Santa Barbara General Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
Introduction
The Scholarship Foundation’s General Scholarship Program supports graduate and undergraduate students who meet the criteria below. Awards are intended to cover allowable educational costs and are granted primarily based on demonstrated financial need, drive, and academic promise.
Eligibility Requirements
- Have attended schools in Santa Barbara County for at least four of the six academic years between grades 7 and 12.
- Plan to graduate from, or obtain a G.E.D. from, a Santa Barbara County high school by June of the current academic year.
- Intend to enroll full-time at a postsecondary institution that is approved under Title IV for the next academic year.
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or qualify under AB 540.
- Youth who were in foster care under the jurisdiction of the Santa Barbara County Court (those who were in foster care after turning 13) and who live outside the county are eligible to apply to the General Scholarship Program.
What the award may cover (qualified educational expenses)
Scholarship funds may only be used for expenses that directly support enrollment or attendance, including:
- Tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance.
- Course-related fees, textbooks, required supplies, and equipment.
Additional important details
- Applicants must plan to attend a Title IV-approved postsecondary institution on a full-time basis.
- Recipients are required to maintain satisfactory academic standing and to make timely progress toward completion of their degree or vocational certificate.
- Selection emphasizes financial need, motivation, and academic potential.
- Financial need is confirmed using the Submission Summary produced after completing either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.
- The Foundation does not provide awards for summer-only sessions, research projects, special projects, or part-time study. Online coursework is acceptable only when taken through a Title IV-approved institution.
Homeschooled and boarding students
- Homeschooled applicants must have a homeschool affidavit on file with the Santa Barbara County Office of Education. A copy of the affidavit for each high school year (grades 9–12) must be submitted to the Scholarship Foundation by February 19.
- Families of homeschooled and boarding students must meet the same residency requirement of living in Santa Barbara County for at least four of the six years between grades 7 and 12.
Program scope and selection
The General Scholarship Program is open to both graduate and undergraduate students who satisfy the eligibility conditions above. Selection is based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to financial need, motivation, and academic achievement. For full eligibility details and application instructions, please refer to the Scholarship Foundation’s eligibility information.