INTRODUCTION
The scholarship booklet was compiled to help students find financial assistance to further their education and training after high school. Local, state and national academic and vocational award programs that are generally received by the El Dorado Union High School District are listed, as they are normally available. A brief description of the eligibility requirements for each award is included in the description.
Programs not included are those restricted to dependents of specific employers and from specific campuses. Therefore, it is important to research additional opportunities through your place of business or any organization you or your parents may have an affiliation. Additional information on other sources of financial aid, such as grants, loans, and college-based awards are available. You are encouraged to take advantage of every available resource to improve your financial ability to attend college or vocational schools.
El Dorado Union High School District seniors have consistently won thousands of dollars annually from local sponsors, individuals, and community organizations. In addition, many students have been awarded thousands more from federal, state and campus funded programs. They were competitive and met the challenges of essays, application forms, letters of reference, and deadlines. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
SCHOLARSHIP & AWARD APPLICATIONS
Eligibility for financial assistance may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
Overall grade point average and test scores
Activities in school and in the community
Religious affiliation
Athletic involvement and ability
Ethnic background
Personal characteristics i.e. height
Membership and leadership in various organizations
Financial need (the definition of “financial need” varies with each scholarship, check with the funding organization)
Motivation and personal qualities
Related experiences or volunteer work
Essay competition
Parent affiliation and/or employment
Dependent of veteran
Artwork or student portfolio
Next years attendance at a particular college or school
Miscellaneous
The application process begins with fully completing an application form and required attachments, (letters of recommendation, essays, current transcripts, etc.) and meeting the due date for the application.
Type the application or write in black ink (neatly)
Attach all required documents; use a cover letter to make your package more professional
Submit the completed application before or by the deadline. (Postmark Deadline or Received Deadline?)
Obtain letters of recommendation early from employers, teachers, counselors, or professionals you know
Give careful thought and check your essay for accuracy (use spell-check )
Make copies of applications and award information (may use the Career Center copier)
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION - GET THEM NOW
What does a prospective employer, a college admission committee, and a scholarship screening committee have in common? They all want to make the best decision possible. They want to select the one individual (or individuals) who will be the best employee or college student. From the high school transcript each of these groups can determine an individual's academic abilities and SAT scores. Before the selection is made it is important for those making the decision to be provided with specific information about each applicant. Letters of recommendation tell those making the selections why one student would be better suited for recognition, admission, or for the job. The letters of recommendation more clearly define individual differences.
PERSONAL DATA FORM
When seniors are requesting letters of recommendation, it is helpful if they provide significant personal information to allow the writer to compose a letter that will include details about the accomplishments of the student. Before requesting a letter the student should complete a personal data form to provide the writer with his/her pertinent information. A sample personal data form can be located in the green scholarship book distributed by the school counselors and career specialists.
WHO SHOULD YOU ASK TO WRITE A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?
Students will want to request letters from teachers who know them best. Other good sources for letters of recommendations include coaches, counselors, pastors, and employers who can evaluate the student's best qualities.
TIMING
Students are encouraged to request the letters in a timely fashion. Teachers, counselors, etc. are busy people. When they write a letter of recommendation it is good to remember that they do so as a favor. It is in the student's best interest to give the writer ample time (2 weeks – 1 month) in which to complete the task as it is convenient. It is appropriate to mention the deadline date when the request for the letter is placed. It is helpful to the writer to know how to prioritize the requests. It is unfortunate when a student misses a deadline because thorough planning did not allow sufficient time for letters of recommendation. All students will eventually need such a letter. To insure that letters are prepared on time, why not request them today?
YOU CAN MAKE COPIES OF LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
You may make copies of your original letter of recommendation, unless otherwise stated in the scholarship instructions. Most writers are happy to provide you with duplicate copies and will grant permission to copy. Good quality copies are the only acceptable copies. Even if it is necessary to pay a little more for copies, it is worth the extra cost. Keep in mind that some letters must be written to the specific situation and every letter will not serve the same purpose. Students will want to have three or four different letters on file. Letters from several different sources are required with most applications.
Adequate planning and attention to detail will enhance letters of recommendation. Yes! The letters are read. Yes! The letters do make a difference.
FALL SCHOLARSHIPS
Look for these scholarships to be available in the Career Center during the months of August, September, October, November and December
AIA / AAF MINORITY / DISADVANTAGED SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Students pursuing a degree in architecture, essay required
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Original computer generated artwork, $1,000 -$3,500 award. Request an official entry packet by calling (800) 773-9880 X 14
UC Alumni Scholarships (UC Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced & Riverside)
Students apply to the UCs by November 30th. The UC Alumni Scholarships require additional information to be submitted to their alumni associations (deadlines vary from mid January to mid- February - check in the back of the UC paper application for more details or See Mrs. Lasko) Many of the alumni scholarships are "merit scholarships" and are not based on financial need.
DON & ROY SPLAWN “CHARITABLE TRUST”
Scholarship is based on financial need; award amount between $1,000 and $5,000
DISCOVER CARD - TRIBUTE AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS
Juniors eligible, 2.75 GPA, demonstrate accomplishments in 4 of 5 areas: special talents, leadership, obstacles that have been overcome, community service and unique endeavors
EL DORADO HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Direct descendant of an El Dorado High School Alumni, 4-year student at school, strong GPA, participant in school and community activities, demonstrate financial need, enrollment in accredited school (college or trade school)
NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCEMENT IN THE ARTS
Recognizes young artists with exceptional ability in the following areas: music, dance, visual arts, theater/Film and writing. In addition to monetary award, an all expense paid week to Miami to attend art workshops will be awarded
NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
3.0 GPA, major in following areas: computer science, electrical or computer engineering, languages, mathematics. Employment opportunities at NSA
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Variety of scholarships for academic excellence & financial need; applicants must have application endorsed by local DAR Chapter
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
Grades 10-12 are eligible, 500-word essay, $ 2,000 -$5,000 awards
ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) (Best to apply in your Junior Year)
The US Army, Navy/Marines, and Air Force offer ROTC scholarships. These scholarships pay for 4 years of college, provided the college has a ROTC program. Recipients will attend college first, and then serve 4 years as a commissioned officer in the Armed Service of their choice. Local military representatives can initiate the process or call one of the toll free numbers listed below: Army (800) USA-ROTC Navy/Marines (800) USA-NAVY Air Force (800) 522-0033
SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS
10th and 11th grade students eligible, 3.5 GPA, engineering majors, essay
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL “YOUTH CITIZENSHIP AWARDS”
Based on citizenship, commitment to family life and community activities
TOYOTA COMMUNITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Renewable scholarship, excellence in academics and school service, 3.0 GPA, top 10% of graduating class, planning to attend a 4 year college in the U.S
WINTER SCHOLARSHIPS
Look for these scholarships to be available in the Career Center during the months of January, February, and March
ACTIVE 20/30 CLUB OF PLACERVILLE (Common Application)
Applicant must have history of community service, plan on attending vocational school or a two or four-year college
AAUW “DORTHEA ENGSTROM”
Must enroll in at least 12 units in a 4 year-college, good character, personality and leadership ability, 3.5 GPA
AFL-CIO LABOR FEDERATION SCHOLARSHIP
Knowledge and understanding of labor, business, industry, and government problems dealing with economic and political conditions affecting labor and management. Labor relations test required
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Various scholarships available, must be a dependent or grandchild of a Veteran and a resident of California for 5 years; selection based on character, need and merit. (www.calegionaux.org/scholarships2002.htm)
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY GOLD COUNTRY EDUCATIONAL GIFT
Child, grandchild, great-grandchild of a veteran; useable at colleges, universities, or vocational/business schools. Applications may be obtained via website.
AMERICAN LEGION POST #119 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP (Common Application)
Interest in school and civic affairs, leadership and high moral character, 2.0 GPA, enrollment in community or 4 year college
CABRILLO CIVIC CLUB
Student of Portuguese descent, 3.5 GPA, 3 extra-curricular activities, scholastic promise; award available to use at any post-secondary institution
MASONIC FOUNDATION
Masonic relationship or membership is not required, based on financial need. Award amount $10,000 (maximum) Apply online
Ca Masonic website
CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION
Entering the education field. Required: official transcript, and 2 letters of recommendation; preference will be given to dependents of educators
CALIFORNIA TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (CTA) SCHOLARSHIP
Dependent of active/retired/deceased member; 3.0 GPA, academic and vocational potential, involvement in human, social, and civic issues
CIF SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
3.70 GPA, and 2 years varsity sports, superior athlete, outstanding citizenship and character; two nominations from each school, one female and one male; four year college-bound students
DARRELL AND CHRIS JONES ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP (Common Application)
2.5 GPA, 2 or 4 year college, community service and activities; $1,000 award
EL DORADO COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Seniors planning to major in Real Estate, business or related fields, essay, 2.75 minimum GPA
EL DORADO DEPUTY SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION (Common Application) 2.5 GPA, student in good standing, interview may be required, preference will be given to dependents of law enforcement officers
EL DORADO YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE One year on El Dorado Youth Soccer League, 2.5 minimum GPA, essay
ELKS CLUB OF FOLSOM Selection based on academic standing, leadership, and SAT/ACT scores; for students pursing a four-year degree. Local, state, and national awards available to ORHS student
HAL CONNELLY SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD Must demonstrate academic and leadership potential, available to disabled or handicapped athletes (any physical or mental impairment)
JACK & JILL OF AMERICA INC. African American heritage, essay required
JEFF KROSNOFF Selection based on academic achievement, essay, and outstanding citizenship
MERCY HOSPITAL OF FOLSOM AUXILIARY Pursuing education in health care or related medical field; available to students entering an university, college, or vocational school
MISS EL DORADO Based on talent and community involvement.
MISS TEENAGE CALIFORNIA PAGENT $8,000 scholarship award, female freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible
“MOLLIE HURD” PLACERVILLE SHAKESPEARE CLUB 3.0 GPA, female senior, good moral character, interest in school and community; $ 750 awarded at a special scholarship luncheon in May
PRESIDENT’S STUDENT SERVICE CHALLENGE Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must have a minimum of 100 community service hours in the past 12 months. $1,000 award. All qualified applicants will be recognized with an award certificate. (Not offered at Oak Ridge every year)
RESCUE VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION (Common Application) Must live with in Rescue Fire District, $300 award
SACRAMENTO BEE STUDENT-ATHLETE College bound students, 3.4 GPA for 7 semesters, 2 varsity letters by the end of the current school year, essay and must be nominated by a school administrator
SACRAMENTO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Hispanic heritage, financial information needed, and personal statement
SCHAWB-ROSENHOUSE SCHOLARSHIPS Awards of $1,000 - $5,000 may be applied to colleges or vocational schools within 100 miles of the Sacramento Area; Residency requirement, SAT or ACT, letter of recommendation
SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS “Merit based” for qualified freshmen women; several categories
SONS OF ITALY - GOLD COUNTRY LODGE #2705 Must be of Italian ancestry, have financial need, scholastic and extra curricular involvement and leadership qualities; essay on Italian heritage required
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF CAMERON PARK Good citizenship, women, $500 award
TRACY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP year residency requirement, 3.0 min. GPA, financial need, community and school activities, academics, renewable (28 Oak Ridge students received this scholarship in 2003) ; award amounts vary, renewable for an additional 3 years
SPRING SCHOLARSHIPS
Look for these scholarships in the Career Center during the months of April and May
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS CENTRAL VALLEY CHAPTER Provide an example of drawings, short essay, letter of recommendation; $1,000 award
DR. VICKI BARBER Students who will be attending community college in the Los Rios District, one letter of recommendation, $100 award
CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION (CSF) CSF seal bearers, life membership, for selected universities
CHRISTINE CRAFT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Available to an ORHS female student, who played two years of varsity volleyball, 2.5 GPA
EL DORADO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Various scholarships, based on individual criteria, award amounts vary
EL DORADO COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN, FEDERATED Selection based on an original 500-word essay, both male and female students are eligible
EL DORADO HILLS FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION Student must live within EDH Fire Department jurisdiction, available to PHS and ORHS, college or vocational/technical school programs
EL DORADO LODGE #26 Special consideration to students who have been members of Rainbow Girls, Jobs Daughters, 3.0 GPA, 2 or 4 year college
EL DORADO WEST REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED Available to all students who are residents of El Dorado County, male and female students are eligible
FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING (FIDM) Competition, 5 projects to choose from, full tuition to FDIM
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE FUND Dependent of federal employee with 3 years service, 3.0 GPA, community service, extra curricular activities
FOX 40 CAL BOLLWINKEL BROADCATING SCHOLARSHIP Students pursuing a career in broadcasting or journalism. Based on career goals, volunteer/community service and essay on how broadcasting/journalism has impacted one’s life. $1,000 award.
MARSHALL HOSPITAL SCHOLARSHIP (Common Application) Applicants must be intend to pursue study in the health care field; selection is based on: personal qualities, scholastic achievement, and 2.5 GPA; award will be either (1) $500 or (2) $250 awards
PINK RIBBON BREAST CANCER FUND (El Dorado Community Foundation) Candidate must have had a personal diagnosis of cancer or had a family member have a personal diagnosis of cancer. Essay contest, $500 award.
PLACERVILLE ARTS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP Art student, letters of recommendation and portfolio presentation; award amounts vary
PLACERVILLE EMBLEM CLUB Available to students in the following categories: Nursing & Allied Health, business field, special education student, or related to a member. Financial need, 2.5 GPA, and interview required, available to use at any post-secondary institution
ROBERT C. BYRD SCHOLARS PROGRAM Two nominations from each school, based solely on high GPA and SAT standings; $1,500 per year for 4 years. The school nominates the top two seniors based on GPA and SAT/ACT test scores.
ROTARY CLUB OF El DORADO HILLS (Community Service) Scholarships were awarded to ORHS students based on community participation; $1,000 award (est.).
ROTARY CLUB OF CAMERON PARK A special trust account was set up to help fund local students attending 2 year and 4 year colleges. The Oak Ridge scholarship recipient received $3,000 total.
SACRAMENTO PC USER’S GROUP Essay describing what you have accomplished with your computer; $250 award
SACRAMENTO TALL CLUB Minimum height requirement is 6’2” for male and 5’10” for female; based on academics, school activities, community service
SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS Women engineering majors with goal of BS degree; various awards from $1000-$4000, engineering major
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF CAMERON PARK SCHOLARSHIP Scholastic achievement, financial need, leadership, citizenship, school and community involvement
TERESA HENRY MEMORIAL Female senior, must have participated in two or more sports, 3.2 GPA, interview, perpetual plaque at ORHS; award amount $300