5 Best California Scholarships

California scholarships provide significant financial assistance to students looking for help paying for college. See how you can pay for college in California.

Updated August 2, 2023 · 1 Min Read

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Discover California Best Scholarships

With tuition costs at California colleges and universities increasing an average of 8% per year, more and more students in the Golden State are seeking out the best scholarships in California to help with the financial burden of pursuing a degree. Having a handy scholarship guide book is useful for students who need the extra boost. Luckily, thousands of scholarships are available to students each year, many of which are restricted to students living or attending college in California. Below, we’ve listed 5 scholarships that seek to help California students pay for their education.

1. Critical Care Scholarship Program

Eligibility– Must be a California resident– Must be majoring in nursing– Students must register an account and submit an original600-word essay in response to a specific topic

The Critical Care Scholarship is a $2,500 annual scholarship sponsored by the Critical Care Training Center. The award, which includes a 600-word essay on an assigned topic, is designed to financially assist Registered Nursing Students looking for California scholarships. The top five essays will be chosen by an online community before a board determines the final winner.

Scholarship Website

2. Horatio Alger California Scholarship

Eligibility– Must be a California resident and a U.S. citizen– Must be enrolled full-time as a high school senior inCalifornia-Must demonstrate critical financial need

The Horatio Alger California Scholarship Program provides significant financial assistance to students looking for help paying for college, and who have shown great strength in overcoming personal adversity. Up to 92 awards, each valuing $7,000 total, are awarded yearly (in annual installments over five years), and recipients may use the award at both two- and four-year institutions. Applicants must submit an online application, an essay, and proof of financial need.

Scholarship Website

3. Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship

Eligibility– Must be a high school senior– Must be a resident of one of the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa,Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, SanMateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Yolo

The Good Tidings Foundation aims to help any student achieve their dreams, regardless of financial status, ethnic background, religion, or gender. Each year, the Foundation awards ten $10,000 scholarships to California students. Successful applicants will complete an application, submit a Letter of Recommendation, and exhibit an outstanding record of community service.

Scholarship Website

4. L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility– Must be pursuing a career in Public Education– Must be an active member of Student California Teachers Association (SCTA)

Undergraduate, credential, or graduate students pursuing careers in Public Education are eligible for the California Teachers Association’s L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship. Successful applicants will be active members of the Student California Teachers Association, and must show proof of registration in an approved teacher preparatory program. Three $2,000 scholarships are awarded each year to students in California.

Scholarship Website

5. Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility– Must be a full-time student at an accredited college or university inCalifornia– Must be of Latino heritage– Must be planning to pursue a career in Journalism

The Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship is an annual California scholarship for Latino students who are interested in journalism as a career. Applicants should exhibit a commitment to the field of journalism, academic achievement, community service and involvement, and financial need. A number of scholarships are available each year, and range from $500 to $2,000.

Do you know of a scholarship available specifically for California students that we missed? Contact us!

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