Scholarship and Contest Opportunities for San Diego County Students

There are many local scholarship and contest opportunities available for students in San Diego County. For more student opportunities, visit SDCOE's What's Happening webpage.

Scholarships
 

Common Scholarship Application

Get ready to submit your Common Scholarship Application that opens Jan. 14. The online application gives students access to over 150 scholarship opportunities, each with its own criteria, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Some scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years, providing ongoing financial support throughout a student's undergraduate journey. Graduating high school seniors, current undergraduate or graduate students, adult re-entry students, career/technical school students, and students with financial need are all encouraged to apply. Applicants get matched with all the opportunities they are eligible for. Get prepared by visiting the Common Scholarship Application webpage for more information including tips on applying and answers to frequently asked questions for completing the application. The application period closes March 4. 
 

San Diego Community College District: San Diego Promise Information Nights

High school students can learn more about the admission requirements and benefits of the San Diego Community College District (SDCC) San Diego Promise, which aims to eliminate financial barriers to a community college education. Visit the SDCC San Diego Promise page for complete details.
 

Cal-SOAP Workshops and Scholarship

The California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) provides webinars and in-person workshops to help students and their families learn about scholarship applications and local financial aid resources. The workshops are open to all San Diego County students, with a special focus on current high school seniors. Check out the Cal-SOAP website for more information on programs to help pay for college including current scholarships. 
 

Dr. Frank W. Wells Legacy Scholarship

The Dr. Frank Wells Scholarship is made available by F3 Law Firm and the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) for graduating high school seniors entering college to study education, political science, history, or social science. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15. More details can be found on the Dr. Frank Wells Scholarship Application page.
 

Bea Gonzales Biliteracy Scholarship

The Bea Gonzales Biliteracy Scholarship supports college-bound high school seniors in San Diego County who have already earned or will have earned the Seal of Biliteracy on their graduation diploma from their school or district. Scholarship winners must have proof of their university or college acceptance letter by mid-April. The award encourages students to become multilingual and schools to support multilingualism. Scholarships are $1000 for first-year students commencing college/university fall of 2026.The deadline to apply is March 20. The application is available online.
 

Cal Coast Cares Foundation Scholarships

The Cal Coast Cares Foundation awards scholarships of up to $2,000 to college-bound deserving high school seniors and students who are or have been in foster care in San Diego or Riverside counties. Visit the scholarship page for complete details. The deadline to apply is March 20. 

 

Cal Coast Cares Foundation Scholarships

The Cal Coast Cares Foundation awards scholarships of up to $2,000 to college-bound deserving high school seniors and students who are or have been in foster care in San Diego or Riverside counties. Visit the scholarship page for complete details. The deadline to apply is March 20. 

 

Women in Mining Scholarship

The Women in Mining, California Chapter is offering five $2,500.00 scholarships to high school seniors or college students who are interested in pursuing an education leading to a degree with courses related to mining, geology, engineering, or environmental studies. Visit the Women in Mining Scholarship page for more information. Submit your application by April 6. 

 

The San Diego County Flower & Plant Association Scholarships

The San Diego County Flower & Plant Association will be offering scholarships made possible through the contributions of San Diego County Flower & Plant Association members and CalFlowers Association. The scholarships are open to San Diego students with an interest in horticulture or floral design. Find more information on how to apply on the Association Scholarship page. The deadline to apply is April 15. 

 

Wheelhouse Credit Union Scholarships

Wheelhouse Credit Union (Wheelhouse) is now accepting applications for its Badge of Honor and Sustainability College Scholarships. San Diego County high school seniors are encouraged to apply as they pursue higher education. The programs will award a total of $10,000 in scholarships this year. Students can find more information and submit applications online on Wheelhouse’s scholarship page. The deadline to apply is April 30.
 

San Diego County Citizens Scholarship Foundation

San Diego County Citizens Scholarship Foundation (SDCCSF) provides need-based scholarships for high school graduates in San Diego County who will be first-year, full-time students enrolled in a college or university in San Diego County in the 2026-27 academic year.  Scholarship winners will be announced in late May and informed of the award amount. Last year the award amount was $2,000.  Applicants must have lived in the county for at least 12 months and maintain a 2.0+ GPA. View the application page. The deadline to apply is May 1. 

CalHOPE Courage Award Scholarship Program

The CalHOPE Courage Award Scholarship Program will award 25 California high school senior student-athletes who have overcome personal adversity a $2500 college scholarship. $500 will also be donated to their high school’s athletic departments. The scholarship is open to California high school seniors scheduled to graduate in 2026 who participate in varsity interscholastic athletics. Scholarships will be awarded each month from Sept. to June. Students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for all monthly selections. Visit the CalHOPE Courage Award Scholarship Program website for more information. The deadline to apply is May 1.
 

Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers Scholarship

Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers offers two scholarships to support high school and college students in pursuing their educational goals. The high school scholarship is $750 for first place and $250 for the runner-up award. The college and junior college scholarship is $1,000 for first place and $500 for the runner-up. Applicants must complete the online submission form and draft and upload an essay. The deadline to apply is June 1. Learn more about the qualifications and application process online.

Contests

Escribo en Español Writing Contest

The Education Office of the Consulate General of Spain and the California Department of Education invite California students who are studying the Spanish language to participate in the 2025–226 “Escribo en Español” writing contest, which encourages students in grades 3-12 to further develop and showcase their Spanish writing skills. The theme for this year’s contest is: “Herencia hispana en mi comunidad: 250 años de amistad entre España y EE.UU."   Prizes include monetary awards, books, and for high school students there is a grand prize of a trip to Salamanca for a summer Spanish course. Visit the contest page of the education office for more details (Note: Webpage information is in Spanish). The submission deadline is Feb. 27. For more information, email escriboenespanol@educacion.gob.es

Directing Change Film Contest 

Youth Creating Change announces a special media challenge for youth ages 12 to 25 years old, as part of this year’s Directing Change Film Contest. Young people ages 12-25 are encouraged to create a 60-second PSA for the Directing Change Film Contest’s Boys and Young Men Media Challenge as part of the Through the Lens of Culture category. There is no cost to participate, and entries can get up to $500 in cash prizes. Visit the contest page for complete details. The entry deadline is March 1.