What College Scholarships Are Offered In The Bay Area
Going to college in the Bay Area can be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of scholarships available to help students afford to achieve academic goals. This blog highlights well-known scholarship opportunities in the Bay Area, providing essential details to help you navigate options.
Silicon Valley Community Foundation Scholarships
The Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) offers a wide range of scholarships for graduating high school seniors, current undergraduates, re-entry students, and graduate students. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
Bay Area Community Foundation Scholarships
Each spring, the Bay Area Community Foundation awards over half a million dollars in scholarships to students from Bay and Arenac counties pursuing college or vocational school. With over 140 scholarships available, there are scholarships for graduating seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school.
10,000 Degrees Scholarships
10,000 Degrees is an equity-focused scholarship provider and college success nonprofit in California. They offer scholarships to students with financial need who have a strong passion to pursue higher education. These scholarships are primarily available to students in the Bay Area. Notably, there is no GPA requirement, and many scholarships are renewable.
Making Waves Education Foundation Scholarships
The Making Waves Education Foundation provides need-based scholarships and pairs students with a support system that includes college coaches, financial coordinators, and career specialists. They help students from low-income backgrounds, people of color, and first-generation college students graduate with minimal to no debt and secure their first job.
East Bay Community Foundation Scholarships
The East Bay Community Foundation supports the success of East Bay children and youth through various scholarship funds established for any level of study, from preschool to postgraduate. These funds can cover educational expenses such as tuition, housing, books, supplies, and other fees.
Northern California College Promise Coalition
The Northern California College Promise Coalition (NCCPC) is a regional effort dedicated to helping underrepresented students gain access to college in Northern California. They offer a comprehensive list of scholarships at the local (Bay Area), state, and national levels, including opportunities for undocumented students.
California College Promise Grant
For eligible California residents, the California College Promise Grant permits enrollment fees to be waived at community colleges. This grant is available regardless of the number of credits a student takes and does not have a two-year cutoff. Additionally, students are eligible even if they aren’t first-year students.
Bay Scholars Program
Bay Scholars aims to provide promising low-income scholars across the Bay Area with access to successful private college preparatory high schools through a four-year scholarship. This program serves as a gateway to college and beyond for its scholars.
Oakland Promise Scholarships
Oakland Promise offers scholarships to reduce college costs, particularly for low-income students, to help them complete a college degree or career-technical certificate. Their scholarships cover non-tuition expenses, providing additional financial support.
100 Black Men of the Bay Area Scholarships
Since 1992, the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area have awarded over $2 million to more than 1,000 Bay Area students. In 2024 alone, they awarded $121,000 in scholarships, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of local students.
Get the financial help you need
The Bay Area offers many scholarship opportunities tailored to diverse student needs and backgrounds. By exploring these resources and making sure to adhere to application guidelines and deadlines, students can successfully alleviate the financial burden of higher education. Visit each organization's official website for the most current information and to reach out to them directly with any specific questions or concerns.
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