Scholarship Opportunities

The Community Foundation's scholarship program began eight years ago, and as of 2011, has awarded more than 600 scholarships, worth more than $1 million, to local students. This year alone, the Community Foundation is awarding more than 60 scholarships valued at nearly $200,000.

The impact of these scholarships is best shared by comments from a Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship recipient, Alexander Mueller, from Nipomo. “Thanks to your generous support, I am the first in my family to attend college. Growing up in the Nipomo community has presented academic challenges, but it is these hardships that have made me realize how important a college education is in this economy. This scholarship is helping my college career move forward, and I hope to show my community further support in adulthood.”

The Community Foundation presents the following scholarships annually:

Orfalea Scholarship

Provides scholarship assistance to deserving students from San Luis Obispo County.

Eligibility:
a) Applicant was a renewal recipient of the Orfalea Scholarship for 2011-12 school year.
b) Applicant is currently attending full-time at an approved vocational school, community college, four-year college, or graduate school.
c) Applicant has evaluated financial need.

The scholarship committee intends to award multiple scholarships of $2,500.

Application Deadline: January 27, 2012
Application link

Dennis T. Collins/Thomas D. Salisbury Troop 60 Eagle Scout Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Dennis T.Collins /Thomas D. Salisbury Troop 60 Eagle Scout Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide an educational scholarship fund for the benefit of Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 60 of Paso Robles, California, in memory of former Scoutmasters Dennis Collins and Thomas Salisbury.

Eligibility:
A candidate must be an Eagle Scout from Paso Robles Troop 60. He must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and will be using the award at a four year college to which he has been accepted, either directly following high school, as a transferee from a community college, or if currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a four year college. A break in his schooling due to military service or work experience, for health-related issues, or for volunteer service, ministry or travel does not render the otherwise qualified Eagle Scout from Troop 60 ineligible.

The scholarship committee intends to award at least one $500 scholarship.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2012
Application link

David B. Gianas Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of David B. Gianas this educational scholarship is for students at Atascadero or Del Rio Continuation high schools with documented special needs. It benefits students who, because of their unique differences, find achieving their educational goals difficult because of the lack of encouragement and/or financial resources. Through this scholarship, Margaret A. Krause seeks to create a “helping hand” to the type of students her husband taught and mentored. He lifted the spirits of those who were hurting and needed support, and reminded them that they didn’t have to lose their personality to be loved and respected in the world.

Eligibility:
a) Students in their senior year attending either Atascadero High School or Del Rio Continuation high school.
b) Students must have (or have had) an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan and have attended Atascadero Junior High School.
c) Students must have an educational plan which includes full-time enrollment at an approved two-year community college, vocational or trade school, or four year university upon completion of high school.
d) Applicant has evaluated financial need.

The Scholarship Committee intends to award at least three (3) $1,000-$1,500 scholarships to high school or renewal candidates in 2012.

Application Deadline: March 3, 2012
Application link (PDF)

Kelly A. McAdams Memorial Scholarship

The Kelly A. McAdams Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor the memory of Kelly A. McAdams, a graduate of our local schools and a life long student with an inquisitive mind. Renewal awards are intended to support past recipients from San Luis Obispo County.

Eligibility:
a) Applicant was a 2011 recipient of a Kelly A. McAdams Memorial Scholarship.
b) Applicant is currently attending full-time at an approved vocational school, community college or four-year college/university during the 2011-12 academic year and;
c) The qualifying student will exhibit a (1) strong academic record, and (2) demonstration of leadership potential and (3) evaluated financial need.

The Scholarship Committee intends to award multiple $1,500 - $2,500 scholarships to renewal candidates in 2012.

Application Deadline: January 27, 2012
Application link

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:
a) Applicant is a senior class member of their school’s Golf Team; and
b) Holds the record for the lowest stroke average in regular season matches at their school;
c) Exemplifies the core values of perseverance, respect and sportsmanship; and
d) Planning to continue their education at a vocational school, community college or four year college or university.

The scholarship committee intends to award one $1,000 scholarship.

Application Deadline: May 2012
Application: See your school’s Athletic Director or contact Angela Hollander for an application.

Stephen Donnellan Moss Scholarship in Journalism

The Stephen Donnellan Moss Memorial Scholarship in Journalism Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students at California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly).

Eligibility:
Applicant must be currently attending Cal Poly as a full-time student majoring in Journalism and pursuing a News Editorial or Broadcast track.
In addition, an applicant must meet the following criteria listed:
a) Applicant must be a member of the sophomore class or higher;
b) Applicant has a demonstrated commitment to journalism beyond academic achievement;
c) Applicant demonstrates a commitment to the San Luis Obispo County community;
d) Applicant describes career intentions in essay format; Applicant has evaluated financial need.

The Scholarship Committee intends to award one $1,500 in 2012

Application Deadline: April 6, 2012
Application link

Paso Robles High School Class of '55 Scholarship

The Paso Robles High School Class of ‘55 Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to seniors graduating from Paso Robles High School.

Eligibility:
a) Applicant is currently a senior at a Paso Robles High School;
b) Applicant is planning to attend full-time at an accredited community college, trade or technical school or four-year college/university during the 2012-13 academic year;
c) Applicant is a U.S. citizen;
d) The qualifying student will exhibit (1) evaluated financial need (2) scholarship and (3) citizenship.

The Scholarship Committee intends to award two $1,000 scholarships.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2012
Application link

2012 Yeager Science Scholarship

The Yeager Science Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support to students graduating from Coast Union or Paso Robles High School. The four year scholarship's purpose is to make a positive difference in the life of the recipient (and thereby also in the larger society). It is targeted especially at students who, because of being economically/culturally disadvantaged, would find attending college difficult/unlikely without the encouragement and financial help provided by a scholarship. The scholarship is targeted at students intending to major in the physical sciences and related fields.

Eligibility:
Applicant is member of the current graduating class of Coast Union or Paso Robles High School and;
a) Applicant has evaluated financial need;
b) Applicant's academic record and faculty opinion indicate likely success in college;
c) Applicant's intended major is in a physical/technical area: chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, engineering and computer science. It excludes nursing, biological health, environmental and related areas of life science;
d) The ideal candidate will begin study at a California Community College and then transfer to the University of California or California State University systems.

The scholarship committee intends to award one $20,000 scholarship.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2012
Application link

Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Award

The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship is awarded in memory of the leadership and generosity of Richard John Weyhrich. As a young man Weyhrich graduated from West Point and received a commission in the U.S. Army, embarking on a leadership path that would define his career. As a successful financial advisor and consultant, Weyhrich later helped establish the Herbert Alumni Center at the West Point Military Academy. He also supported numerous local organizations including Hospice of San Luis Obispo, Cuesta College, the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, and the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Weyhrich’s driving passion was empowering and encouraging individuals with leadership potential, a passion that continues to live on through this scholarship.

Eligibility:
a) Applicant is currently a senior at a comprehensive San Luis Obispo County high school; or a San Luis Obispo County continuation high school
b) Applicant is planning to attend school as a full-time student at an approved vocational school, community college or four-year college/university during the 2012-13 academic year and;
c) The qualifying students have demonstrated strong leadership skills as well as a dedication to serving the San Luis Obispo County community.

The Richard J. Weyhrich Scholarship Committee would like to award at least one scholarship (minimum value $1,000) at each San Luis Obispo County comprehensive high school, and one to a San Luis Obispo County continuation high school. Recipients will be recognized by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors at their May 2012 meeting.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2012
Application link

Lillian Wulke Warneke Memorial Scholarship

The Lillian Wulke Warneke Scholarship fund was established to benefit youth graduating from San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, or Paso Robles High School. This scholarship is targeted at students planning to attend a college or university and pursue a baccalaureate degree in Music Education with an emphasis on the vocal arts.

Eligibility:
The selection process shall not be affected by the student's race, sex, color, religion, or sexual orientation.
Preference will be given to those students who demonstrate:
a) Applicant will express an appreciation for creation and performance, understanding the role of music in daily life and are seeking an opportunity to continue their musical education;
b) Evaluated Financial Need;
c) Involvement with community and extra-curricular activities;
d) Academic Success.

The $6,000 award will be equally distributed over four years. Yearly distributions from the fund will be dependent upon satisfactory collegiate academic performance (maintaining a GPA of 2.5) and continuation in the prescribed field of study.

Application Deadline: February 10, 2012
Application link

Allan Voigt M.D., Memorial Scholarship

The Allan Voigt, M.D., Memorial Scholarship was established to support students graduating from San Luis Obispo, Mission College Preparatory Catholic, or Pacific Beach High School. The student must plan to major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree in a four-year college or university.

Dr. Voigt was a physician who retired to San Luis Obispo after a distinguished career in medicine. He was an avid supporter of the performing arts.

Eligibility:
a) Applicant is a member of the current graduating class of San Luis Obispo, Mission College Preparatory Catholic, or Pacific Beach High School.
b) The student must plan to major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree in a four-year college or university.
c) Applicant must exhibit academic achievement;
d) Applicant must demonstrate financial need;
e) Applicant describes participation in the performing arts, if applicable.