General Scholarships

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is now accepting applications for the Cal HBCU Program.  The Cal-HBCU Program awards up to $5,000 to participating students who transfer from California Community Colleges (CCC) to eligible, partnered Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and intend to return to California after graduation.  To be eligible for the Cal-HBCU Program, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Be a California Community College student who has earned an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
• Enroll (or plan to enroll) at an eligible HBCU
• Demonstrate unmet financial need
• Intend to return to California after graduating from the Partnered HBCU

Application information:

• Application Deadline: Eligible transfer students must submit an application by June 30, 2026.
• Check your eligibility and get started online on the Cal-HBCU website

Recent graduates of a California public high school may be eligible to receive $500 to $1500 for use towards education expenses. The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), funded by the State of California, is providing eligible students with these funds to promote a college going culture. Eligible student participants may receive awards to use for higher education including $500 automatic deposits in a CalKIDS account for eligible low-income public school students, students identified as foster youth, and students identified as homeless. Deposits may be cumulative for students meeting multiple eligibility requirements.

• Application period: Ongoing until funds are exhausted
• Check your eligibility and get started online on the CalKIDS website

CalWORKs students are invited to share their inspiring stories for the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship from the California Community College CalWORKs Association. The California Community College CalWORKs Association is now accepting applications for the 2026 Student Voices Scholarship. Current CalWORKs students (only) at California Community Colleges can apply. Students needing assistance completing their applications can reach out to the CalWORKs office.

• Application Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025
• Who Can Apply: Current CalWORKs students at California Community Colleges
• Use the CalWORKs Student Voices Application Form to submit your application online

The California Community Colleges Student Financial Aid Administrators Association (CCCSFAAA) Conference Scholarship application is open for the 2026 Spring semester. The scholarship award amount is $500. You must meet the following criteria in order to apply for this scholarship:

• Be enrolled in at least 6.0 units for Spring 2026
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
• Have remaining need of at least $1,000
• Have applied for State and/or Federal Financial Aid

Application information:

• Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
• Use the CCCSFAAA 2025-26 Scholarship Form to submit your application online

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to connect with the thriving community of fellow Scholars.

• Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
• Submit your application at the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Website  

Last Mile invests in the next generation of technology talent and therefore, offers financial assistance to unrepresented students majoring in tech and engineering. Emergency grants up to $599 are typically awarded within a few days. Larger grants (up to $10K) are awarded to students who demonstrate a high degree of need.

• Application Deadline: Until funds are exhausted
• Submit your application online on the Last Mile Education Fund website