Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
Each scholarship has it's own application process, deadline, and criteria. Please read carefully.
Class of 2024 - Juniors
California public high schools are required to submit a Cal Grant high school Grade Point Average (GPA) for all graduating seniors, unless the student or parent has opted out of the submission process. If you would like to opt out, please complete the Cal Grant GPA Opt Out Form and submit it to the CCC. More information about the Cal Grant is available on the California Student Aid Commission Website.
Optimist Club of Playa Vista-2024 Scholarship
Our mission is to assist young, motivated students in their quest to obtain a higher education by awarding two students with a one-time scholarship award of $1000 each*. These scholarships are open to HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS who have been accepted by a college or educational institution. Deadline to submit is May 15, 2024 Click HERE for more information and application.
Mira Costa “Heart of the Band” Scholarship
Mira Costa Band Alumni are awarding $1500 scholarship to recognize and reward outstanding dedication to the Mira Costa Bands, focusing on compassion, community building, dedication and commitment, and genuine love for the band community.
Applicant must be a graduating senior who is currently a member of the Marching Band and Colorguard program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who has participated in the MC Bands program for at least 3 years. Three essays of no more than 200 words each are required. Application deadline is 3/1/24.
More detailed application criteria is listed in the application which can be found here.
The Exceptional Kids Organization- Beth Muraida Scholarship 2024
Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be age 23 years or younger and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
B) Be a child/adopted or stepchild of an active duty, retired or veteran member of USAF, ANG or AFRC. Deadline is March 31, 2024
Applications can be found by going to: https://hqamf.org/scholarships
APWA - Southern California Chapter 2024 Scholarship Program-Will be awarding scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to a limited number of graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college or trade/technical school students majoring in a Public Works related field.
Important Dates:For more information go to: http://southernca.apwa.net/PageDetails/11655Apply now at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DhGAVgWzhfaR7-yEpNe_2XaX-ln9UvEH/view
Asian Pacific Community Fund Scholarships
APCF has multiple scholarship awards to give to eligible high school seniors. For more information and to access applications, go to:
https://www.apcf.org/currently-open-student-scholarships
CA Jaycee Foundation
The California Jaycees Foundation Scholarship program provides scholastic funding to eligible
High School Seniors who will continue their education at any accredited college or vocational school in the United States.
In 2024,Scholarship awards will be given in increments of $1,000. Three recipients of the California Jaycee Foundation scholarships will be forwarded to the United States JCI Senate
Foundation Scholarship Program Review Committee for participation in that program as well, two (2) for scholastic
scholarships and one (1) for vocational/industrial, for a possible additional $1,500 scholarship.
2024 Scholarship application information is available NOW via this website link:
http://usjcisenate.org/index.php/scholarship-program
All application packages must be postmarked by January 19,2024, or they cannot be considered. For more information please see flyer on the right side of this page.
California PTA Scholarship
California State PTA has two $500 scholarships available for graduating seniors. Deadline to enter is February 23, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST. These scholarships are different from those offered by our Mira Costa PTSA, however applicants must be Costa PTSA members to apply. Click on the link below for more information and to apply:
https://capta.org/programs-events/scholarships/graduating-high-school-seniors/
The Christermon Foundation - Beverage Industry College Scholarship
Scholarship for graduating high school seniors who plan on attending a four year college/university in the U.S. in the Fall of 2024. Requirements to apply: Must be affiliated with the California licensed beverage industry through a parent or grandparent's current employment with a company holding a valid liquor, beer, or wine license. Examples include retailers, airlines, restaurants, hotels, suppliers, distributors, breweries, wineries, etc. Visit www.christermon.com for more information. Applications must be postmarked on or before February 15, 2024.
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution - Chapter Scholarship
The members of El Redondo Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, invite your seniors to apply for our annual chapter scholarship. The chapter has been actively involved in the community since 1947 with special projects that help students and veterans. Last year the chapter awarded three $1,000 chapter scholarships to local seniors in our community. We encourage your seniors to apply using the attached application form which can be mailed (either electronically or via USPS) to the Scholarship Co-Chair. All applicants will be notified of the chapter’s selection sometime in May. For more information, email Emily Wood at: [email protected]
For more DAR Scholarship opportunities go to:https://elredondo.californiadar.org/chapter-activities-and-projects/contests-and-awards
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship- Rolling Hills Palos Verdes Alumnae Chapter
This scholarship is for graduating female or male senior of African American ancestry. The scholarship will be awarded to selected high achieving students who will be graduating from high school by June of this academic year. Application deadline is March 31,2024 . https://www.rhpvacdst.com/scholarships
If you have any questions, please email us or refer to our website at www.rhpvacdst.com
Distinguished Young Women of Los Angeles County Scholarship - FOR JUNIORS!
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls, making available over $1 Billion in scholarships every year. Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future.
The Distinguished Young Women of Los Angeles County Scholarship Program for the Class of 2025 will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Please note the deadline to apply is Friday February 2, 2024. and there is absolutely NO COST to participate in Distinguished Young Women. The young women selected to represent Los Angeles County will receive a cash scholarship and the opportunity to compete for $40,000 in cash scholarships at the Distinguished Young Women of California program in the summer of 2024. All local participants are eligible for scholarships from participating universities, just by participating in the program!
Interested young women can fill out the application on our website: https://www.distinguishedyw.org/
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]
Edison Scholars
The 2024 Edison Scholars application is for high school seniors who want to make a difference in the world by studying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) can apply for a $50,000 college scholarship to help reach their goals. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to increasing access to solar power in disadvantaged communities, real issues need bright ideas to create change. This is a chance for students to stand up, advance their education, and be part of the solution.
Who Can Apply:
- Live in Southern California Edison’s service territory
- Be a high school senior with at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Plan to pursue studies in eligible STEM fields at a four-year accredited college or university
- Show financial need
- Plan to attend a four-year college or university and pursue studies in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM)
Application deadline: January 23, 2024 8:00 PM Pacific Time
Learn more at edisonscholars.com
Or contact [email protected] for more information
The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The 2024 MVS application is now closed. Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The application deadline is November 13th, 2023. The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year. The national awards will announced in April 2023. MVS scholarship applicants will also be eligible to receive a scholarship from our Lodge, District and/or State.
MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university next school year. Some important applicant details include:
*Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
* Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
*Male and female students compete separately.
Applicants select from a list of the Lodges closest to their home address zip code. Please have your students choose Redondo Beach Elks Lodge #1378 as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.
Educational Theatre Association Scholarship
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a graduating high school senior.
B) Be currently participating in Theatre or Film in school or the community.
Applications can be found by going to:https://schooltheatre.org/scholarships/
The Hagan Scholarship
A Nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to graduate college debt-free. Selected Eligibility Requirements: Must attend a public high school that is governed by a school district, Must have a 3.5 GPA, must enroll in an eligible college or university for the first semester following graduation.
Please visit website for full information click HERE Application Deadline is March 1, 2024!
JACL Greater Los Angeles Chapter Scholarships
JACL Los Angeles offers several scholarships you can view them HERE
If you have any questions, please contact the South Bay JACL's Scholarship Chair, Raymond Shibata, by addressing him at [email protected] or contact us.
If you are interested in Scholarships through the National JACL, click here
The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc Scholarship - JUNIORS
If integrity, determination, and courage describe you - you have what it takes to be a Horatio Alger Scholar. To qualify you must have at least a 2.0 GPA and require financial assistance to attend college. To learn more and apply, visit: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/ The application is open December 1, 2023 and closes March 15,2024 for high school Juniors
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship
Applications are received from students in public as well as Catholic high schools in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Illinois. To apply, students must achieve a total cumulative GPA (3½ years) of at least 3.2 and meet one of the following:
*Are Roman Catholic and of Italian Descent and live within the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Arizona, California, Illinois and Nevada, only where Branches of the Federation are established; or,
*Are Roman Catholic but need not be of Italian Descent or live where Branches of the Federation are established if either Roman Catholic parent, guardian or grandparent is a member of the “Italian Catholic Federation"
Click here for more information.
Application deadline is April 1, 2024
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides four-year scholarships of $30,000 and extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement, to highly motivated African American students who are currently high school seniors. Please click HERE for more information. The application closes at 5:00pm ET on January 10, 2024
Kinecta Federal Credit Union Scholarships
Kinecta is offering scholarships for high school seniors planning on attending an accredited college. Application deadline: March 1, 2024
Full details and application can be found online: https://www.kinecta.org/community/scholarships?utm_source=total_expert&utm_medium=members_only_email&utm_campaign=kin_2023scholarshipsgrants
LA Military Charitable Fund (LAMCF) Scholarship program.
The 2024 LAMCF Scholarship program for graduating high school seniors who are dependents of an Armed Forces member or Department of Defense civilian is accepting applications from December 1, 2023-February 28,2024 . Eligible students can download the eligibility requirements and an application at https://lamcf.weebly.com. Last year, LAMCF awarded $29,500 in scholarships.
The Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship Program
*High school graduates (or GED equivalent) with less than a bachelor’s degree OR high school seniors
*Planning to enroll part-time or full-time at an accredited vocational technical school, trade school, two-year community or state college for the 2024-2025 academic year
Pursuing an associate degree, credit-bearing certificate or an industry-recognized credential in one of the specified fields of study.
To learn more, visit https://lockheedmartin.com/vocational
Navy ROTC Scholarship
The purpose of the Navy ROTC Program is to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy's unrestricted line, the Navy Nurse Corps and the Marine Corps. As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. Selected applicants for the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.
Full information concerning the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program is available from NC1 Geovanni Vela
at [email protected] or 310-462-1378
Nursing Specific Financial Aid:
- Financial Aid Guide for Nurses: https://www.nursing.org/resources/financial-aid/
- Financial Aid Guide for Minority Students: https://www.nursing.org/resources/financial-aid-for-minority-students/
Optimist Club of Playa Vista Scholarship
Playa Vista Optimists Essay ContestThe Playa Vista Optimists Essay Contest is now seeking entries for the Optimist International 2023-24 Essay Contest. The contest affords young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The Club winner will receive a $300 stipend and will advance to the District contest. District winners are awarded a plaque and a $2500 college scholarship funded by Optimist International Foundation.Topic: : "Optimism: How it Connects Us”Who: Youth under age 19 as of 10/1/23. There is no minimum age. Deadline: January 29,2024 - Questions - email: [email protected]
SoCalGas Scholarship Program
The SoCalGas Scholarship Program will open February 5,2024 ! This year, up to $315,000 will be awarded to students attending four-year university, community college or trade school. Please see the program details below:
4-Year University Program – 15 awards in the amount of $5,000 each. Scholarship can be renewed for 3 more years, totaling $20,000 over the course of four years of study.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Live in the SoCalGas service territory
- Plan to attend a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. for the 2023/2024 academic year.
- Plan to enroll in an eligible major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Finance, Accounting. Medical-related fields are not eligible.
- Demonstrate financial need.
Community College or Trade School Program – 15 awards in the amount of $1,000. Scholarships are not renewable, but students are able to re-apply the following year.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior or current college undergraduate with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Live in the SoCalGas service territory
- Plan to attend a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year college or trade school in the U.S. for the 2023/2024 academic year.
- Plan to enroll in an eligible major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Plumbing, Electrical HVAC, or Welding. Medical-related fields are not eligible.
- Demonstrate financial need
For more information about how to apply visit SoCalGas Scholarship Program | SoCalGas
South Bay Panhellenic Association Scholarships
Scholarships shall be awarded annually to female graduates of high schools in the South Bay area who plan to attend a four-year institution where National Panhellenic Conference sororities (NPC) are established. The Panhellenic Alumnae South Bay Association (PASBA) is a 501C3 non-profit corporation and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its scholarship program. The PASBA scholarship is to encourage sorority membership among entering freshman women,
however joining a sorority is not a requirement of this scholarship award. The scholarship award
shall be for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarship Awards will be paid directly to Universities
per NPC guidelinesThe applicant must be a resident of the South Bay. The applicant must meet the minimum scholarship requirement of a 3.5 unweighted grade point average, based on the 4.0 system. The applicant will be judged on the basis of academic excellence, character, participation in school and community/cultural activities, and financial need.Completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 24, 2023.More information and application is attached to the right side of this page - or access the electronic application at: www.southbaypanhellenic.comQuestions – email [email protected].
Sandpipers Scholarship 2024
High school seniors living in the South Bay (both citizens and eligible non-citizens as defined by the U.S. Department of Education) are eligible to apply for a Sandpipers Scholarship for the 2023-24 school year.
For the 2021-2022 school year, Sandpipers awarded more than $300,000 to 55 college students (Freshmen – Senior years). Each student received a minimum of $500 with some receiving as much as $10,000 for the school year. This amount is based on their outstanding financial need from their FAFSA report. Detailed eligibility requirements are stated below.
High school seniors meeting all eligibility requirements below may apply for a Sandpipers Scholarship.
-U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education in The Student Guide)
-Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
-Permanent resident of the South Bay area of Southern California (roughly bounded by the 105 and 110 freeways
-Students residing outside the South Bay area are eligible if they attend a high school in the defined South Bay area
-Demonstrate a financial need
This year, applicants need to provide their FAFSA that lists their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC.) If they did not do the FAFSA, then they will need to upload their parent/guardian(s) tax return, with all social security numbers crossed off.
The Sandpipers Scholarship Committee conducts a rigorous review of ALL applications. Sandpipers will select up to 20 candidates to meet with the Sandpipers Scholarship Committee for virtual interviews. From those 20 students interviewed, the Committee will select between 12-14 students as Sandpipers Scholarship recipients for 2023-24.
We base our selection of our scholarship recipients on the following:
-Students’ community and school involvement
-Academic achievement
-Leadership
-Financial need
-Personal commitment to financially contribute to their own education via work-study, part-time employment, etc.
*Note: children and grandchildren of Sandpipers’ members are not eligible.
The entire Sandpipers Scholarship Application is online. https://www.sandpipers.org/scholarships
All applications are due on February 7, 2024 at 5:00 PM, no exceptions. Students are advised to submit their applications early.
South Bay Japanese American Citizen League Scholarships
All qualified high school seniors are encouraged to apply for the 2023 Scholarships offered by the South Bay Japanese American Citizen League (SBJACL).
Scholarships are open to all students of Japanese American ancestry residing in the South Bay JACL Chapter area and a member of the JACL. Scholarship applicants must be planning or currently attending a college or university.
Please visit the South Bay JACL website https://www.sbjacl.org/sb-jacl-scholarship or see brochure attached to this page for more information.
Applications must be postmarked and mailed to SBJACL Chapter All materials must be submitted no later than: April 1, 2024
Send the completed application to: [email protected]
Vietnam Veterans of America – Annual Scholarship Essay Program
Vietnam Veterans of America South Bay Chapter 53 is proud to announce our Annual Scholarship Program for graduating high school students. Since 1995 we have been awarding scholarships to graduating seniors from local South Bay area high schools. In addition to encouraging and supporting continued education, we are trying to heighten awareness of the Vietnam War, the men and women who served during that period, and the huge impact it has made on the United States, both then and now. This year Chapter 53 will again award scholarships of $1,000 to selected college- or technical-school- bound South Bay area high school seniors.
Applicants must submit an essay on a Vietnam Era Veteran, defined as any Veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty, for other than training purposes, either 1) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1955 and May 7, 1975 or 2) in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.
Essays must be received before April 7, 2024 by 11:59 PM Click HERE for more information
Women's Leadership Scholarship from KPMG
The KPMG Future Leaders Program is a charitable initiative focused on developing future generations of women leaders. Funded by proceeds from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, the KPMG Future Leaders Program annually awards twenty-two top female high school seniors the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through college scholarships, a leadership development retreat, mentorship, and an introduction to golf. The program’s main purpose is to help these young women continue to build a strong foundation and instill the confidence and leadership ability they need to succeed in college and ultimately in their long-term careers.
Selected KPMG Future Leader Recipients receive:
- An annual scholarship of $10,000 per year for 4 years of college
- A KPMG Future Leaders Retreat that will focus on leadership training, career development, and the college transition. *Please note, we are hoping to plan for an in-person retreat in Summer 2024, however the health and safety of our participants is top priority. We will continue to assess the situation and will consider a virtual model if necessary.
- A pairing with a mentor for one year; the mentor being a female executive that attended the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit.
Applicant criteria includes:
- High school female senior planning to enroll in a 4-year undergraduate program for the upcoming 2024 fall semester
- Proven track record of academic excellence and leadership potential
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
- Interest in a business or STEM academic track
- Demonstrates a significant financial need
- Letter of recommendation from a nonprofit/community organization
When applying to Colleges, consider those who give merit based scholarships, awards based on merit rather than need. Information is found on the College website or by contacting their Office of Financial Aid. Be aware of any early application deadlines in order to be eligible for merit scholarship consideration.
Below is a list of online resources and search engines for scholarships:
You can search for scholarships under the "College" tab on your Naviance account
Fast Web –very large database of free scholarships
MyScholly (app and website)
$2.99 membership to access this search engine. User friendly search engine and mobile friendly (download the Scholly app).
Cappex - a scholarship search engine and comprehensive database of MERIT based aid available at each college. Create an account to find merit money at colleges and universities across the U.S.
CollegeData Scholarship Search
College Data - This free scholarship search allows students to save results in a “data locker”.
This website includes financial aid information and over $500k dollars in featured & segmented scholarships for those pursuing a career in the computer science field.
Unigo (formerly Scholarship Experts). Comprehensive, free online scholarship search available to students, parents, and educators.
The College Board’s free scholarship search utilizes a database of more than 2,300 sources of college funding totaling almost $3 billion in scholarships and aid.
Website with financial aid resources, free scholarship searches, and personalized scholarship application letters.
College Tool Kit -search for scholarships by geography, heritage, religion, extra curriculars, family affiliation, high school, or scholarship name.
A scholarship database of 3,0000 sources worth up to $3 billion.
Scholarship Buddy California focuses on providing scholarship information to high school and college students in the state of California.
The MBUSD Governing Board desires to provide a safe school environment that allows all students equal access and opportunities in the district's academic, extracurricular, and other educational support programs, services, and activities. The Board prohibits, at any district school or school activity, unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying, targeted at any student by anyone, based on the student's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, immigration status, nationality, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.