Provide Unofficial High School Transcript
Ø  ESSAY:  500 words
"Why College is Important to Me"




Rehabmart Scholarship
Deadline:  May 31, 2018
Amount:  $250 - $2500

Ø  High School Students grades 9-12 with a disability and an IEP (individualized Educational Plan) OR
Ø  Anyone enrolling as a Health Science student or Special Needs Education 
Ø  ESSAY:  250 words minimum
What medical device, technology, or therapeutic technique do you believe has made the biggest difference in the life (or will make in the future) of a disabled adult or child? Tell us what your chosen device / technology / technique is, and explain how it has/will make a difference.



ABODO Apartments Off-To-College Scholarship Application
Deadline:  August 31, 2018
Amount:  $500
Ø  High School Junior or Senior planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate or graduate program in the next academic year, at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States
Ø  Be legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of application
Ø  ESSAY:  500 – 1000 words
Tell us what you're bringing from your hometown with you to college and explain the significance. Then submit your essay along with a few pictures for bonus points.



SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
https://scholarshipamerica.org/what-we-do/students-parents/ (scroll to bottom of page and click Open Scholarships)

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