SCAG Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Southern California Association of Governments

The SCAG Scholarship Program offers local government and planning experience that students can use to develop long-term career goals. The scholarship will provide a $4,000 scholarship award for seven high school or community college students from the SCAG region (and potentially an additional eighth scholarship award that is not tied to a specific county, but could be awarded at the Committee’s discretion). Recipients may also have an opportunity to meet with their local government representatives and practicing planners to discuss the importance of urban planning and a future career in public service.

Program Requirements

• Residency: Must be a resident within the SCAG region (i.e., Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County, or on Tribal Lands within the SCAG region), and be eligible to work in the United States. Students may be asked to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States if selected as a semi-finalist.
• School Enrollment: Must be a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled in a two-year community college in the SCAG region. Graduating high school seniors must enroll in higher education (two- or four-year college or university) immediately following graduation from high school (i.e., no gap year).
• GPA Minimum: Candidates must have a 3.00 grade point average or higher (based on a 4.00, unweighted scale).
• Internship Requirement and Visit to SCAG: An internship or visit to SCAG offices in Los Angeles to attend a Regional Council meeting are not required. However, if you are interested in either, please contact SCAG’s Scholarship Program Coordinator.

To apply for the SCAG Scholarship Program, students must submit:

• Completed online application.
• Minimum five-hundred (500) word essay describing your interest in urban planning, public policy, and/or public service and future career goals.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals (e.g., teacher, counselor, coach, employer, etc.) that are not related to you and can attest to your leadership ability and interest in public service. Letters of recommendation can either be: 1) Uploaded when you complete the online application; or 2) Emailed to the Scholarship Program Coordinator directly.
• Transcript(s) (official or copy) from the school in which you are currently enrolled. Community college students must provide both high school and community college transcripts.