
Scholarships
Scholarship Resource Websites
FastWeb
Free personalized search for scholarships by academic year, unique situation (For
example: Students who received foster care), race, etc.
FinAid
Comprehensive free resource for student financial aid information. Free scholarship
search, financial aid calculators, info on student loans and financial aid application
help.
Big Future by The College Board
Offers a free scholarship search and how to apply.
Scholarships.com
A free scholarship search with application strategies, information, contests, and
grants. Search scholarships by grade level, major, state, and type. Also has great
information about federal aid, financial aid, and student loans.
Foster Youth and CSUSM-Specific Scholarships
Please see scholarship websites for application deadlines:
ACE Scholars Services Transfer Scholarship
The ACE Transfer Scholarship is a two-year, 4 semester scholarship for incoming ACE
transfer students totaling $4000. The scholarship will increase each semester if requirements
are met (awarded in August and January).
Cal Coast Cares Foundation Foster Student Program
Scholarship award program for college-bound high school seniors and current college
students who are in or have been in the foster care program. Contact ACE Staff for
application.
CSUSM General Scholarship
There are Fall and Spring Scholarships, and each have very specific eligibility requirements.
For the General Scholarship application, Cal State San Marcos Scholarship applicants
must be enrolled at Cal State San Marcos in at least 6 units, admitted to and enrolled
in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate program.
Foster Care to Success
All Foster Care to Success scholarships applicants must have been accepted into or
expect to be accepted into college, and be under the age of 25 on March 31. Applicants
also must have been in public or private foster care for the 12 consecutive months
prior to their 18th birthday; or have been adopted or placed into legal guardianship from foster care
after their 16th birthday; or they must have been orphaned for at least one year at the time of their
18th birthday.
Fostering Opportunities Scholarships
Fall and Spring scholarships for San Diego County foster youth. Students must attend
an accredited public college or university, be enrolled in at least 9 units, and have
a 2.0 GPA.
Friends of Foster Children – San Gabriel Valley
Friends of Foster Children offers scholarships to those that can verify their status
as a foster child/court dependent from Los Angeles County. Applicants must be enrolled
in college, have a definite and verifiable educational plan for college, and can document
financial need.
Guardian Scholars (through Promises 2 Kids)
The program provides former foster youth in San Diego County with a partial financial
scholarship along with mentoring support to assist them in adapting to and excelling
in a higher education setting. Guardian Scholars Students must be highly motivated
foster youth or former foster youth who plan to enroll in college. Applicants are
required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, minimum of 12 semester units of coursework,
obtain a part-time job (minimum of 10 hours a week), and file their FAFSA.
Just In Time for Foster Youth
JIT offers resources such as laptops, school supplies, and even dorm furnishing shopping
sprees with a potential lifelong mentor and successful JIT Alumni. To apply you must
be enrolled in a four-year college program as well as submit a written essay and a
letter of recommendation along with your application.
National Foster Parent Association Scholarship (NFPA)
The NFPA Youth Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to current foster children and
biological or adopted children of an NFPA member. Applicants must be a senior in high
school or have received their GED within the last six months, and must have a parent/guardian
that is an NFPA member.
nsoro Education Foundation
The nsoro Foundation provides academic scholarships to graduating high school students
as well as current undergraduate or trade school students who were in foster care.
Scholarship awards range between $4,000 and $8,000 per student per degree program
on average depending on student financial need.
Orangewood Foundation Scholarships
If you are a current or former Orange County foster youth Orangewood Scholarships
may be able to help you with your expenses. Provide financial, educational, and emergency
assistance to current and former foster youth with an emphasis on those who are pursuing
higher education after emancipation.
San Diego Foundation
Common Scholarship Application uses one online form to access more than 100 scholarships
available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students and
adult re-entry students who are attending 2-year colleges, 4-year universities, trade/vocational
schools, graduate, medical and professional schools and teaching credential programs.
Scholarships range from $500 to more than $5,000 and can pay for tuition, room and
board, books, fees and other related expenses. Note that almost all of our scholarships
require San Diego County residency.
United Friends of the Children College Sponsorship Program
The United Friends of the Children is a non-profit organization that offers College
Readiness programs that prep high school foster youth in Los Angeles for graduation
from high school. Through their College Sponsorship, they offer financial support
for foster youth from Los Angeles County that are graduating seniors and transfer
students. Applicants must have a minimum 2.8 GPA and have plans to attend a 4-year
university in the fall.