Cal Aggie Alumni Association Leadership Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Cal Aggie Alumni Association
Overview
Students who begin at UC Davis as either incoming freshmen or transfer students may qualify for achievement-based scholarships. Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000. Candidates chosen as top selections may also be considered for the Blue and Gold Leadership Scholarship valued at $10,000 (distributed as $5,000 over two years).
About the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA)
The Cal Aggie Alumni Association, UC Davis’s official alumni organization, has been providing scholarships to students since 1934. UC Davis alumni and staff read essays and pick finalists. Each year, CAAA distributes in excess of $100,000 through this scholarship program.
Eligibility
Before you begin an application, confirm that you meet all of the following requirements:
- First-year applicants: minimum UC GPA of 3.5.
- Transfer applicants: minimum GPA of 3.25 in transferable coursework.
- Applicant intends to enroll at UC Davis for Fall 2024 coming directly from a high school or community college (note: transfers from UC or CSU campuses are ineligible).
- Applicant demonstrates leadership through extracurricular activities, community involvement, paid employment, or personal circumstances.
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or AB 540 eligible.
- Applicant must have been admitted to UC Davis and must have returned a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) before submitting the CAAA online application.
Application timeline and deadlines
- Applications for the 2025–2026 award cycle open April 1, 2025.
- Complete the Cal Aggie Alumni Award application by June 16, 2025.
- Final submission deadline listed in the application system is June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST. (Applicants must ensure they meet the requirements above, including admission and submission of the SIR, before applying.)
How to apply (step-by-step)
1. Use the provided application link and sign in with your UC Davis login (ID and passphrase). The link will be active once the scholarship opens.
2. If you don’t yet have a UC Davis login, create one and have your UC Davis Student ID available. That ID was included in the Undergraduate Admissions acknowledgement email sent to the address you used on your fall 2024 application. If you already set up a login but cannot recall it, contact IET Express for help.
3. The online system is protected by DUO multi-factor authentication. You will be able to enroll in DUO after you have submitted your Statement of Intent to Register; once enrolled, you can access and submit the application.
4. Begin by completing the General Application to verify your name and undergraduate status. After submitting the General Application, the Cal Aggie Alumni Award application will become available.
5. Complete the Cal Aggie Alumni Award application, including the required essay response (see prompt and word limit below).
6. Submit your completed application by the deadline in the application system (see dates above).
Essay prompt (word limit)
Within the application you will be asked to respond to the following prompt (600-word limit inside the application):
"Leadership is a relational process of people working together to accomplish change or to make a difference that will benefit the common good (Komives, 1998). It is not only about being in charge, being an authority, or being on the top. At UC Davis, we recognize that leadership can come in different forms and can be seen in all aspects of life whether that is through participation in community service, extracurriculars, student government, collaborating with teams, employment, or through being a thought leader…the possibilities are endless. What makes you a leader? Write a one page essay describing the three most important leadership characteristics that you possess. Provide examples of how you personally demonstrated these leadership characteristics."
Reminder
You must be admitted to UC Davis and have returned your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) before you can enroll in DUO and submit the CAAA award application. If you have questions about login issues, contact IET Express.