Scholarships for college students in California - what's available?

I'm really interested in attending college in California, but I'm worried about the cost. Are there any scholarships specifically for college students heading to California schools? How competitive are they usually?

There are a variety of scholarships available for students attending college in California! The competitiveness of each scholarship varies based on the specific criteria and the number of applicants each year.

For example, the Cal Grant program is quite extensive, and provides financial aid to students attending public colleges within the state. The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan is specifically for students attending a UC school and is based on financial need. Both of these programs are need-based and are intended to cover a significant portion of tuition costs.

There are also scholarships open to students attending any college in California, such as the Friends of the California State Fair scholarship program, which awards scholarships in various categories to California high school graduates.

Another scholarship is the Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholarship, which awards scholarships to California high school students planning to pursue postsecondary education and have demonstrated a commitment to health equity, oftentimes focusing on those pursuing careers in healthcare.

However, these are just a few examples. I recommend using scholarship search tools (like Appily), and looking into scholarships offered directly by each college you're interested in. Additionally, you should consider both state-specific scholarships, as well as scholarships that can be used at any college.

As you apply, bear in mind that many scholarships have a variety of criteria beyond just academic performance, such as community service, financial need, demonstrated leadership, and career goals. Therefore, it's important to put effort into each application, as quality often makes a difference in the review process!

Finally, when it comes to competition for scholarships, it can vary greatly. Some scholarships, like the Cal Grants, are more accessible and are dependent on meeting the necessary criteria. Others, like the Friends of the California State Fair scholarship program, may encompass a larger applicant pool and could be more competitive. But don't let this discourage you! Apply to as many scholarships as you can that align with your profile, as every bit of financial support can help.