Scholarships

September 2025

Cameron Impact

Cemeron Impact Scholarship

Application Deadline: 9/3/2025

Maintain a minimum, cumulative, unweighted GPA of a 3.7/4.0 scale or equivalent in their high school studies.
Be a full citizen of the United States of America.
Be in the high school graduating Class of 2026, planning to enroll in a full-time course of study towards a degree at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university for the full academic year following high school graduation.
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; and
Submit the following three components by the Application Deadline:

Online Application;
Two required Letters of Recommendation (one must come from current school-affiliated personnel); and
Transcript certifying academic performance - unofficial copy is acceptable.

Coca Cola

Application Deadline: 9/30/2025

Required GPA: 3.0
Resident of the U.S.
High school senior
Seeking an associate's or bachelor's degree
Planning to attend school in the U.S.
U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or humanitarian parolees - based on the guidelines utilized by the U.S Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
Participation in community service, extracurricular activities, or leadership

Gates

Gates Scholarship

Deadline 9/30/2025

To apply, students must be:

A high school senior
Pell-eligible
A US citizen or permanent resident
In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a US-accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.

The College Prep Scholars Program is designed to give high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds the tools needed to apply to top colleges. From full scholarships to college summer programs to a supportive community of your peers and other specialized resources, College Prep Scholars get a (free!) head start on the college application process.

Slone Stephen Doc & Glo

October 2025

A Better Financial Future

Application Deadline 1-/31/2025

The Scholarship is open to all residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry. Employees and contractors of LeverEdge Association are ineligible to participate in the Scholarship Program. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.

Selection
One (1) entry will be selected at random at the end of the Scholarship entry window. The drawings will be performed by an employee of LeverEdge Association, whose decisions are final and binding in all matters related to this Scholarship. The winner(s) will be notified via email.

American Culinary Federation (ACF)

American Culinary Federation (ACF

Application Deadline: 10/31/2025

GPA Required: 2.8

Interested in pursuing culinary, pastry, or food service-related careers. The scholarship selection committee looks for well-rounded applicants with a passion for the culinary arts.
Looking for students who

Give back to their communities
Eligible volunteering activities include helping at community charity events, food pantries, and/or culinary clubs.
Students must be involved with ACFEF for at least one full year before applying for their Scholarships.

To apply for this scholarship, CLICK HERE for the application materials before the deadline.

200-word essays
Academic transcript
Two letters of recommendation

Be Bold

Chick-Fil-A Remarkable Future

Defining the Disability

Application Deadline 10/31/2025

GPA required: 3.0 or higher

The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
750 -1,000-word essay response to the prompt: How can disability be defined in today’s world compared to its traditional medical definition? As you explore what disability means to you, share how it has played a role in your life, whether through someone you know or through your own personal experience.
Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.
The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.

Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.

Elks Student of the Month

Elks Student of the Month - Local

Application Deadline: 3/15/2025

Criteria
Applications are judged on a balanced set of accomplishments:

Community Service (40 points) – depth of involvement and impact on the community.
School Activities & Sports (35 points) – participation and leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and athletics.
Academics (25 points) – weighted GPA (grades 10–12), AP test scores (3–5), Allan Hancock College coursework, and class rank.

Application Process
Applicants must submit:

1. A completed nomination form.

2. High school transcripts (need not be official) with AP scores and college coursework.

3. A resume in bullet format listing school activities, sports, awards, and community service.

All applications are due by the 15th of each month (September–April) and should be submitted as a single PDF to Scholarship@elks1538.org. Students may update their application once before March 15, 2026.

For more details and to download the application, visit Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 Scholarships or explore additional opportunities at the Elks National Foundation.

Marc Stirdivant

Marc Stirdivant Scholarship

Application Deadline: 10/16/2025

Essay Scholarship Rules & Prompt: $600 1st Place, $200 2nd Place

How do you envision your role in ensuring that the violations that occurred at TCDS don’t recur? Why should the history of TCDS be preserved?

One essay per person
Maximum 500 words
Double-spaced in .docx format.
Please title your work.
Essay and entry form must be submitted to TCDSscholarship@gmail.com by midnight, October 16, 2025.
Judges will review for originality, writing skill, depth, historic accuracy, and clear action recommendations.
No AI-written or assisted essays will be accepted.

Art Scholarship Rules & Prompt: $600 1st Place $200 2nd Place

Only the oaks stand testament to the civil liberties violations that occurred at the TCDS: no historic buildings exist.

Create Art that will enable people to understand the history of TCDS and feel deeply enough to stop future civil liberty violations.

One art entry per person.Visual Art may originate in the following formats (tif, jpeg, pdf), 600 dpi or greater, and submitted electronically with entry form to TCDSscholarship@gmail.comby midnight, Oct. 16, 2025.
Judges will review art based on originality, artistic expression, and skill, applicability to the history of Tuna Canyon, and adherence to the theme.
No AI-created art will be accepted.

Video Scholarship Rules & Prompt: $600 1st Place $200 2nd Place

Create a video between 1-3 minutes providing reasons to preserve the history of the Tuna Canyon Detention Station. You may use interviews, pictures, and video (with credit) from the TCDS website.

NCAIED Award 40 under 40

Application Deadline:

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must be 39 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026.
Must be an enrolled citizen of a federally or state-recognized Native American tribe, Alaska Native village, Native Hawaiian, or First Nation.

Required Materials
Please submit a total of Three (3) Supporting Documents that support the nomination.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letters of Recommendation (up to two)
Additional verification documents (e.g., awards, achievements, bios)
Official Tribal Enrollment Document - Must be issued by a state or federally recognized tribal community or First Nation. This document verifies the nominee’s citizenship within their Tribal nation(s).

Overcoming Adversity Through Sports

Application Deadline: 10/30/2025

Required GPA or higher: 3.0

Win $2,000 to help with tuition, books, or other college costs. Get a chance to share your story and inspire others. Join a community of resilient student-athletes we’re proud to support.

Who Can Apply? This scholarship is for students who meet the following criteria:

3.0 GPA (provide an unofficial transcript)
High school seniors currently playing a sport (any kind—school, club, or recreational)
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college or university in the U.S.
U.S. citizens
Write a 500- to 700-word essay sharing how sports empowered you to overcome adversity (see below for more details)

Apply using the form on our website by October 30, 2025, and agree to the Terms and Conditions

ROTC Army

Army ROTC

Application Deadline: 10/13/2025

Required GPA 2.5 or higher

Criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be at least 17 and under 31 in the year of commissioning.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying.
Have taken the SAT or ACT.
Take the Army Fitness Test (AFT).
Meet the physical weight and height requirements.
Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

The Music Center's Spotlight 2026

Application Deadline: 10/13/2025

High school students (public, private, online, or homeschool) in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, or San Bernardino Counties
(Ballet students: check the rules page for out-of-state residency exceptions)

Must be enrolled in high school as of Dec. 31, 2025 (not a full-time college student).

If you advance to the Grand Prize Finals, you must be available for the Finals rehearsal (May 15, 2026) and Grand Finale (May 16, 2026).

Categories: Acting, Ballet, Dance, Classical Voice, Non-Classical Voice, Classical Instrumental, and Contemporary Instrumental. You can apply in more than one!

By Applying, You Are Eligible For:

Cash awards
Written feedback from distinguished judges
Mastery classes with world-class artists
Live audition experience & coaching
The Grand Finale performance
College & career preparation
Recognition at school & in the media

New Panel

November 2025

Elks MVS Local

Application Deadline: 11/12/2025

Criteria

Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

Elks Student of the Month

Elks Student of the Month - Local

Application Deadline: 3/15/2025

Criteria
Applications are judged on a balanced set of accomplishments:

Community Service (40 points) – depth of involvement and impact on the community.
School Activities & Sports (35 points) – participation and leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and athletics.
Academics (25 points) – weighted GPA (grades 10–12), AP test scores (3–5), Allan Hancock College coursework, and class rank.

Application Process
Applicants must submit:

1. A completed nomination form.

2. High school transcripts (need not be official) with AP scores and college coursework.

3. A resume in bullet format listing school activities, sports, awards, and community service.

For more details and to download the application, visit Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 Scholarships or explore additional opportunities at the Elks National Foundation.

Hispanic Heritage Youth

Jack Kent Cook Foundation

Application Deadline: 11/12/2025

Criteria:

Complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S territory, or on a U.S. military base and plan to graduate in spring 2026.
Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2026.
GPA – Earn a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.
Test Scores — Submit standardized test score(s) from one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam. There is no minimum score requirement to apply; however, applicants must have taken one (or more) of these tests and submit the score.
Demonstrate Unmet Financial Need – We will consider applicants with a family adjusted gross income up to $95,000. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review, which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.

Allan Hancock College Student Body Government (ASBG)

Application Deadline: 11/6/2026

ALLAN HANCOCK: All applicants receiving the $500 scholarship must complete the following requirements

Fall 2024- enroll in at least 8 units, including the Leadership 111 class in Santa Maria, which meets Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.
The first payment of $250 will be processed if/when the student passes the Leadership 111 class with a C or better and obtains at least a 2.0 GPA.Spring 2025- enroll in at least 8 units, including the Leadership 112 class in Santa Maria, which meets Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 am – 1:50 pm. The second payment of $250 will be processed if/when the student passes the Leadership 112 class with a C or better and obtains at least a 2.0 GPA.

Be Bold

December 2025

Hagan

Application Deadline: 12/1/2026

$2,000 to help pay for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters.

Required GPA: 3.5 or higher

Criteria

Must attend a high school located in the United States.
2. All high school students eligible regardless of nationality.
3. Must be fluent in the English language.
4. Must be in the high school graduating class.
5. Must have achieved an unweighted 3.50 CGPA based on a 4.0 Grading Scale.
6. Must enroll in an eligible four-year College or University the first fall semester following high school graduation.
7. The scholarship cannot be used to attend a community college, junior college, or online institution.
8. Must maintain a four year or less graduation schedule, or complete the equivalent of a four year degree if in a professional program.
9. Must work 240 hours from January 1, 2026 until September 1, 2026. Work must be regularly scheduled employment performed under supervision for compensation. Employment can be full-time or part-time.
10. Applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2024 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $100,000. “Household Income” is defined as the total income received by all adult members of a household living under the same roof.
11. Applicants are not required to provide FAFSA information. Finalists must provide the FAFSA Summary showing the SAI.
12. Must apply for Federal and State grants if eligible.

Elks Student of the Month

Elks Student of the Month - Local

Application Deadline: 3/15/2025

Criteria
Applications are judged on a balanced set of accomplishments:

Community Service (40 points) – depth of involvement and impact on the community.
School Activities & Sports (35 points) – participation and leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and athletics.
Academics (25 points) – weighted GPA (grades 10–12), AP test scores (3–5), Allan Hancock College coursework, and class rank.

Application Process
Applicants must submit:

1. A completed nomination form.

2. High school transcripts (need not be official) with AP scores and college coursework.

3. A resume in bullet format listing school activities, sports, awards, and community service.

For more details and to download the application, visit Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 Scholarships or explore additional opportunities at the Elks National Foundation.

College Raptors

College Rators

Application Deadline: 12/31/2025

Critiria

Have attended school in Santa Barbara County for at least four of the six years between grades 7 and 12.
Graduate or receive a G.E.D. from a Santa Barbara County High School* by June of the current academic year
Plan to attend a Title IV-approved** school full-time in the next academic year
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or AB 540 eligible
Current or previous awards of the Santa Barbara County Court (youth in foster care after the age of 13) residing outside of the county are eligible to apply to our General Scholarship Program.

January 2026

APIA

Application Deadline: 1/15/2026

Scholarships at APIA Scholars are open to all undergraduate students attending U.S.-accredited colleges or universities. Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 one-year awards to $20,000 multi-year awards. APIA Scholars has a focus on supporting students who live at or below the poverty line and are in the first generation of their family to attend college. APIA Scholars has a wide range of scholarship opportunities, including those for students currently attending or planning to attend 2-year as well as 4-year colleges.

Over the last 20 years, we have awarded scholarships to students from all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as from the American Pacific Islands, including Guam, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must:

Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to apply.
Be enrolling or continuing as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in a U.S. accredited college or university in fall 2026. Full-time and part-time degree-seeking students are eligible.

Note: students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply; students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible to apply.

Army OTCR

Army ROTC

Application Deadline: 10/13/2025

Required GPA 2.5 or higher

Criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be at least 17 and under 31 in the year of commissioning.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying.
Have taken the SAT or ACT.
Take the Army Fitness Test (AFT).
Meet the physical weight and height requirements.
Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

Elks Student of the Month

Elks Student of the Month - Local

Application Deadline: 3/15/2025

Criteria
Applications are judged on a balanced set of accomplishments:

Community Service (40 points) – depth of involvement and impact on the community.
School Activities & Sports (35 points) – participation and leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and athletics.
Academics (25 points) – weighted GPA (grades 10–12), AP test scores (3–5), Allan Hancock College coursework, and class rank.

Application Process
Applicants must submit:

1. A completed nomination form.

2. High school transcripts (need not be official) with AP scores and college coursework.

3. A resume in bullet format listing school activities, sports, awards, and community service.

For more details and to download the application, visit Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 Scholarships or explore additional opportunities at the Elks National Foundation.

Bass Pro Shop & Cabela's

Application Deadline: 1/16/2026

Up to $5,000

Criteria

Be a full-time enrolled student as an undergraduate junior or senior at a TMCF member school during the 2026-2027 academic year
Open to designated majors focusing on conservation or sustainability-related fields
Current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Must have the 2026-2027 FAFSA on file at your selected university/college by the time of selection
Must be able to demonstrate a financial need
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551

February 2026

Legacy Award

Application Deadline: Closes 2/2/26

Criteria:

For the 2026 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the Order on or before April 1, 2023, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2023, is eligible to apply. The Elk must have paid Lodge dues for the last two contiguous years through March 31, 2026. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.

The applicant must be a high school senior.

The applicant must apply online only. The 2026 Legacy Awards application deadline is February 2, 2026, 11:59 a.m. Pacific Time.
If the applicant's parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant must select the parent's Elks Lodge on the application.

Students may apply for more than one ENF scholarship; however, they may win only one. In cases where the student wins more than one, we will award the scholarship with the greater value. Students can accept local and state scholarships, which are separate from the awards at the national level.

Legacy Awards may only be applied to accredited US American schools, colleges or universities.

If you are selected as a 2026 Legacy Awards recipient, to further strengthen your connection to the #ElksFamily, you must complete an act of service with a Lodge at least three times during your collegiate career. Click here for more information about serving with the Elks.

Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation

Application Deadline:

GPA 2.5 or higher

Criteria

Have attended school in Santa Barbara County for at least four of the six years between grades 7 and 12
Graduate or receive a G.E.D. from a Santa Barbara County High School* by June of the current academic year
Be planning to attend a Title IV-approved** school full-time in the next academic year
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or AB 540 eligible
Current or previous wards of the Santa Barbara County Court (youth in foster care after the age of 13) residing outside of the county are eligible to apply to our General Scholarship Program.

Santa Barbara P.E.O Chapter HD memorial

Elks Student of the Month

Elks Student of the Month - Local

Application Deadline: 3/15/2025

Criteria
Applications are judged on a balanced set of accomplishments:

Community Service (40 points) – depth of involvement and impact on the community.
School Activities & Sports (35 points) – participation and leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and athletics.
Academics (25 points) – weighted GPA (grades 10–12), AP test scores (3–5), Allan Hancock College coursework, and class rank.

Application Process
Applicants must submit:

1. A completed nomination form.

2. High school transcripts (need not be official) with AP scores and college coursework.

3. A resume in bullet format listing school activities, sports, awards, and community service.

For more details and to download the application, visit Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 Scholarships or explore additional opportunities at the Elks National Foundation.

HSF Scholar 2025

HSF Scholar Program

Application Deadline: 2/15/2026

HSF Scholar Benefits

As an HSF Scholar, you will have access to HSF’s invaluable Scholar Support Services and be eligible to receive a scholarship, depending on available funds.

Every year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants
HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training
Career services include access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners
HSF Scholars are eligible to apply for all Scholar Conferences including, the STEM Summit, Finance Conference, and the Media, Sports & Entertainment Summit
Exclusive access to the HSF Insider which shares invaluable information and career opportunities
Finally, and importantly, HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually and, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which range from $500-$5,000 and are awarded directly to students

Award

Scholars are selected based on merit. Award amounts range from $500 - $5,000, based on relative need.

Eligibility Requirements

The HSF Scholar Program is open to students of all races who identify as being of Hispanic Heritage.
U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students
Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the US, for the 2025-2026 academic year
Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)

Kiwanis

Kiwanis - Local

Application Deadline:

Autobiography:
Please prepare an autobiographical essay of no more than 500 words which includes the following topics:

Qualifications specific to the scholarship(s) for which you are applying
Community involvement, including the Kiwanis Key Club
What are your future educational and career goals? Why?

Checklist for application packets:

The following items should be included in your packet:

No two-sided pages. Do not send a resumé.

Completed application signed by student and parent/guardian

An official high school transcript
An essay (maximum 500 words)
Include one letter of recommendation (required):

Elks Student of the Month

Application Deadline: 3/15/2025

Criteria
Applications are judged on a balanced set of accomplishments:

Community Service (40 points) – depth of involvement and impact on the community.
School Activities & Sports (35 points) – participation and leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and athletics.
Academics (25 points) – weighted GPA (grades 10–12), AP test scores (3–5), Allan Hancock College coursework, and class rank.

Application Process
Applicants must submit:

1. A completed nomination form.

2. High school transcripts (need not be official) with AP scores and college coursework.

3. A resume in bullet format listing school activities, sports, awards, and community service.

For more details and to download the application, visit Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 Scholarships or explore additional opportunities at the Elks National Foundation.

Army OTCR

Army ROTC

Application Deadline: 3/16/2025

Required GPA 2.5 or higher

Criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be at least 17 and under 31 in the year of commissioning.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying.
Have taken the SAT or ACT.
Take the Army Fitness Test (AFT).
Meet the physical weight and height requirements.
Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

April 2026

New Panel

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May 2026

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June

HACU

HACU

Application Deadline: 6/25/2025

Criteria

Students must be enrolled in a college at least 200 miles from their designated home at the time of application.
Students must be in good academic standing as determined by his or her college.
Students must be 18 years old or older at the time of application.

***All federal government regulations related to air travel and Transportation Security Administration rules must be adhered to, including, but not limited to, producing a valid government-issued photo ID for air travel.

Selected students will be required to complete an IRS Form W-9 with the student’s Social Security Number (SSN) or other Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Eligibility for the program will not be limited by race, ethnicity, or national origin