Scholarship details
For students seeking financial aid to attend undergraduate or graduate programs at accredited nonprofit colleges or universities. Completing one application will grant students consideration for up to 12 different scholarships. Many scholarships are renewable, providing the consistent support necessary for a student to succeed in college.
The Federation’s College Scholarship Program recognizes the importance of a college degree. An investment in students’ education helps allay mounting student debt and increasingly high tuition. Down the line, an undergraduate degree accounts for nearly $1 million in lifetime earnings. The Federation is in a unique position to bring interested funders to commit to meeting the growing needs of those seeking post-secondary education.
Eligibility
- The Federation’s College Scholarship program includes 12 different scholarships, each with its own eligibility criteria and requirements (see below).
- Most (but not all) scholarships are for Jewish students from the Federation’s service area, which includes the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Marin, Napa, and Sonoma, to attend an undergraduate program based on a combination of need and merit. There are exceptions, so please see the detailed eligibility requirements below.
- Applicants may be eligible for more than one scholarship and may receive more than one award.
- Applicants will be automatically considered for the scholarships for which they are eligible. Applicants need only to submit one application to be considered for multiple scholarships.
- Previous recipients may apply for renewal each year, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria and the fund allows for renewals. Renewals are not guaranteed. If a student is applying for a renewal, they may not apply for a new scholarship.
- Scholarships are for full-time students only, enrolled in 12-plus units per quarter/semester.
Requirements
- Financial need, a minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale, and demonstrated leadership in the Jewish and/or larger community.
- An applicant whose permanent residence is in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties.
Reward Amount
Several awards will be handed out with the maximum being $5,000 and the minimum being $1,500
How to Apply
The application for first-time applicants will require the following information:
- Cumulative transcripts for college or high school.
- Short answer and essay responses
- Two letters of recommendation. You will designate your references in the application and they will be prompted by email to submit a recommendation letter on your behalf. References cannot be a member of your family.
- The first page of your or your family’s federal tax return in the most recent year available
- Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
- Financial aid award letter from the college, listing all grants, loans, and outside awards you received, if you have received it by the application deadline. If this is not available before the application is submitted, you will need to upload these to your application or provide them to the scholarship administrator upon receipt.
Deadline
Applications for the 2022-23 academic year will open in February 2022.
