California Scholarships for High School and College Students

Overview The San Diego County Salute to Education program is a corporate-backed scholarship initiative supported by the San Diego County Ford dealers and Ford Motor Company, with additional funding from Global Team Blue and Zubi Advertising. Its mission is to motivate and assist students in continuing their education—whether at a vocational/technical school, a community/junior college, or a four-year university. History and impact Launched in 1993 as a pilot in San Antonio, Texas, the Salute to Education program grew because of Ford dealers’ commitment to improving educational access. It later expanded into portions of Texas, Florida and San Diego County; San...

Overview A $12,000 scholarship is available to students who are either beginning college or already enrolled and who are pursuing an agricultural major. Eligibility To qualify, either the applicant or their legal guardian must live in Santa Cruz County or within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District boundaries. As an alternative, applicants who are current members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau are also eligible. Award and Payment Terms The scholarship funds will be released once the recipient supplies documentation confirming college enrollment. The $12,000 award may be spread over the student’s remaining college years, up to a maximum...

Intro The San Francisco Achievers (SFA) Scholar Success Program is a key part of our Culture of Continuation initiative, focused on increasing college access and completion for African American young men in the city. We created this program in response to the persistent enrollment and graduation gaps that disproportionately affect this group. The problem College attainment for African American men in San Francisco remains low: only 36% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. By comparison, 63% of White men and 79% of Asian men hold a bachelor’s degree or higher — gaps of 27 and 43 percentage points, respectively....

Introduction and mission The Christermon Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed by members of the California Licensed Beverage Alcohol Industry. Founded in 1987, the Foundation’s purpose is to support worthy charitable causes and run a scholarship program that helps present a positive public image for the industry. History and impact Since 1988 the Foundation has awarded in excess of $7.7 million to California students. These awards go to applicants whose parent, grandparent or legal guardian either owns or works full time for an individual or corporation that holds a California liquor, spirits or beer license. The Foundation administers and oversees...

Overview The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students who are preparing for careers in K–12 public education — including teachers, school nurses, counselors, and therapists — and fosters professional development for BIPOC teachers and Education Support Professionals (ESP). Deadline Friday, February 20, 2026 Required submission A complete submission includes the online application plus two recommendation forms. Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following: - Be actively pursuing a degree, credential, or certification for a teaching-related position in public education at an accredited institution of higher education. - Self-identify as a...

Overview This award supports high school graduates who combine strong academic achievement with active involvement outside the classroom and a demonstrated dedication to serving their communities. Award Amount Recipients may receive up to $5,000. History and Purpose Created in 1987 through the provisions of Mrs. Crain’s will, the scholarship honors the memory of Dr. R. Carter Crain and Mildred E. Crain. Its intent is to help students from modest financial backgrounds pursue postsecondary study they might otherwise be unable to afford. Applicants are considered for the joint Crain and Hazel Reed Baumeister Scholarships via the program’s online application portal. Selection...

Purpose This award assists young women who have faced extraordinary obstacles but have persisted in their education. Award Amount Grants of up to $1,000 are available. Background The scholarship was founded by Eleanor Williams Curry, a well-known civic leader on the Peninsula. It is intended for self-driven young women who require financial assistance and who continue to pursue their education despite significant adversity. Applicants who left school for circumstances beyond their control or who have endured exceptional hardships to stay in school are especially encouraged to apply. The selection panel also takes into account issues such as possible ethnic or...

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship was created to honor Police Chief Harold “Hal” Johnson and to provide financial assistance to students intending to pursue careers in policing, corrections, or related criminal justice professions. The award commemorates Hal’s 29-year career in law enforcement, which began in Sacramento, California, in 1955 following his honorable service as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He advanced rapidly in rank, becoming one of the youngest Police Captains in Southern California, and in 1970 was appointed Police Chief of the Town of Los Gatos, California, a post he held until retiring in...

Introduction This scholarship recognizes students who combine outstanding academic achievement with sustained extracurricular involvement and a demonstrated commitment to their communities. Award Amount Up to $5,000. History and Purpose Created in 2001 from the trust of Mrs. Hazel Reed Baumeister, a longtime Burlingame resident, this award honors her legacy. Mrs. Baumeister, who attended business school, served from 1933 to 1939 as confidential executive secretary to U.S. Senator Pat McCarran of Nevada. The scholarship’s intent is to help academically strong high school graduates who would not be able to continue their education without financial support. Selection Considerations The committee evaluates candidates...

Introduction The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program. A minimum of six scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors graduating in 2026. Recipients may pursue any field of study. Download and complete the application to apply. Scholarship awards - Four‑year campus (University of California or California State University applicant): $8,000 - Two‑year campus (any California community college applicant): $2,000 Application deadline: All materials must be received by midnight, Friday, February 27, 2026. Who is eligible (general CAWG Foundation scholarships) - Must be a high school senior graduating in 2026. Students...

Overview The Doan Foundation funds scholarships that cultivate artistic talent and advance creative leadership among young people from underserved communities. These awards are intended for students who show strong commitment to the arts and a drive to create positive social impact through their creative work. Eligibility To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet all of the following: - Be a current high school senior living in Southern California. - Plan to enroll in an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical institution to pursue an Associate degree, Bachelor’s degree, or a professional certificate. - Be preparing for a career in an arts-related...

Lompoc Rotary Club Scholarship Program — 2025–26 Overview The Lompoc Rotary Club awards scholarships to help local students pursue college or vocational training. For the 2025–26 cycle, a minimum of three (3) graduating high school seniors will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. These funds may be applied to education-related costs (for example: tuition, books, food, or housing). Scholarship disbursements will be made by check sent directly to the recipient’s college, community college, or vocational school. Who is eligible Applicants must be current high school seniors with ties to the Lompoc community who intend to enroll (full- or part-time) at a...