Financial Aid & Scholarships

Scholarships

UHS SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

The UHS Scholarship Committee selects students for multiple community scholarships and awards. This committee consists of teachers, counselors, and administrators. Recipients are recognized at our annual awards event.

TIP: If you plan to submit multiple applications, save your work in a Word document to copy and paste to your next application.

Applications:

More scholarships will be added throughout the school year, so keep checking back!

*Note: Uni, nor any of it's affiliates, are responsible for the legitimacy or quality of the scholarships listed.

Student Scholarships

Scholarship Guidance - You will find a list of 15 Scholarship Programs that will give out more than 85 Individual Scholarship Awards during the 2021-2022 school year. Explore the Scholarship Newsletter (Links to an external site.) for many opportunities for financial aid.

Clyde Dodge 2022 Bonita Canyon PTA Scholarship - The value of the Scholarship Award is $1,000.00. To be eligible for consideration, a student must be a graduating high school senior in good academic standing, who attended Bonita Canyon Elementary School in Irvine for at least one full academic year. Completed applications must be emailed to lluhrs@gmail.com by 9:00pm, Monday, May 2, 2022.

We the Students Scholarship Essay Contest - Grand prize is $7,500 and a scholarship to the Constitutional Academy summer program in Washington, DC. Essay topic: How does an understanding of natural rights and respect build a free society? 500-800 words. Click here for details. (Links to an external site.) Deadline to apply is April 15, 2022.

Junior League of Orange County, CA (JLOCC) - is pleased to announce we are seeking qualified applicants for our annual Educational Scholarship Program. This year, up to $2,000 will be awarded to deserving high school seniors who are striving to pursue a college degree. For more details, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Scholarships page on our website or click on the following link: https://www.jlocc.org/community/scholarships/ (Links to an external site.) We are asking students to submit their applications and other required documents via a Google Form, which can be accessed by clicking HERE (Links to an external site.). Please note that applicants will have an option to either upload the other required documents via the Google Form or via email to scholarships@jlocc.org. Due April 1, 2022.

Assistance League of Irvine - will be awarding several Needs-based scholarships to qualifying seniors graduating from IUSD High Schools in June 2022, and who are planning to attend Irvine Valley College full-time beginning Fall 2022. Application due by April 15, 2022. Award minimum $1,000 Click here to view application. (Links to an external site.)

National Charity League (NCL) - The criteria are as follows: - Must be a full-time student applying for full-time status at an accredited educational or vocational institution in the fall of 2022. - Must be a female student currently enrolled at an IUSD High School. - Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or a counselor’s recommendation. - Must have demonstrated community service and leadership. - May not be a member of National Charity League, Inc. This application must be submitted by 11:59pm, May 1, 2022. 2022 NCL Irvine Chapter Scholarship Application

Men's College Scholarship - Award $50,000!The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities, and community involvement. The scholarship is available to any male, graduating senior from an accredited high school who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall. The scholarship is awarded through the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, a registered 501(c)3 organization. Current or future membership in a fraternity is not required. -Must be a graduating high school senior in the United States -Must identify as male. Click here for details. (Links to an external site.) Deadline to apply is April 2, 2022 12:30 AM EDT.

BIO-RAD Scholarship Program - offers financial support to local Irvine Unified School District students heading off to college for both science and engineering studies. Our mission of advancing discovery and improving lives includes assisting the next generation of investigators and innovators. Two scholarships of $1,000 each are available to your students graduating this year who meet the program requirements and complete the online application. Applications are evaluated based on students’ personal connection to science and engineering, as well as the originality, clarity and persuasiveness of their answer to one of the three essay questions of their choice. Application deadline is May 1, 2022.

The Suburban Optimist Club of Buena Park - congratulates you upon your forthcoming graduation from high school. In honor of your achievement, we have planned a celebration to honor you. The Suburban Optimist Club has honored graduating seniors of Japanese ancestry for over five and a half decades at our annual Senior Recognition event. If you know other graduating seniors of Japanese ancestry who did not receive this letter and would like to participate, they can download information from our website, www.suburbanoptimistclub.org/Senior_Recognition. (Links to an external site.) Deadline to apply is April 9, 2022. Send your application to: Kasie Leung 5478 Houston Ave, La Palma, Ca 90623 or email pdf copies to theleungs4@gmail.com.

The Southern California Association of Governments (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 two additional scholarship awards that are not tied to a specific county, but would be awarded at the Committee’s discretion). Recipients will 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. Deadline to apply is April 1, 2022. Click here for application details. (Links to an external site.)

2022 Patricia Lynn Vermeulen-Tomocik (PLV) Scholarship Application - Award $1,000. The PLV Scholarship will be awarded to an academically outstanding high school senior who has endured personal hardship or adversity. Difficult circumstances could include, but are not limited to: mental or physical health challenges; the loss of a family member or loved one; socioeconomic disadvantage; prejudice/discrimination; or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scholarship applicants should be prepared to write about the values that most inspire them, whether they be related to improving the lives of others, creative or artistic endeavors, or some other noteworthy cause. For further information on the scholarship, please visit: https://mymellowbrickroad.com/2022-plv-scholarship (Links to an external site.) Application due by May 2, 2022.

The Beta Pi Sigma Sorority, Inc. (BPS) Scholarships are granted to worthy high school and college students to further their education in the business and professional world. BPS has two National Scholarships for high school students. Any graduating senior may apply for these scholarships regardless of sex, creed, or ethnic origin. • Local Chapter Scholarship: awarded to graduating high school senior(s) based on scholastic achievement, leadership ability, and financial need.
• Lucille Ailstock Scholastic Scholarship: a national memorial award given to a graduating high school senior based on scholastic achievement and financial need. • Reynolds-Wallace Founders’ Leadership Scholarship: a national award presented to a selected high school graduating senior based on financial need and leadership ability. Click here to view scholarships. (Links to an external site.)Apply by June, 30, 2022.

OCAC Pearls of Orange County - The Orange County (CA) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Scholarship Awards Program provides scholarships to outstanding African-American college-bound high school and undergraduate students. Awards are granted annually to students who are residents of Orange County; have been accepted by an accredited college or university; and have gone through a formal application, screening and interview process with the sorority. Orange County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated A Public Service Sorority https://www.orangecountydst.com/scholarship-awards Deadline to apply is March 31, 2022. (Links to an external site.)

Scholarships for African American Students (fastweb) Multiple Scholarships! https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/scholarships-for-african-american-students?utm_source=external_educator&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=HSCM_sponcon2021 (Links to an external site.)

TACL-OC Scholarship - $10,000 in Scholarships Available; 10 x $1,000 Scholarships for Public High School Seniors of Irvine Unified School District; Planning to Attend College / University in Fall of 2022 in the U.S. Two Seniors will be awarded scholarships of $1,000 Each per High School. About the Scholarship: The TACL‐OC Scholarship is dedicated to supporting youth in Irvine who are in pursuit of higher education and envision giving back to the community. Deadline: 11:59 pm PDT ‐ April 15, 2022

Flavorful Futures Scholarship 2021-22 - Award $5,000. Applications must meet ALL the following criteria: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States. Must be a high school senior graduating between August 1, 2021 and July 31, 2022. Must have a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4 point scale (high school/home schooled seniors). Must enroll for Fall 2022 as a freshman or 1st year student in part-time or full-time study at a 2-year, 4-year, college, university, trade or vocational school. The school must be an accredited U.S. institution, and listed on the official website for the U.S. Department of Education (Links to an external site.). Must not be a relative or dependent child of an employee of Talking Rain or any of its retail customers. Click here for details. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2022. (Links to an external site.)

Asian Pacific Fund - To apply for a scholarship administered by the Asian Pacific Fund, please review the complete eligibility criteria for each scholarship program, and download the application for the program(s) for which you are eligible. Click here to view all scholarships. (Links to an external site.)Deadlines vary.

IUCPTA Senior Scholarship … Due April 22, 2022 -Availability: IUCPTA is pleased to offer one (1) $500 Scholarship for each of the 7 Irvine High Schools- Creekside, Irvine Virtual Academy at San Joaquin, Irvine High, Northwood High, Portola High, University High, and Woodbridge High. The scholarship will go to graduating seniors and will be used towards continued education after graduation. Recipients must attend an accredited college/university, community college, trade or technical school within the first year following high school graduation. Qualifications: This scholarship recognizes students who are PTSA members and whom have performed service activities inside and outside of school. Applicant must: - Be a current student in good standing at one of the IUSD High Schools - Be a current PTSA member and attach a legible copy of applicant's current PTSA card or proof of membership for current school year - Submit this scholarship application to be received no later than April 22, 2022. APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED IF RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE. Selection Process: All application forms will be reviewed by a selected group which may include 1 Principal/Administrator, 1 teacher/PTSA Executive Board member, and members of IUCPTA Executive Board. The recipients will be notified via email by May 13, 2002. Scholarship: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNRUmChkWhpux_JI4RdqrNbs2hSjYiCsXJmFe_u0tB1eH-xw/viewform (Links to an external site.)

Visionary Scholarship - The American College Foundation (ACF) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Association offers the annual Visionary Scholarship program to financially support students in every grade level of high school. The ACF awards start at $1,000 each, with a grand prize of $5,000. Apply by May 1, 2022. Click here for details. (Links to an external site.)

La Jolla Mom Communications Scholarship - To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate communications or related field degree program at an accredited college in the United States OR a graduating high school senior who has plans to study communications or related fields. The scholarship recipient must be a US citizen or a permanent legal resident and will also be required to provide proof of acceptance to his or her college or university, or a college transcript. Anyone who has been awarded a La Jolla Mom scholarship is ineligible to participate in subsequent years. The deadline to apply for the Spring La Jolla Mom Communications Scholarship is April 1, 2022. The winner will be notified by email prior to April 15, 2022. Click here for details. (Links to an external site.)

Rita's First-Gen Scholarship - This scholarship is open to any high school senior who will be a first-generation college student. Refugees are strongly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is a student who has experienced obstacles or sacrifice in pursuit of their education. These obstacles or sacrifices can be in the form of time, money, being away from family, having to care for or support one's family, completing school despite social, religious, familial, or cultural pressure not to, etc. Apply by July 1, 2022. Click here for details. (Links to an external site.)

The John M. Belk Scholarship - The program is built around our belief that, as a Belk Scholar, you possess unique talents that should be recognized and nurtured. The Belk Scholarship will provide you comprehensive funding (tuition, fees, room and board) plus special study stipends that allow you great flexibility in the on- and off-campus opportunities you choose to explore. Those experiences, paired with our academic programs, deepen your intellect, maturity, and global understanding. Thanks to the generosity of the John M. Belk Educational Endowment, 32 Belk Scholars are currently enrolled at Davidson (eight Belk Scholars named in each entering class). Click here for details. Due date March 21, 2022. (Links to an external site.)

Scholarships for Women - Many organizations offer college scholarships for women, including professional organizations, private foundations, research institutions, and state governments. Students can find scholarships based on their major, state, college, or career interests. https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/scholarships-women/ (Links to an external site.)

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

AISES is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations, and other Indigenous peoples of North America in STEM studies and careers. One of the ways AISES strives to meet their mission is through the numerous scholarships that are provided for AISES members (membership is free to all pre-college and college students). AISES scholarships are all merit-based and range from $1,000 to $10,000 an academic year and are available at the college and graduate level. The applications open on December 15 of each year and close on March 31 of the following year. Click here for details. (Links to an external site.)

Cobell Scholarship, Administered by Indigenous Education, Inc. The Cobell Scholarship program provides elevated opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native college students by empowering them with an engaging scholarship experience designed to support their success in higher education. Vocational, undergraduate, and graduate-level students are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. federally recognized tribe and be attending a nonprofit institution. The applications open on December 15 of each year and close on March 31 of the following year. For more information, please visit cobellscholar.org (Links to an external site.).

The Dream US Scholarships For highly motivated DREAMERS who want nothing more than to get a college education but are unable to afford the cost. They have no access to federal aid, limited access to state aid, and they sometimes face paying out-of-state tuition. TheDream.US has adopted new immigration eligibility criteria! You are now eligible to apply if you came to the country before November 1, 2015. We offer two scholarships. The National Scholarship is for high school or community college graduates. The Opportunity Scholarship is for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot get in-state tuition. Your eligibility for both is based upon where you live. Click here (Links to an external site.) for deadlines and details.

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (Links to an external site.)

Innovation In Education Scholarship

Must currently be enrolled as a high school or college/university student within the United States or Canada. Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (or the equivalent). Must be a citizen of, permanent resident of, or hold a valid student visa in the United States or Canada. Must have designed an innovative project that makes a difference in the lives of others (This could be a website, series of blogs, an app, fundraising event, etc.)

Award: $500

Click Here for details (Links to an external site.)

Apply by 11:59 pm PST on the 20th of each month

Scholarship Partners & Programs (College Board) (Links to an external site.)

The Orange County Community Foundation Scholarships (multiple) (Links to an external site.)

Elks Scholarships! Click on the links below for details
Most Valuable Student (Links to an external site.)

Legacy Award (Links to an external site.)

Emergency Educational Grant (Links to an external site.)

CHEA Students with Disabilities (Links to an external site.)

CHEA Vocational Grant (Links to an external site.)

SA Elks Lenz Scholarship - Contact Wendy Bacerra 714-397-7130 or wnuvalbacerra@gmail.com

Santa Ana Elks #794 Scholarship - Contact Wendy Bacerra 714-397-7130 or wnuvalbacerra@gmail.com

ZipRecruiter Recurring Scholarship (Links to an external site.)
Scholarship Award: $3,000
Deadlines: June 30th & December 31st every year
Eligibility Requirements: Student must be 18+ years old and enrolled in classes by deadline date
You can visit our ZipRecruiter Scholarship Page (Links to an external site.) for more information. If you have any further questions or concerns, please reach me via phone or email.

National Student Leadership Conference/Scholarships
For more than 25 years, outstanding high school students have come to the NSLC to explore
a future career, develop leadership skills and experience college life.
For an overview of the programs Click Here (Links to an external site.)
For information on scholarships offered Click Here (Links to an external site.)

STEM Scholarships
Department of Defense scholarships provide cash awards to students who have demonstrated ability and aptitude for excelling in STEM fields in disciplines of importance to DoD.
Click Here for details (Links to an external site.)

Congressional Award
Open to ages 14 to 23 year-olds.
Award: Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Award Medals.
Awards are based on four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and
Expedition/Exploration.
Please Click HERE (Links to an external site.) for additional information and how to register

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities (Disability.gov)
Multiple scholarships to review!
Please Click HERE (Links to an external site.) for the link

Military Scholarships (ROTC)
More than 1.4 million Americans have made the choice to serve their country. The brave men and women who voluntarily invest their time in the United States Military are some of the well-respected citizens of the country. Choosing to enter the military should not forfeit your dreams of receiving a college education. Whether you are a member of the Air Force (Links to an external site.), Army (Links to an external site.), Coast Guard (Links to an external site.), Marine Corps (Links to an external site.), or Navy (Links to an external site.) there are a number of college scholarships and grants available for service members, veterans and their families
Click Here for details

Scholarship Search Engines:

ADDITIONAL SOURCES

Foundations
Religious/community orgs
Local businesses
Civic groups
Professional associations
Ethnicity-based organizations
Your/your parent's employer

Financial Aid

Click here for the 2019 financial aid Night presentation

Important Information

Types of Aid

The Financial Aid Process

Finding financial aid can seem overwhelming. The infographic below provides helpful information about the financial aid process.

FAFSA

FAFSA Guide 2022-2023
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
High School Seniors: File your FAFSA online between Oct 1st and Mar 2nd.

Financial Aid Websites

Reference Guide: Cal Grant & Other State Aid
College Cost Comparison
College Scorecard
Federal Aid Eligibility
Info for Parents
Types of Aid

Financial Aid Resources

FAFSA: Dependency Status
FAFSA: Who is my Parent?
Federal Aid Eligibility
Financial Aid Process
Financial Aid Workshop PPT
Loan Basics for Parents
Loan Basics for Students
Types of Aid

Financial Aid Myths

"My parents make too much money so I won't qualify for aid."
There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors besides income are taken into account. In addition, some schools won't even consider you for merit-based scholarships until you have submitted the FAFSA. Don't assume... fill out the FAFSA and find out.

"Only students with good grades get aid."
Most federal aid programs do not take grades into account. Provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress in college, you'll continue to receive aid.

"The FAFSA is too hard to fill out."
The FAFSA is easier than ever. There are instructions for every question, and if you need help you can ask representatives via online chat. Most students complete the FAFSA in just 23 minutes!