Scholarships & Grants:

 

Scholarships and grants are financial aid you don’t have to repay.  Grants are usually based on financial need while scholarships are based on merit and may recognize your major, grades, test scores, special talents, heritage, athletic or leadership ability, or community service.

 

Federal Pell Grants

 

Federal Pell Grants are need-based and awarded to every undergraduate student who qualifies.  These grants may be used for tuition, fees and living expenses at any qualifying college in the country.  Visit http://www.studentaid.ed.gov to learn more.

 

Cal Grants

 

California offers Cal Grants for undergraduate students who meet the financial, academic and eligibility requirements and applies on time.    You may have four chances to apply.  In all cases, you must apply by March 2nd.  Awards may be used only at qualifying colleges in California.  There are different types of Cal Grants offered.  Visit http://www.calgrants.org to learn more.

 

University of California Student Aid

 

More University of California students receive grants through the University Student Aid Program than through any other program.  Contact your UC campus for more information or go to http://www.ucop.edu to learn more.

 

State University Grant

 

California State University campuses offer the State University Grant, which provides need-based assistance to California residents.

The amount of the award varies, but generally covers at lease a portion of the system wide fees.  For more information, contact your CSU campus or go to http://www.calstate.edu to learn more.

 

Community College Fee Waiver

 

The California Community College Board of Governors’ Enrollment Fee Waiver, or BOG Fee Waiver, waives the enrollment fee at the California Community Colleges for students who are eligible for need-based financial aid.  To learn more go to http://www.cccco.edu .

 

 

 

Child Development Teacher Grants

 

These state grants assist college students who plan to teach or supervise at a licensed children’s center.  For more information, go to http://www.csac.ca.gov .

 

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships

 

These merit-based awards recognize outstanding high school graduates who show promise of continued achievement in college.  To learn more, go to http://www.csac.ca.gov .

 

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents

 

LEPD grants varying degrees of monies each year to dependents and spouses of California peace officers, correctional officers and firefighters who were killed or totally disabled in the line of duty.  In addition to the FAFSA, you must submit an LEPD application.  You can learn more information at http://www.csac.ca.gov .

 

Governor’s Scholarships

 

The Governor’s Scholars Award and Governor’s Distinguished Mathematics and Science Scholars Award recognize academic achievement.  High scores on state standard tests or advanced placement exams in math or science can help earn this scholarship.  To learn more, go to http://www.scholarshare.com .

 

Athletic Scholarships

 

If you are interested in applying for an athletic scholarship you may want to visit http://www.ncaa.org .  Check out their home page and see what the eligibility requirements are.

 

AmeriCorps

 

If you are interested in some learning opportunities that may help finance your education, you might want to visit http://www.americorps.org .

 

Gates Millennium Scholarships

 

For more scholarship opportunities visit http://www.gmsp.org .  These scholarships are funded from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

 

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

 

For more scholarship opportunities visit http://www.hsf.net .  This scholarship is based on heritage.

 

Military Scholarships

 

For more scholarship opportunities visit http://www.myfuture.com .  This scholarship is available for applicants that meet the criteria needed with our armed services.

 

United Negro College Fund

 

This source of money is available for students that meet the necessary criteria.  For more information about this fund visit  http://www.uncf.org .

 

Veterans Benefits

 

There is money available for education through Veterans Benefits.  For more information about this money visit  http://www.gibill.va.gov .

 

Scholarship Directories

 

For more information about scholarships visit the following sites:

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.fastaid.com

http://www.collegequest.com

 

Scholarship Scams

 

For more information about scholarship scams visit the following site:

http://www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams .