The 25 Best California Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025
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Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines Aviation Scholarship
- Amount$5,000
- DeadlineAugust 15, 2025
Each year, the Santa Rosa chapter of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots awards a scholarship to a local woman pilot. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funds to be used for a specific rating or certificate in flight training and/or continuing education to further the recipient’s pursuit of a career in aviation. Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old,
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Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program
- Amount$175,224
- DeadlineAugust 30, 2025
The Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program offers full-tuition scholarships to first-generation, underserved college students pursuing their MMS degrees through Chapman University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program. Scholarship Details The program involves the opportunity to graduate in 2 years Alumni work in all kinds of healthcare fields 10 scholarships are awarded each
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Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship
- Amount$2,000
- DeadlineSeptember 1, 2025
The Utom Conservation Fund is managed by a consortium of groups* that are dedicated to protecting the Utom River and its watershed in southern California. 10 grants in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded. Scholarship Details Ten $2,000 scholarships available Open to students residing in the Utom River Watershed Supports students with a passion for the environment and
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Daniel A. Terry Scholarship
- Amount$12,000
- DeadlineSeptember 1, 2025
To be eligible for the Daniel A. Terry Scholarship, an applicant must be the natural or legally adopted child of a California firefighter who died in the line of duty and whose name appears or is approved to appear on the California Firefighters Memorial Wall. Applicants must also be under 27 years of age at the application closing date and must possess a high school diploma or equivalent or be
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AEP Student Scholarships
- Amount$2,000
- DeadlineSeptember 4, 2025
The San Diego Chapter of the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) supports students who are actively engaged in the pursuit of a career in a field with an environmental emphasis. Scholarship Details Up to $2,000 awarded per recipient Includes free admittance to one AEP-sponsored webinar or workshop Award funds may be used for tuition, books, research, or other
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Don & Roy Splawn Charitable Foundation West Scholarship
- Amount$2,750
- DeadlineSeptember 14, 2025
The Don and Roy Splawn Charitable Foundation West Scholarship Grant Program is open to financially disadvantaged students who wish to further their pursuit of post-secondary education; whether it be of an academic or vocational nature. Our goal is to minimally assist and provide a spark of meritorial acknowledgement in the form of monetary funds upon high school graduation and shepherd these
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Sponsoring True Advocacy for Challenged Youth Scholarship
- Amount$1,000
- DeadlineSeptember 15, 2025
The selected applicant(s) will receive up to a $1,000.00 scholarship to help fund their college tuition and/or miscellaneous education expenses. Completing the application will provide the STACY Board members with information about each applicant. Scholarship Details Scholarship amount: Up to $1,000 Funds may be used for tuition or miscellaneous education expenses Selection is
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Orangewood Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
- Amount$5,900
- DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025
Orangewood Foundation’s Scholarship provides financial assistance to current and former Orange County, CA, foster youth engaging in the pursuit of higher education. Students may apply once a year until they obtain their Bachelor’s degree (if that is the goal) or until they reach max funding of $25,000 in total. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Not all applicants are eligible.
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National Rice Month Scholarship Contest
- Amount$5,000
- DeadlineOctober 15, 2025
National Rice Month celebrates the harvest of U.S.-grown rice, a small but mighty grain that has been a staple in American diets for over 300 years. Nearly 85% of the rice consumed in the U.S. is grown on family farms across six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. This scholarship allows you to share the importance of rice through a creative and original
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Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarships Program
- Amount$5,000
- DeadlineOctober 15, 2025
As part of its commitment to self-determination, cultural preservation, and service to its people, the Hopi Tribe offers a variety of scholarships and grants to support enrolled members pursuing higher education. These awards are designed to assist students at all academic levels, from recent high school graduates to graduate and professional degree candidates. Scholarship Details BIA
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Mel C. Marshall Student Scholarship
- Amount$500
- DeadlineOctober 31, 2025
CPCA was formed in 1990 by a group of precast concrete manufacturers who felt a local organization was necessary to address matters of concern to the precast concrete industry in California. Now, well into the third decade of service to its members, the focus of CPCA remains on the advancement of quality, precast products. CPCA operates as a non-profit California corporation, and it maintains a
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Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship
- Amount$10,000
- DeadlineNovember 3, 2025
The Good Tidings Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) children’s charity, is dedicated to uplifting marginalized children in the Bay Area. Our mission is to create spaces for athletics, artistic activities, education, and wonder, offering opportunities for growth that transcend financial status, ethnic origin, or religion. The $10,000 scholarship check will be dispersed evenly over the course of 4
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Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
- Amount$6,251
- DeadlineNovember 15, 2025
At the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, we believe that students need and deserve education beyond high school, and that every motivated student should have the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education. We have been supporting students in their higher education goals since 1962. After careful review of the applications and the more than 500 scholarship funds we manage, we provide
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A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Scholarship
- Amount$2,000
- DeadlineNovember 15, 2025
The A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Memorial Foundation awards scholarships to students with a personal or family involvement in Arizona or California agriculture. Established in 1985, the A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Memorial Foundation has awarded nearly 300 scholarships over the years — all of which have been presented to students connected to the farming industry, including many of whom are the first in their
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University of California- San Diego Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Amount$20,000
- DeadlineNovember 30, 2025
Throughout their generosity, the University of California- San Diego offers numerous scholarships to students. Scholarships are gift aid, money you do not have to repay. Scholarships are awarded for either academic merit only, or merit and additional criteria such as major of interest, leadership, or financial need. First-year merit scholarships are based solely on academic achievement as
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University of California- Irvine Regents’ Scholarship
- Amount$1,000
- DeadlineNovember 30, 2025
The Regents’ Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships UC Irvine offers to freshmen entering from high school and transfer students entering from a California community college. This scholarship is renewable for 3 years for freshmen and 1 year for transfer as long as eligibility requirements are met. To be eligible for the Regents’ Scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen, an
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University of California – Irvine Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship
- Amount$1,000
- DeadlineNovember 30, 2025
The Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships UC Irvine offers to freshmen entering from high school and transfer students entering from a California community college. This scholarship is renewable for one additional year as long as eligibility requirements are met. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen, an eligible non-citizen, an
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Theodore J. and F. Elizabeth Kirsch Southern California Scholarship
- AmountVaries
- DeadlineDecember 1, 2025
The Theodore J. and F. Elizabeth Kirsch Southern California endowed scholarship may be offered to first-year students who reside and attend public high school in the California communities of San Jose, San Mateo, and Palm Desert. Scholarship and scholarship amounts are based upon available funds and are renewable (dollar amounts will thus vary). Applicant must be a First-year admitted student
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Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship
- Amount$1,000
- DeadlineDecember 16, 2025
Each year, our panel of professional musicians awards three California music students monetary awards to further their jazz education and music programs. The winners are also hired throughout the coming year to perform at JATB events. All applicants are invited to free concerts and workshops throughout the school year. The competition is open to high school jazz instrumentalists in California.
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BIA Cares Scholarships
- AmountVaries
- DeadlineJanuary 3, 2026
BIA CARES, the charitable foundation of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County, awards scholarships to high school, college and trade school students who are seeking a career in the building industry. Students, must be full time, from San Diego County or going to school in San Diego and be pursuing a career such as a developer, contractor, architect, civil/structural/soils
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Rotary Scholarship for Camarillo, CA
- Amount$1,000
- DeadlineJanuary 15, 2026
For more than 50 years, the Rotary Club of Camarillo has been actively supporting several community organizations, including Casa Pacifica, The Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, and The Camarillo Family YMCA. One of our goals is to provide scholarships for qualified Graduating Seniors and Vocational/Re-Entry students with financial need living in Camarillo (Zip Codes 93010, 93012, 93066) and the
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Joan Johnson Graduate Fellowship Award
- Amount$3,500
- DeadlineJanuary 17, 2026
Soroptimist International of Los Angeles provides educational awards to outstanding women, offering financial support for their graduate degree programs. Below are the qualifications, requirements, and timeline for the award. Scholarship Details Award amount: $3,500 For the academic year immediately following the scholarship application deadline Eligibility Criteria Enrollment
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Sacramento Press Club Journalism Scholarships
- Amount$8,000
- DeadlineJanuary 19, 2026
To be eligible for the Sacramento Press Club Journalism Scholarships, applicants must: be college students who will be juniors, seniors or graduate students for at least one term in the upcoming academic year; and have a connection to the nine-county Sacramento region (either by having residency there, attending a college/university there, or demonstrating an interest in covering news of the
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Edison Scholars Program
- Amount$50,000
- DeadlineJanuary 23, 2026
The Edison Scholars Program recognizes students who want to be makers of tomorrow — the dreamers, inventors, guardians and pioneers — those who dare to be great. Edison International will award $50,000 college scholarships to 30 high school seniors to help them follow their dreams in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) and empower them to change the world. This is a chance for
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California Assn. of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation
- Amount$2,500
- DeadlineJanuary 30, 2026
The California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation (CACESF) offers up to $2,500 to high school juniors and seniors in California. The application consists of an essay on the topic of managing college finances; 3 awards are available. Scholarship Details 3 winners will be chosen to receive $1,500, $2,000, or $2,500 for third, second, and first place awards
What are California Scholarships?
California scholarships are scholarships given to college students who are either from California or who attend school in California. Some of these scholarships are only available for those who meet both requirements, while others only require one or the other.
A great way to find scholarships is to look for ones with eligibility criteria particular to your interests, skills, and other attributes. State-based scholarships, like California scholarships, are a perfect example of how to narrow your search and increase your chances of finding and winning scholarships.
Some California scholarships may require that students major in a specific field or be part of a particular ethnic, racial, or minority group. Oftentimes, California residency is only one of several criteria required for qualification, which is why creating a free account on Scholarships.com is a great way to find scholarships that fit you specifically.
How to apply for California scholarships
One of the most important when it comes to location-based scholarships is figuring out whether or not you qualify. For example, your eligibility may vary depending on whether you attend a school in California, plan to enroll in a college or university in California, or are a resident of California. Some of these scholarships require you to meet all three qualifications while others only need you to fit one or two. Select scholarships might also be restricted to students from particular counties or regions in California.
Many of these scholarships, especially ones with need-based components, require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have not yet filled out the FAFSA, then you might not qualify for a given scholarship.
Submitting the FAFSA does not mean you have to take out federal student loans; it just means that you are sending your financial information to the schools, grants, and scholarships you are applying to so that they can decide what kind of financial aid you are eligible for.
What are the best California scholarships?
The best scholarship for you will vary depending on your personal experiences, qualities, location, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, scholarships that are geared toward a smaller segment of that population, of which you are also a part, will be easier to win as there will likely be fewer applicants.
For example, the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship supports minority students studying law. This award provides 110 scholarships who have been admitted to any law school in the Bay Area.
Other scholarships may only apply to students attending particular institutions. The University of California- Berkeley Achievement Award Program presents high-achieving, community-minded students from low-income backgrounds up to $32,000. Winners will also connect with Alumni Scholars, Cal alumni, and staff.
As it may be difficult to meet a given scholarship’s niche requirements, it is worthwhile to look into scholarships that pull from larger applicant pools as well. For example, The ACEC California Scholarships provide yearly awards ranging in value from $1,000 to $10,000. Students just need to be studying engineering at any university in California to be eligible. Both U.S. citizens and international students are encouraged to apply.
Applying to all different types of scholarships you are eligible for, no matter how narrow or broad their qualifications, will increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship and open the door to new opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about California scholarships
How do I find California scholarships?
When you create a free account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to you, including those for students who are residents of California or attend or plan to attend institutions in California. However, if you prefer to use our scholarship directory, you can search for awards in specific categories without making an account.
What other types of scholarships could I be eligible for?
Brainstorm unique qualities and experiences you have and try to find awards that suit those characteristics. You can search for scholarships related to your race, ethnicity, or other distinguishing factors. There are also many scholarships based on your school year, the county you’re from, or even just an unusual quality or interest you have.
Do all California scholarships have a need-based component?
Just like other kinds of scholarships, California scholarships may be based on need, merit, or both. If the scholarship you are applying for has a need-based component, you may be required to complete the FAFSA or submit a copy of your tax return to qualify. However, many scholarships are only based on merit or another defining factor.
What are the best scholarships for California high school seniors?
There are many scholarships available for high school seniors, including those that attend high schools in California. Like many other awards, these scholarships may also have their own specific eligibility requirements.
For example, California high school seniors with an interest in the medical field can apply for PAFMG Annual Pre-Med Scholarship Awards. Applicants must also anticipate a career as a medical doctor, demonstrate financial need, and live in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz County.
Other scholarships are based on ethnicity. Californian high school seniors of at least 50% Filipino heritage can apply to the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund. Those who are of Jewish descent and live in parts of Northern and Central California may be eligible for the JCF Nathan J. and Virginia H. Friedman College Scholarship.
Other scholarships are only offered to California high school seniors from specific counties. For example, the Jeffrey D. Sollender Scholarship is available to those in San Diego County and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program is only for students that live in Ventura County.
What are the best scholarships for California high school juniors?
Although there are many scholarships available for high school juniors, many of these awards apply to other grade levels, as well. For example, the California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to both California high school juniors and seniors.
The Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship is open to California High school students of every grade level who are also Jazz instrumentalists. While it’s a good idea to find specific scholarships to your grade level, also make sure you apply to types with broader requirements, too.