Scholarships are a great way to pay for college. If you are going to college in California, here are a couple of scholarships we think you should apply for!

Disclaimer: Some scholarship websites or organizations found on this list may sell your personal information to third parties, including (but not limited to): your name, email address, home address, and phone number. While we aim to share scholarships and scholarship websites that do not sell any student data, we know that those with larger money scholarships may. We encourage you to always be intentional about the scholarships you apply to and the information you share with them.

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Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement // The California State University

Amount: Varies; Minimum of $6,000

Deadline: Varies by CSU

The CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement is given each year to students who demonstrate superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.

Are you a current or incoming student at a CSU? Find more scholarships and aid here. 

National CPR Foundation Healthcare and Education Scholarship Program // National CPR Foundation

Amount: $500

Deadline: Monthly; see website for more details

Incoming and current college students who are at least 18 years of age and have a minimum GPA of 2.8 are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be currently or planning to be enrolled in school majoring in a healthcare or education-related field. Applicants must submit a 500- to 750-word essay describing what motivates them in their career aspirations, and why they want to pursue or are currently studying for a healthcare or education-related degree.

Junior College/Trade School Scholarship // WTS

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: Varies

This scholarship awards community, technical, or trade college scholarships to women pursuing transportation-related study at community and trade colleges.

Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship // WTS

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: Varies

This scholarship is available to women pursuing undergraduate studies in transportation or a related field. 

Innovation in Education Scholarship // LA Tutors

Amount: $500

Deadline: Monthly; the 20th of each month

This monthly scholarship is open to high school or college students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and are tasked with designing a project that makes a difference in their community. Must “submit an essay describing the goal of the particular project and provide supporting documentation.” No minimum or maximum word or page count.

Better Together STEM Scholarship Program // PG&E

Amount: $2,500-$10,000

Deadline: Application opens fall 2024

These scholarships are available to students pursuing STEM-related studies at universities in California and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United States. Students must be California residents and PG&E customers at the time of application.

C.I.P. Scholarship // College is Power

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: December 31, 2024

Students ages 17 years or older who plan to start a program of higher education within the next 12 months or who are currently enrolled in a program of higher education are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be citizens or residents of the U.S. and write a 150-word statement answering the following prompt: "What is your primary goal for going to school?"

San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarship // San Diego Chinese Women’s Association

Amount: $1,000-$1,500

Deadline: Application opens January 2025

This scholarship is open to high school students in San Diego County who are of at least one-quarter Chinese descent. The $1,000 scholarship is available for use at a two-year community college or vocational program, and the $1,500 scholarship is available for use at a four-year university. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be eligible for both.

Incight Scholarship // Incight

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Application opens January 2025

Disabled students who plan on enrolling in higher education (community college, four-year universities, etc.) for the 2024-2025 academic year can apply to Incight’s annual scholarship. Must live in Oregon, Washington, or California. Award amounts vary.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships // Microsoft

Amount: $2,500-$5,000

Deadline: Application opens January 2025 

To be considered for these scholarships, applicants must be high school seniors of African descent with plans to pursue a degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs. Must demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and higher. Must submit one letter of recommendation, a transcript, and a maximum 500-word essay.

HOLA at Microsoft Scholarship // Microsoft

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: Application opens in January 2025 

This scholarship is available to Latinx high school seniors who need assistance paying for college. Must be planning to study Engineering, Computer Science, or Business in college. Must have a high school GPA of 3.0 and higher. DACA recipients are eligible to apply.

Disability Scholarship // Microsoft

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: Application opens January 2025 

High school seniors who are disabled are eligible for this renewable scholarship. Must be planning to major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field. Must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Women at Microsoft Scholarship // Microsoft

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: Application opens January 2025

High school seniors who identify as women or non-binary and plan to attend a vocational school or college to pursue a career in STEAM are eligible for this scholarship. Students must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Edison Scholars Program // Edison International

Amount: $50,000 over four years

Deadline: January 23, 2025

This scholarship is available to high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must live in Southern California Edison's service territory. Must plan to pursue a degree in STEM, demonstrate financial need, and attend an accredited four-year college or university full-time during the 2025-2026 school year. 

Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors and Recent High School Graduates // eQuality Scholarship Collaborative

Amount: Varies

Deadline: January 31, 2025

Applicants must reside or attend a high school in Northern or Central California. Must complete high school by June 2025 and plan to attend college for the first time in 2025. No citizenship requirements to apply.

Think For Yourself Essay Contest // Let Grow

Amount: $1,000-$5,000

Deadline: Application opens February 2025

This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. residents. Applicants must submit a 600-800 word essay about their personal experiences with ideas about free speech, curiosity, and open-mindedness in their everyday lives. 

PCF Scholarships // The Peninsula College Fund

Amount: $10,000-$12,000

Deadline: February 7, 2025

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must attend a public or private high school in San Mateo or Santa Clara County, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, be a first-generation college student, and demonstrate financial need. The PCF application is open to undocumented students as well as students who have DACA status.

POE Scholarships // Pursuit of Excellence

Amount: $500-$5,000

Deadline: February 28, 2025

POE offers scholarships to students from the South Bay Area. Individual scholarship eligibility requirements may vary. 

Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship // Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund

Amount: $6,000 for two years

Deadline: February 28, 2025

This scholarship is awarded to minority students who transfer in the fall or spring following the award from Contra Costa County community colleges in California to junior standing in four-year accredited institutions.

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship // Beauty Schools Directory

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: March 1, 2025

This scholarship is available to high school seniors and college students who are currently studying or planning to study at a beauty or cosmetology school. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible. All U.S. residents and DACA recipients are eligible to apply.

Foundation 649 Scholarship // Foundation 649

Amount: $4,000 over four years

Deadline: March 1, 2025

This scholarship is for Asian American and Pacific Islander students who are seeking a college degree and have a track record of involvement and interest in AAPI communities, issues, or causes. Applicants must write a maximum 1,000 word essay to be considered. Undocumented students are welcome to apply.

Middle Class Scholarship // California Student Aid Commission

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 2, 2025

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with family income and assets up to $217,000, a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses. Students must file their FAFSA or CA Dream Act application before applying for the MCS.

CA Dream Act // California Student Aid Commission

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 3, 2025

This application is open to incoming and current college students who attended a California high school for a minimum of three years and will enroll in an accredited California college or university. Applicant must be a non-resident applying under AB 540 and AB 131.

Virginia Smith Trust // Merced County Office of Education

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 4, 2025

Students who resided and attended a public high school in Merced, California are eligible for this scholarship. Must be planning on attending a college full-time in the state of California.

IMEG Engineering Scholarship Program // IMEG

Amount: Up to $10,000

Deadline: March 14, 2025

This scholarship is open to college students in their sophomore through senior year. Applicants must have financial need and be actively pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field with an engineering focus. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Career & Technical Scholarships // Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans

Amount: Up to $10,000

Deadline: Application opens on March 15, 2025

Eligibility requirements for these scholarships may vary.

California Water Service Group Scholarship // California Water Service

Amount: $2,500-$10,000

Deadline: March 27, 2025

This scholarship is available to high school seniors and current undergraduate students. Must live within a Cal Water service area (enter your zip code into the website's address lookup tool to determine if you're eligible).

Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarships // Chicana Latina Foundation

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: March 31, 2025

This scholarship is offered to Chicana and/or Latina students in Northern California. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or community college in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo. Applicants must have lived in one of the above counties for at least two years.

Dr. Lynette Robinson Scholarship for Inclusive Education // North Coastal Consortium for Special Education

Amount: Up to $6,000 across four years

Deadline: March 31, 2025

This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors in California that have expressed interest in pursuing a career in special education or a related field such as school psychology, social work, or counseling. Applicants must describe activities which demonstrate their support, involvement, and commitment to inclusive practices for students with special needs in educational and/or community settings.

BHW Scholarship // The BHW Group

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: April 15, 2025

Women who are pursuing an undergraduate degree and are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics are welcome to apply. 

RealityHop Scholarship // RealityHop

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: April 30, 2025

Graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students in the United States who demonstrate ambition, diligence, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit a maximum 500 word essay answering the following prompt: “Imagine yourself 10 years in the future after having graduated college and living the life of your dreams: find a listing on RealtyHop you picture yourself living in and write what your favorite room or feature is on the listing and why it is important to your future life. Please provide a link to the listing. Finalists may have an opportunity to be featured on our blog.”

Fifth Month Scholarship // Unigo

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: May 31, 2025

This scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and residents 14 years or older. Applicants must submit a maximum 250-word essay answering the following prompt: "May is the fifth month of the year. Write a letter to the number five explaining why five is important. Be serious or be funny. Either way, here's a high five to you for being original."

Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship // Against the Grain Productions

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: May 31, 2025

This scholarship is available to Asian high school seniors and current college students who are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S. and have at least a 3.5 GPA. Applicants must submit a video presentation showcasing their work and qualifications.

Artistic Scholarship // Against the Grain Productions

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: May 31, 2025

This scholarship is open to Asian high school seniors and current college students who are/will be pursuing a major in the performing and visual arts, journalism and/or mass communications. Applicants must be citizens, national or legal permanent residents of the U.S., and have at least a 3.0 GPA. 

Spotlight Scholarship // The Music Center

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Application opens in June 2025

This scholarship “provides cash scholarships and artistic development to empower high school students by emphasizing preparation, courage, critical thinking and perseverance while providing an invaluable opportunity for students to hone their performing skills.” Only high school students living in Southern California are eligible to apply. 

Hearts for Community Scholarship // Warrick Dunn Charities

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: July 15, 2025

This scholarship program provides awards to support California students who are active volunteers in their community and are attending or will soon attend a two-year college, four-year college, or trade school. Two letters of recommendation showing proof of volunteer experience and a 500-word essay required.

Missed the deadline on any of these scholarships? That's okay! We'll save this list so you can apply next year. 

Stephen J. Bradley Stop Hunger Scholarship // Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

Amount: $10,000 scholarship and a $5,000 grant for your hunger-related charity

Deadline: December 5, 2024

This scholarship is open to students who are "using their creativity, academic studies, and organizational skills to help fight hunger in their communities." 

Dr. Juan Andrade Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders // United States Hispanic Leadership Institute

Amount: $500-$1,000

Deadline: November 30, 2024

This scholarship is available to students enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student in an accredited four-year or two-year institution in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support. At least one parent must be of Hispanic ancestry. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply (DACA or undocumented).

“In The Driver’s Seat” Scholarship // National Driving and Traffic School

Amount: $500

Deadline: November 30, 2024

Applicants to this scholarship must be enrolled in high school, university, or college as a full-time student. Must submit a 750-word essay answering the following questions:

• What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving?
• What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?
• Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?
• What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

Stand Up To Distracted Driving Scholarship // Kanoski Bresney

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: November 13, 2024

This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who will be attending college through the fall. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit an essay on a given topic related to distracted driving.

Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship // Good Tidings Foundation

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: November 8, 2024

This scholarship is available to current high school seniors in the Bay Area who plan on attending college or vocational school, or continuing education. 

Youth Award // Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Amount: Varies

Deadline: November 3, 2024

This scholarship is available to Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in areas such as education, community service, business and entrepreneurship, and media/entertainment.

BEE, YOU Scholarship // Busy Bee's Virtual Assistance & Management, LLC

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: October 4, 2024

This scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students with financial need. Applicants must be working part or full-time in addition to being students in order to qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must write a 500-word maximum essay responding to one of the provided prompts as well as submit a link to a two-minute video sharing your experience as a working student.

Unboxing Your Life Video Scholarship // Sttark

Amount: $4,000

Deadline: September 30, 2024

This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens. Applicants must create a 5-minute "unboxing" video of their life that showcases their originality and unique personality, as well as provide a 250-word biography with their application video.

“You Can’t Label People, but You Can Label Products" Scholarship // Sttark

Amount: $4,000

Deadline: September 30, 2024

This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens. Applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay responding to the following prompt: “You can’t label people, but you can label products,” as well as design their own label related to their essay that belongs on a product, but not a person. In addition to their essay and label design, applicants must submit a 250-word biography about themselves. 

Cameron Impact Scholarship // Bryan Cameron Education Foundation

Amount: Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)

Deadline: September 5, 2024

Applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. Must "show proven excellence in extracurricular activities, be motivated leaders with a strong work ethic, demonstrate active participation in community service and/or civic minded arenas." Must submit two letters of recommendation. 

Rodeo Enthusiast Scholarship // Rodeo Ticket

Amount: $500

Deadline: August 15, 2024

This scholarship is available to students who either grew up going to rodeos or went to one for the first time as an adult. Applicants must write a 700-1,500 word essay about the experience. Must include a photo of yourself with your essay submission. Scholarship available to students in all 50 states.

PixelPlex Annual Scholarship // PixelPlex

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: June 5, 2024

This scholarship is open to citizens and permanent residents of the United States who are incoming or current college students studying in a field of study related to science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), economics, or business.

Arthur H. Goodman Scholarship // CDC Loans

Amount: Varies

Deadline: June 3, 2024

This scholarship provides financial assistance to dynamic, community-minded students transitioning from a community college in California or Arizona to four-year universities.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship Program // CLLCF

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: June 1, 2024

California high school seniors and college undergraduates are eligible for this scholarship. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Must submit two letters of recommendation to be considered.

The Minerva Scholarship Program // Women in California Leadership

Amount: $3,000-$10,000

Deadline: May 31, 2024

This scholarship is open to California residents enrolled in a full-time college program during the 2024-2025 school year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and “must gender identify as a woman or girl, or are female regardless of gender identity.” Must write a 250-word personal statement.

There’s Space for Everyone Scholarship // Extra Space Storage

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: May 31, 2024

This scholarship is open to incoming and current undergraduate students in the U.S. during the fall 2024 quarter/semester. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and submit an essay answering the following prompt: “How have you exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, or social justice through work, service, or other extra-curricular activities, and how will your education help you continue this commitment during college and beyond?”

Study.com LGBTQ+ Scholarship // Study.com

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: May 31, 2024

LGBTQ+ students who are accepted to or enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Financial need will not be considered.

Soliant’s Sunrise Scholarship // Soliant Consulting

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: April 30, 2024

This scholarship is open to incoming and current undergraduate students who are U.S. residents. Applicants must submit a 400-450 word essay answering the following prompt: “How can software engineers and developers take a more active role in adhering to technology ethics and protecting those affected by the solutions they build?"

Janean D. Watkins Aspiring Healthcare Professionals Scholarship // Bold.org

Amount: $1,000 

Deadline: April 15, 2024

Applicants must be high school seniors planning to receive their bachelor’s degree in a science-related field with hopes of building a career in healthcare. Must submit a personal statement detailing who you are, what drew you to healthcare, and your greatest accomplishments so far.

Ebell/Flint Scholarship Program // The Ebell of Los Angeles

Amount: $3,000-$5,000

Deadline: April 2, 2024

The Ebell/Flint Scholarship is open to male and female undergraduate students of any major who currently attend private or public non-profit colleges or universities in Los Angeles County. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on financial need, academic achievement, and community service/leadership.

Undergraduate Scholarships // Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans

Amount: Up to $52,000 (depending on the state you live in)

Deadline: March 15, 2024

Eligibility requirements for these scholarships may vary. 

ACS Scholars Program // ACS Scholars

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 1, 2024

This scholarship is available to minority high school seniors and college students who are studying or plan to study in fields related to chemistry. Must be or plan to be a full-time student in an accredited college or university. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

Rise to Legacy HBCU Scholarship // Get Schooled

Driven Coffee Scholarship // Driven Coffee Roasters

Amount: $100-$500

Deadline: December 31, 2023

This scholarship is open to U.S. undergrad students. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment (transcripts, declaration of major, letter of intent to enroll, etc.) along with three essays answering three separate prompts.

Semper Solaris College Scholarship // Semper Solaris 

Amount: $1,750-$3,000

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Applicants to this scholarship must have been enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university between May 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must submit a 1,000-word minimum essay answering the following prompt: “How can solar and renewable energy help local communities?”

Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship // Bold.org

Amount: $500

Deadline: November 15, 2023

Any BIPOC and/or female high school senior or undergraduate who is a first-generation, low-income student interested in STEM may apply for this scholarship. Applicants must write a 400-600 word-essay answering the following prompt: “What are some challenges you've had to overcome while pursuing your education and how do you plan on making a positive impact on the world through your STEM education?”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumnae Chapter Scholarship // Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 31, 2023

This scholarship is available to Black, female high school seniors in designated areas of San Diego County. Must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit a transcript, two letters of recommendation, and their application essay.

National Scholarship // National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 31, 2023

This scholarship is open to African American high school seniors who have a GPA of 3.0 and above and submit a typed essay of no less than 300 words on the topic: “Explain the Benefits You Have Gained through the Contributions of Two (2) Trailblazers of African Descent within the past twenty (20) years, and How It Has Benefited You as a Person.”