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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.

ELAC Fall 2025 CCCSE Part of Osher Initiative $800

Thanks to the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation, thousands of California Community College students may receive an Osher Scholarship as part of the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment.

Mr. Osher’s vision is to “not only benefit the community college students of today but countless more for years to come.”

Scholarship Criteria:

• All majors
• 2.8 or higher G.P.A.
• Students attending the Fall 2025 semester must have completed 24 or more degree-applicable semester units at the time of the application deadline.
• Student must be enrolled full-time (12 or more units) to receive the full award. Enrollment in at least half-time (6 or more units) to remain eligible for the renewable award for the Spring 2026 term. The award will be prorated based on enrollment status.
• Student must have received a California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
• All applicants’ home college must be East Los Angeles College.
• Student must be enrolled in at least six (6) or more units at East Los Angeles College for Fall 2025 to be eligible to apply.

Application details and link

Fall 2025 ELAC Foundation Scholarship Flyer

Fall 2025 ELAC Foundation Scholarship Link

Student application period: Deadline October 15,2025.

The Panda Cares First-Year Scholars Program is a one-time postsecondary scholarship and college success program for students entering their first year of college this 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship is a non-renewable one worth up to $5,000 and will be awarded to college freshmen attending any 2-year or 4-year college or university. The scholarship information details, and flyer are below.

Eligible students must:

• Be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
• Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale
• Possess a demonstrated financial need as verified by the student’s college or university
• Be enrolled as a full-time freshman in Fall 2025, attending a U.S.-located, two-year or four-year, accredited college or university

Application Process:

Applicants must submit the following to have a completed application considered:

• A personal statement demonstrating their grit in the pursuit of a college education
• A copy of their financial aid award letter from the college they are attending
• A full copy of their most recent FAFSA student aid report
• Final high school transcript with graduation date
• A statement describing their extracurricular activities, honors and awards, and community service

Application details and link

Panda Cares First-Year Scholars Program

Student application period: Deadline to apply is 10/30/2025 at 5:00pm EST

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. 

2025 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 $19,200 is available with the following award amounts:

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

How to Apply

Students: The Keenan Insurance Scholarship is non-competitive in nature. To receive an award, applicants need to meet the eligibility requirements and complete an application through 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! Scholarships may be used to cover the cost of fees, books, supplies, and other related educational expenses.

2025 Keenan Insurance Scholarship Application

2025 Keenan Insurance Scholarship Guidelines

Student application period: February 1, 2025  – October 31, 2025.

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 1 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards recipient has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on achieving her education dreams.

Before going any further, make sure you are eligible. You are eligible to apply if you are a woman who:

• Provides the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents.
• Has financial need.
• Is enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training or an undergraduate degree program.
• Is motivated to achieve your education and career goals.
• Resides in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, Venezuela).
• Has not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award.
• Does not have a graduate degree and is not pursuing one currently.
• Is not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either.
• Agrees to write your essays in your own words, without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Women from the U.S. (including territories) and Canada can start their application below-check out the tips for applying too.

Application details and link

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

Student application period: Deadline to apply is 11/15/2025

The Real Estate Education Scholarship Program is a scholarship program for eligible, economically disadvantaged students. Awards are for students who are in need of financial assistance to meet the cost of attendance at a California community college and who have demonstrated interest in a real estate career through their enrollment in real estate related courses.

Primary activities supported by the Real Estate Education Endowment include:

• Grants in support of projects that promote, enhance, or advance the proficiency of real estate practitioners through real estate courses provided by California community colleges, in alignment with the priority needs of the field.
• The maintenance and support of a scholarship program for students enrolled in real estate career-oriented programs.

2025-26 Scholarship Funds

Funds are determined each year by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office based on annual investment earnings of the scholarship endowment. Scholarship funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we encourage colleges to submit invoices as soon as possible.

A total of $58,800 is available for the academic year 2025-26 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!

2025-2026 Real Estate Education Scholarship Application

2025-2026 Real Estate Education Scholarship Guidelines

Student application period: September 1, 2025  – April 30, 2026.