Scholarships are gifts awarded to students offered through community groups, individual donors, and foundations, such as the ELAC Foundation. Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership, talent, and/or community service. However, eligibility criteria, application procedures and deadlines vary by program.

There are millions of scholarships and millions of dollars out there. Chances are you can find at least one that aligns with your strengths and interests. Using multiple search engines– and diligently exploring the many awards out there– can improve your chances of winning a scholarship award. Keep in mind that even if you do not win a scholarship one year, many accept applications on an annual or rolling basis, so reapplication may be both simple and worthwhile.

As you begin your search for scholarships to help you pay for school, here are some key tips that can make it possible for you to maximize your chances of success:

• Apply for as many scholarships as you can: The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of earning them get. Don’t dismiss small awards, either. Several small scholarships can add up.
• Get second opinions on your essays: Ask a parent or school counselor to review your essays and give feedback before you submit them.
• Stay organized: Make sure you meet deadlines and keep track of the scholarships you have already applied for so you don’t miss opportunities. If you’re applying for many scholarships, keep a spreadsheet to track the scholarship names, deadlines and application statuses.
• Start early and keep looking: Start long before you need to make your first payment for school. Many scholarships become available once you’re in ninth grade. Once you’re out of high school, don’t stop searching for scholarships. Keep looking for opportunities while you’re in school.
• Use all available resources: To find scholarships that apply to you, use any resources you have available. Use multiple scholarship search engines, and check with your school’s financial aid office to see if any institutional or departmental scholarships are available. If you’re still in high school, ask your school counselor for help.

Don’t be afraid to ask for more tips from resources around you. Local universities and community colleges may offer scholarship workshops where you can learn more tips or have someone look over your essays.

Thanks to the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation, thousands of California Community College students, like you, may receive an Osher Scholarship as part of the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment. Mr. Osher’s vision is to “not only bene it the community college students of today but countless more for years to come.”

East Los Angeles College Foundation participated in the FCCC/Osher matching fund Initiative and currently has over 1.8 million dollars in an endowment fund that is designated for East Los Angeles College students. That was accomplished through the diligent fundraising efforts of the ELAC Foundation staff and Board of Directors

Fall 2024 East Los Angeles College Foundation Scholarships Flyer

Application deadline: October 6, 2024 @ 11:59 p.m.

The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) is pleased to announce the availability of the Keenan Insurance scholarship opportunity for CCC students! The Keenan Insurance Scholarship seeks to increase the diversity of professionals working within the insurance, risk management, and financial services industry by providing scholarships to underrepresented students at California Community Colleges. For 2024, a total of $9,600 is available for disbursement. Funds are disbursed to colleges on a first-come-first-served basis. Students must apply to the college Financial Aid Office.

2024 Maximum Award Amounts

• $600 per semester or quarter
• $1200 per academic year

Use the links below for scholarship details, criteria, and application information. 

Keenan Insurance Scholarship Application - 2024

Keenan Insurance Scholarship Guidelines - 2024

Application period: February 1, 2024-October 31, 2024

The Eco-Warrior Scholarship is a recurring scholarship open to all students who seek to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. The next deadline to apply is December 1, and winners will be announced on December 31. At HeySunday™, we encourage small actions with large impacts through our Eco-Warrior Scholarship. This $1,000 award supports a student committed to combatting climate change, either by daily eco-friendly choices or by pursuing environmental activism. 

Eco-Warrior Scholarship Information

Eco-Warrior Scholarship Application

Application deadline: December 1, 2024. Winner Announcement Date: December 31, 2024.

Reel Money Courses is offering 10 “Reach for the Stars” scholarships for the Reel Money Courses - Film Finance Course. This course provides cutting edge film finance education for students interested in careers in film/TV, dram, finance, accounting, economics, business, sociology, law, entertainment , and more. The course is fully online and self-paced. This course is approved by the State Bar Associations of Calfifornia, Louisiana, Georgia, and Nevada for continuing education credit. It is also accepted by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), as well by the Board for Certified Financial Planners.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, students can complete the application form: Reach for the Stars Scholarship. You can learn more about the course by watching this Reel Money Courses for Students video and referring to the attached FAQ.

Reach for the Stars Scholarship Form

Reach for the Stars Scholarship FAQ

Reel Money Courses (RMC) Program Information Sheet

Application Deadline: December 31, 2024

The Real Estate Education Scholarship Program is designed for eligible, economically disadvantaged students who are interested in pursuing a career in real estate. By providing financial assistance to cover the cost of attending a California community college, the program can help break down financial barriers that might otherwise prevent these students from pursuing their educational goals.

Scholarship Funds

Funds are determined each year by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office based on annual investment earnings of the scholarship endowment. 

A total of $60,000 is available for the academic year 2024-25 with the following award amounts:

• $600 per semester, adjusted proportionately for quarter term colleges
• $1,200 per academic year

How to Apply

Students: Submit your application to your Community College Financial Aid or Scholarship Office. Scholarships will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to apply to your Community College Scholarship or Financial Aid Office as early as possible!

2024-25 Real Estate Endowment Scholarship Application

2024-25 Real Estate Endowment Scholarship Guidelines

Student application period: September 2, 2024 – April 30, 2025 or until all funds are allocated.