Apply for a scholarship
The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation presents a number of scholarships and awards annually.
Mary Jo Desio Special Education Scholarship
This fund awards an annual scholarship in the amount of $500 to an individual who is enrolled in a course of study leading to a credential in special education.
Scholarships will primarily be distributed to:
a) Applicants who demonstrate determination and dedication to the field
b) Applicants who demonstrate financial need
* Special consideration in the selection will be given to applicants who are entering a low incidence specialization (i.e. visually impaired) or an area of scarcity (i.e. speech and language, emotional disturbance, etc.).
Applications were due November 2, 2009.
Stephen Moss Donnellan Memorial Scholarship in Journalism
In memory of Stephen Donnellan Moss this journalism scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students at California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). The Scholarship Committee intends to award one scholarship of $500 in 2010.
Kelly McAdams Memorial Scholarship
Established to honor the memory of Kelly McAdams a graduate of our local schools and a life long student with an inquisitive mind. The Scholarship Committee intends to award one scholarship of approximately $1,500 - $2,500 in 2010.
Eligibility:
a) Applicant is currently a senior at a San Luis Obispo County high school and;
b) Applicant is planning to attend full-time at an approved vocational school, community college or four-year college/university during the 2010-11 academic year and;
The qualifying student will exhibit a (1) strong academic record, and (2) demonstration of “Kiwanis” type leadership throughout their high school years by participating in ongoing or multiple volunteer activities whether at school or in the community that focused on service to children and (3) financial need.
Click here to download the application form.
Justin McCutcheon Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Justin McCutcheon this scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior golfer attending a High School in San Luis Obispo or northern Santa Barbara County that participates in the PAC-7 sports league.
Eligibility:
• Senior member of the Golf Team; and
• Holds the record for the lowest stroke average in regular season matches at their school;
• Exemplifies the core values of perseverance, respect and sportsmanship; and
• Planning to continue their education at a vocational school, community college or four year college or university.
Applications are due May 2010.
Click here to download the application form.
Orfalea Renewal Scholarship
This scholarship provides ongoing support for recipients of the 2009 Orfalea Scholarship. Students are currently attending full-time at an approved vocational school, community college, four-year college, or graduate school and planning to enroll in the fall of 2010. The scholarship award is $2,500.
Applications are due January 29, 2010.
Please follow this link to reapply online.
Eligibility:
a) Applicant has evaluated financial need.
In addition to item (a) an applicant must have at least ONE other of the criteria listed below:
b) Applicant has a documented learning difference/is a non-traditional learner; or
c) Applicant is majoring in Nursing or other basic Health field (EMT, Radiology, CNA, etc.); or
d) Applicant is studying Dental Hygiene, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Social Work, or Psychology/Counseling; or
e) Applicant is planning a career in the Teaching field; or
f) Applicant is planning a career in the Early Childhood Education field; or
g) Applicant has demonstrated consistent employment while in school; or
h) Applicant is from a single parent household; or
i) Applicant's parent is employed as a Nurse; or
j) Applicant's parent is employed as a Teacher (Preschool-grade 12); or
k) Applicant's parent is employed at a Non-profit Agency; or
l) Applicant completed the Montana Yellowstone Expeditions summer program
Orfalea Migrant Scholarship
The Orfalea Migrant Scholarship helps the children/dependents of seasonal and migrant farm workers attend vocational school, community college, four-year college, or graduate school. Special consideration will be given to students planning to attend universities with the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded.
Applications are due February 12, 2010.
Click here to download the application form.
Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship
In memory of Richard J. Weyhrich, this scholarship recognizes graduating comprehensive high school seniors as well as continuation high school senior attendees in San Luis Obispo County who demonstrate leadership potential and dedication to serving the community. This year the Community Foundation would like to award a scholarship to one student at each San Luis Obispo County comprehensive high school and one award to an applicant from a San Luis Obispo County continuation high school. Multiple scholarships of $1,250 will be awarded.
Applications are due March 12, 2010.
Click here to download the application form.
Yeager Science Scholarship
This scholarship focuses on students attending either Coast Union High School or Paso Robles High School who will major in physical science or technical area such as chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, engineering, computer science (excludes biological, health, environmental and related areas of life science). A single four year scholarship of $20,000 will be awarded.
Applications are due February 12, 2010.
Click here to download application form.
In addition, the Community Foundation holds a number of scholarship funds on behalf of local organizations or donors. Please contact Angela Hollander for more information about the following funds:
- AVID Region VIII Scholarship
- Gary Grossman Scholarship
- German School Scholarship
- Elkan T. Hart Scholarship Fund
- Frank C. Holt Scholarship Fund
- Gary Paul Piantanida Scholarship
- Wachtang Korisheli Music (SLO County Youth Symphony) Scholarship Fund
- Ian Purdon Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Paso Robles High School Class of '55 Scholarship Program
- Dorothy Ross Memorial Scholarship
- Lauren Tipton Slaughter Scholarship Fund
- Alfred I., Catharine J. & Eleanor G. Switzer College Scholarship
- San Luis Obispo Symphony Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Spirit of the Class of '49 Award Fund
- Brian Waterbury Memorial Scholarship Fund