Scholarships

Here are scholarship opportunities available as of April 16, 2008. This list is compiled by Gloria E. Waite, O.D., Pinole Valley High School parent volunteer.

1. COMCAST LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
One senior from a high school can be nominated for a $1,000 grant. Get nominee form and application from your counselor. Requirements: 2.8 GPA or higher, demonstrated leadership abilities in school activities or through work experiences, and strong commitment to and involvement in community service. Family of Comcast employees not eligible. Info: Contact Scholarship Program Administrators at 866-851-4274 or email at Comcast@spaprog.com.

2. THE AMERICAN LEGION ORATORICAL CONTEST SCHOLARSHIPS AND RESOURCE GUIDE
Participants in the Oratorical contest share $138,000 in scholarships. Eligibility: junior high or high school student under 20 years old. Two speeches: 1. Prepared Oration on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to our government; 8-10 minutes in English. 2. Assigned topic on some phase of the Constitution of the United States for 3-5 minutes. Topics announced prior to the contest. Info: www.legion.org or contact The Americanism and Children & Youth Division, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, phone 317-630-1249 or email acy@legion.org. The Legion also has a “Need A Lift” resource book listing scholarships, grants, and loans for which students may qualify and provides specific information on 1,400 colleges and universities around the nation. Cost $3 per copy available from The American Legion, Emblem Sales, P.O. Box 1050, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or call 1-888-453-4466.

3. SUNTRUST OFF TO COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP SWEEPSTAKES
High school seniors can win a $1,000 scholarship for their first year expenses at an accredited college or private career school. One winner will be chosen every two weeks from Oct. 31st, through May 15, 2008. Scholarship check payable to the winner’s school of attendance. A SunTrust $100 Visa Gift card also goes to each winner. Only one entry per person for each drawing. Students can register after each drawing for the next scheduled drawing. No purchase or transaction necessary to enter or win. Visit: offtocollege.info or suntrusteducation.com.

4. HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE PROJECT ESSAY CONTEST
Open to students of U.S. and Mexico who are 19 or younger. There are 30 awards of $2,500 to $10,000. You must submit an essay of no more than 1,200 words on one of the topics outlined in the rules. Deadline: April 30, 2008. First place winners also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Website: http://holocaust.hklaw.com/

5. JUNIATA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Juniata is a college in Pennsylvania for students pursuing an environmental science career. Website: www.juniata.edu or call Michelle Bartol at 814-641-3432 or toll free at 1-877-JUNIATA.

6. BURA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The program is for children of low income families and foster children. Scholarships are for 2-4 year colleges and vocational/technical schools. For info and to download an application go to: www.tbsfund.org.

7. USA FUNDS SCHOLARSHIPS
The scholarships are targeted for families with incomes of $35,000 or less. They are one time scholarships of $1,500 for full or half-time students enrolled or planning to be enrolled at accredited two-year institutions beginning with the Fall 2008 term through Feb. 1, 2009. Go to: http://www.usafunds.org/planning/access_to_education_scholarship/index.htm to apply online. For Spanish version go to: www.usafunds.org/planning/access_to_education_scholarship_spanish/index.htm.

8. NELNET EDUCATION PLANNING & FINANCING SCHOLARSHIPS
Ten grand prizes of up to $25,000 to cover one year of undergraduate college costs. 750 first prizes of $1,000 to help pay for undrg4raduate college costs. Eligibility: high school juniors and seniors—at least 2 winners from each state and Washington, D.C. are guaranteed. NO essay required to enter or win; nor academic or extracurricular activities. Winners are randomly selected. Online entries at www.nelnet.com/win. Can be entered daily. Drawings are monthly through August 3, 2008.

9. UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON
Top students at U. of Dayton (one of the top ten Catholic universities) can receive up to $100,000 in scholarships in four years. Visit: www.admission.udayton.edu/apply/ and also www.admission.udayton.edu/finaid/ for more info. Phone: 800-427-5029.

10. MENLO COLLEGE VALEDICTORIAN SCHOLARSHIP
For a first time freshman admitted to Menlo College who is a US citizen or permanent resident, has a 3.90 cumulative GPA, top 3 in class ranking, and 28 ACT or 1920 SAT score. The scholarship is renewable annually provided the student maintains a cumulative Menlo College GPA of at least 3.0 and is enrolled full-time. Questions: Office of Admissions at 800-55-MENLO.

11. NORDSTROM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
There are five $10,000 scholarships paid over 4 years in installments of $2,500. Eligibility: 1. be a senior in the fall of 2008 (junior now) 2. Maintain 2.7 to 4.0 GPA 3.Financial need and complete a financial information form 4. Must attend accredited college-level institution for the award period 5. no conviction for any crime. Deadline: May 31, 2008. Applications available in scholarship file in counselor’s center. Questions: Leslie Aoyama 650-688-2523 or email leslie.aoyama@nordstrom.com.

12. HISPANIC HERITAGE YOUTH AWARDS
Educational grants of $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 in several categories for high school seniors. Requirements: senior, attending college in Fall 2008, Hispanic/Latino descent, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and 3.00 GPA. Info: www.HispanicHeritage.org or call 1-866-665-2112.

13. CONGRESS BUNDESTAG YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM
This program provides full scholarships to American high school students to live and study in Germany for one academic year. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Call Nancy Foster at 800-333-3802 ext. 280.

14. ITALIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION OF THE EAST BAY, INC.
Scholarship amounts: $500. Eligibility: graduating senior, one parent of Italian descent, transcript, school activities, and good character of the candidate. Deadline: April 30th. Applications in scholarship file in counselor’s center. For more info—request from the federation at 4685 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609.

15. KEVIN DAMON POOLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
The foundation offers scholarships to high school graduates planning to enter a four year college or university the following school year. Priority is given to students going into the field of Journalism. Requirements: transcript, letter of recommendation from one or more school personnel (principal, teacher and/or counselor), letter of personal reference from a person other than a family member, and a brief essay about yourself telling why you chose the field you plan to pursue. Deadline: May 2nd. Questions: Mrs. Poole-Smith at 510-235-0547.

16. GIRLS GOING PLACES ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD PROGRAM
This is given by Guardian Life Insurance Company and is designed to reward enterprising and community-minded girls ages 12 to 18. There are cash prizes to girls who demonstrate budding entrepreneurship; taking the first steps toward financial independence; and making a difference in their schools and communities. Awards are: $10,000= first; $5,000=second; $3,000=third; and twelve $1,000 finalists. Requirements: Personal statement of no more than 250 words and a 750 word letter of endorsement from an adult (parent, teacher, or mentor). For application go to www.GirlsGoingPlaces.com.

17. EL SOBRANTE BOY’S 7 GIRL’S CLUB COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
There are four scholarships available: $4,000 for graduating high school seniors only; $2,000 and $1,000 scholarships are for graduating seniors and/or community/junior college students transferring to a 4 year college; one $1,000 for a graduating senior enrolling in either a community college or a trade school. Applicants must be current or former members of the El Sobrante Boy’s & Girl’s Club with a minimum of two years active membership. Applications are available at the Club: 4660 Appian Way in El Sobrante. For info: 223-5253 or email SJFOURNIER610@SBCGLOBAL.NET. Deadline: April 18th.

18. DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.SCHOLARSHIP
This is given by the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of the sorority in the amount of $1,000. Eligibility: 1. African-American graduating senior. 2. GPA 2.5 minimum. 3. applicant planning on attending a 4 year college in the Fall. 4. Citizen of the U.S. Deadline: May 1st. Application requires: completed form, essay, official transcript, one letter of recommendation from a teacher or staff member, community service supervisor, clergy, coach, or employer, and a copy of student ID or other valid picture ID. Applications available in scholarship file in counselor’s office.

19. VIETNAM VETERANS GROUP OF SAN QUENTIN SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship is for $1,500. There may also be a possible Mary Manley Inspirational Scholarship award for an exceptionally inspiring essay. Deadline: May 30, 2008. Requirements: completed application, copy of parents DD-214 (showing Service in RUN), copy of birth certificate showing relationship(s) to veterans, 250 word essay, three letters of reference, and school transcripts. Applications in scholarship file in counselor’s center. Questions: Deborah Sheldon at 415-454-1460 Ext. 6041 or 6069.

20. STATE OF CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION ROBERT C. BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP
Up to 2 students can be nominated by PVHS. Applications must be turned in to your counselor. Applications in scholarship file in counselor’s center. Deadline: April 30th. Award is given solely on academic merit. Students must attend college in Fall 2008. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years. Questions: call the Commissions Specialized Programs Operations Branch at 888-224-7268, option 3, Monday – Friday between 8 am and 4:55 pm.

21. PAUL KATZ SCHOLARSHIP
There are 3 $500 scholarships to be awarded by the Public Employees Union Local One and CCC Retired Employees Association. Eligibility: applicant must be child or grandchild of the Union or Association, be a graduating senior and have a 2.5 GPA. Other criteria: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, provide a record of community service on a volunteer or employment basis, plan on enrolling at a 2-4 year college, and provide three personal character references from people not related to them; also a 500 word essay. Deadline: May 10th. Applications in scholarship file in counselor’s center. Questions: 1-925-228-1600.

22. ROBINSON-WEEKS-ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
These scholarships are for West Contra Costa County graduating seniors who have financial need. Criteria: 2.5 GPA, two letters of recommendation from non-family members, official transcript, and a short resume’. Finalists will have a panel interview. Deadline: Friday, April 25th. Questions: Jean Stevens at 222-1863, Jeanne McKindley at 242-2810, or Patricia Lewis at 693-3248. Applications in scholarship file in counselor’s center.

23. HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA SCHOLARSHIPS
The awards are one year grants to a graduating senior who is a current resident in a public housing development or a recipient of Section 8 rental housing. Awards are $1,000 for students who will attend a four-year college or $500 for students who will attend a community college or vocational/technical school. Criteria: financial need, letters of recommendation, scholastic record, activity or work record, evidence of leadership and character, and scholarship application. Applications in scholarship file in counselor’s center. Info: Judy Hayes at 925-957-8028 or jhayes@contracostahousing.org.   Deadline: May 2, 2008. Postmarks not accepted.

24. DELTA KAPPA GAMMA THETA PSI SCHOLARSHIP
The award is for $1,000 with priority given to students intending to enter the field of education. Criteria: academic achievement, leadership experience, school/community involvement, employment history, and financial need. Requirements: 1. a 300 word typed and signed essay on applicant’s educational goals, qualifications, and financial need. 2. Completed application. 3. Three letters of recommendation from non-family members. 4. Transcript. Deadline: April 18th. Applications in scholarship file in counselor’s center.

25. IVY WEST EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC. AND RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHOLARSHIP
This is a $1,000 scholarship to a senior student who will attend a four-year college in fall 2008. Requirements: 1. a letter of intent/registration to the college you will be attending. 2. names of any service/social organization(s) in which you participated. 3. names and amounts of other scholarships awarded. 4. a three page, double spaced, typed essay entitled “Public Libraries in the New Millennium: programs and resources that will attract teenagers”. Deadline: May 5, 2008, 8 pm. Applications available in scholarship file in counselor’s center.

26. KLINE SHIDELER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This is a $1,000 scholarship(s) to assist a graduating senior in attending a community college. It is given by the El Sobrante United Methodist Church. Criteria: evidence of academic achievement, involvement in other activities of benefit to the school and community. Preference may be given to members or constituents of the El Sobrante United Methodist Church, but scholarships are not restricted to members of this or any other church. Preference may be given to first-time applicants. Applications available in scholarship file in counselor’s center. Deadline: April 25th.

27. VIRGIL PHILIPPI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This is a $700 scholarship given by the El Sobrante United Methodist Church. See #31 above for criteria, applications and deadline.

COLLEGE FAIRS
WACAC 2008 schedule: CSU East Bay—Monday, April 21, North Bay at Sonoma—Tuesday, April 22, Marin County @ Dominican—Wednesday, April 23, Santa Clara County @ Mission College--Thurs, April 24, East Bay @ St. Mary’s—Saturday, April 26, Reno College @ John Ascuagas Nugget Hotel-November 2
Info: Rose Greeff events coordinator/WACAC College Fair Chair Planning & Enrollment Management CA State University, East Bay. 510-885-3214.

4/16/08 Waite

return to top