Local Scholarships

NAEF Scholarships

The Natomas Arts and Education Foundation scholarships are designed to provide NCS students and students attending school within Sacramento County with assistance in funding their higher education. If you are an NCS student or attending a school in Sacramento County, you may be eligible for our scholarships. While part of the application is an art submission, it is not required that you major in an artistic discipline. We are more interested in the impact of art on you and your future endeavors, whatever your field of study may be. See eligibility information and application instructions Click HERE

Italian-American Scholarship Opportunity:

Over the years, through the kind generosity of the Association’s members, we have been able to provide scholarships to deserving students who take pride in their Italian heritage. We are continuing this tradition in 2026 by awarding three (3) scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating high school seniors with at least one parent or grandparent of Italian ancestry.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, a student must be a graduating high school senior of Italian descent, whose ancestors came from Italy. Additionally, the student is required to have been accepted or qualify for enrollment with plans to attend an accredited junior college, college, or university that offers courses leading to an academic degree.

Scholarship Process:

To be considered for a scholarship, a student must submit:

1.       A completed application. A blank application is attached to this email, and additionally can be downloaded from the Association’s website at www.ligurisf.org,

2.       A photograph of the Applicant,

3.       A transcript of the Applicant’s scholastic record,

4.       An essay containing a maximum of 500 words on the topic provided on the application, and

5.       A summary of the Applicant’s community service, extracurricular activities, confirmation of good character, and demonstration of leadership as certified in a letter from the Applicant’s Principal, Teacher or Counselor.

Awards Luncheon:

Scholarship recipients must also agree to be in attendance at the Awards Luncheon on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the Fior D'Italia Restaurant, 2237 Mason St., San Francisco in order to receive their scholarships. Please note, the student’s lunch will be provided by the Association. The student’s family and friends are also invited to attend the Awards Luncheon with purchase of a luncheon ticket.

Deadline for Application:

All the items listed in the section above titled "Scholarship Process" are due on Friday, April 3, 2026. All the required information is to be emailed to psegale@sbcglobal.net by the due date. Applications will not be considered if received after the due date. 

Notice of Scholarship Awards:

Those Applicants selected for a scholarship will be notified by phone or email prior to the Awards Luncheon.

Questions:

All requirements and information regarding applying for a scholarship are provided on the application form. The application form can also be downloaded from the Association’s website at www.ligurisf.org.  Should an Applicant have a specific question regarding eligibility or the application process, they can email Pam Segale at psegale@sbcglobal.net.

Beverly Kearney-Ybarra Memorial LGBTQ Caucus Scholarship

The Sacramento County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Caucus is now accepting scholarship applications for the Beverly Kearney-Ybarra Memorial LGBTQ Caucus Scholarship. We have included one copy of the application. Applications may be duplicated, or applicants may contact us for an emailed copy.

Application deadline is 5:00 PM on March 20, 2026.

Applications and essays may be submitted via email or USPS.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST BE:

1. LGBTQ identified

2. A Sacramento County resident

3. Enrolled in a two or four-year accredited college/university/technical or trade school (acceptance letter OR proof of enrollment OR proof of application from the school you are scheduled to attend)

4. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0

All required documentation must be provided before funds are issued. Please follow the checklist attached to the application. Please note that our scholarship is not based on any income qualifications but is intended to give LGBTQ identified students an opportunity to advance their education.

See Flyer Here

Application Here

FOR APPLICATION, QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT The Sacramento County LGBTQ Caucus AT: LGBTQcaucus@saccounty.gov

Lionakis Foundation Scholarship Program

Lionakis Foundation Scholarship Program

Lionakis is a California based Architecture, Engineering and Interior design firm. Our firm’s mission, designing a better future has established a culture of teaching and training the next generation. As such, this scholarship fund was established to help defray the cost of pursuing these professions.

Eligibility Requirements

• Area of Study/Major: Architecture, Engineering and Interior design.

• Open to high school seniors or undergraduate college students planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year accredited college/university.

• Must have a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale

• Demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application

• Intend to enroll full time at an accredited college/university in the upcoming academic year.

Application Requirements

• Submit the General Application before applying to the Lionakis Foundation Scholarship Program.

• Essay: provide a personal statement/self-description essay on your educational and career goals to pursue a profession in Architecture, Engineering or Interior design.

• Reference letter: provide a letter of reference from an individual who you are not related to. The reference letter must identify the individuals name, title, and relationship to you.

Scholarship Award

Award payment is sent to the college/university in one (1) payment and divided evenly between the academic term.

The scholarship can be used for the cost of attendance (tuition, fees and educational expenses such as books, school supplies and housing).

The scholarship is renewable up to three (3) years. You must reapply to be considered for a renewal award.

Award = $2,500.00

Deadline: 03/13/2026

Click here for more information and Application

Benny Goodman Foundation

Benny Goodman was a clarinetist, composer, and bandleader driven by his talent and love of music. The Benny Goodman Foundation scholarship was established to support musical talent by awarding a scholarship to a student who is majoring in Jazz or Classical music with an emphasis in the Clarinet. The Benny Goodman Foundation was designed to identify deserving students who best exemplify his passion, drive and love for music. The selection committee will look for students who have a genuine passion for music, and who use their musical gifts and talents to enrich and inspire the lives of others and who will succeed in a career in music.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be attending any University of California or California State University in the fall.

• Have a grade point average of 3.0 in music classes

• Be majoring in music with an emphasis in jazz or classical (preference will be given to the clarinet musician)

• Have a genuine passion and talent for music and plan to pursue a career in music.

Deadline 03/13/2026. Click here for more information

Stolba/Sukkary Family Scholarship

The Stolba/Sukkary Family Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a college degree. Preference will be given to first generation college students and students attending a two (2) year community college.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a high school senior or college freshman currently attending a school in the Sacramento Region (Sacramento, Placer, Yolo and El Dorado Counties)

• Be accepted or planning to attend a two (2) year Community College, Vocational, Trade or Technical School in the fall

• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

• Demonstrate financial need

• Preference will be given to: first generation college students

• Be enrolled in at least 6 academic units or equivalent per quarter/semester in the fall

Renewal Award may be received up to one (1) year. Awardee must reapply to be considered for a renewal award

Scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books and school supplies

Click here for more information

Erin Aaberg Givans Memorial Scholarship

The Children’s Specialty Care Coalition together with the Givans family established this scholarship fund in 2016 to honor its founding executive director, Erin Aaberg Givans, who committed her career to advocating for quality health care on behalf of children and youth in California. The scholarship is available to full-time or part-time female students pursuing a Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, public health or Health Administration at a California University, who plan to pursue a career in the field of children’s health policy/ health advocacy in California. Scholarship recipients will share Ms. Aaberg Givans’ unwavering dedication and passion for ensuring access to quality health care for children and youth.

In addition to the financial support, there will be future opportunities to be mentored by professional children’s health advocates. The Children’s Specialty Care Coalition held the first mentoring day for scholarship recipients in August of 2018. Recipients visited CSCC’s offices, participated in a roundtable lunch with professional children’s advocates, and enjoyed an afternoon of one-on-one job shadowing. They also toured the State Capitol and had the opportunity to meet Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, California’s first female Senate leader. More information about previous scholarship recipients can be found here.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a female student attending a graduate institution/ program in California in the upcoming academic year.

• Be pursuing a Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, public health or health administration with a career goal of working in the field of children’s health policy or children’s health advocacy

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 in college

• Full-time or part-time enrollment (6) units or more is required

Click here for more information

The Philip M. Dowd Memorial Scholarship

The Philip M. Dowd Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance for college bound students pursuing a degree in Public Affairs/Administration or Political Science & Government who have endured hardship and/or overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. This award is based on Philip M. Dowd’s belief that a college education is one of the best tools for those who wish to get ahead in life and his commitment to giving back to the community.

Eligibility Requirements
• Be a graduating high school senior or community college student attending a school in the following counties: Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Nevada, Shasta or Tehama
• Be pursuing a degree in Public Affairs/Administration or Political Science & Government
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Plan to attend an accredited two or four year college or university
• Demonstrate financial need

Click here for more Information

Eugene and Thora Chin Scholarship Fund

The Eugene and Thora Chin Scholarship Fund was established by the generosity of Eugene and Thora Chin, who were great supporters of education, established schools in China, and wished to continue their passion through this scholarship by providing financial assistance for college bound students of Asian/ Pacific Islander heritage.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be of Asian/Pacific Islander heritage

• Plan to attend an accredited two or four year college, university or graduate school

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 in high school or 3.5 in college

• Demonstrate financial need

• Preference will be given to students with high financial need and high academic merit

Click here for more information

2026-27 Schwab-Rosenhouse Memorial Scholarship

2026-27 Schwab-Rosenhouse Memorial Scholarship application period is October 15, 2025 - February 6, 2026.

Through the generosity and heartfelt kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Rosenhouse, the Federation created the Schwab-Rosenhouse Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships for post-secondary study at colleges, universities and vocation/technical institutions located within 100 miles of the Sacramento County Courthouse. All eligible high school seniors living in the greater Sacramento region may apply for these scholarships.

Click Here to Learn more and to apply

Sacramento Region REACH (Rincon Environment and Climate Heroes) Scholarship

Rincon Consultants, Inc. believes fostering a workplace where diversity of perspectives and opinions are encouraged and will lead to a more
informed, creatively aligned, and community-minded team. Promoting diversity of thought in the environmental industry as a whole, will
encourage and expand overall awareness and creativity in addressing environmental concerns moving into the future. The purpose of this
scholarship is to promote and encourage students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in the environmental industry.

Eligibility Requirements

• Major or course of study: environmental sciences, land use planning, natural resources, cultural resources or sustainability.

• Must be currently attending or have attended a high school or college in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento & Yolo Counties.

• Have a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.

• Demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application.

Eligibility Preferences

• High school senior or undergraduate college student

• Plan to attend a two-year community college or four-year college/university in the upcoming academic year.

• First generation college student.

• Full-time enrollment/12 units or more or the equivalent or part time enrollment in the upcoming academic year.

Click here for more Information

This year, the Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund will be awarding scholarships to eligible high school seniors of Southeast Asian ancestry in the Sacramento County area. We will be awarding 28 scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. 2025-2026 Information coming out soon.

The Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund is a national scholarship program created by second generation Japanese Americans (Nisei) who were incarcerated during World War II. As high school and college students, their schooling was abruptly halted. With the help of the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council, approximately 4,600 students were able to leave the concentration camps and complete their college educations. In 1980 the Nisei established this scholarship fund to honor those who helped them by “paying it forward.” The scholarships are awarded to Southeast Asian high school seniors whose families’ lives were disrupted by the Vietnam War. This is a wonderful opportunity to support students’ post-secondary aspirations. (For more information, visit the NSRCF’s website at www.nsrcfund.org.)

Here is a link to the application materials

Italian Catholic Federation

Requirements:

• Roman Catholic and of Italian Descent and live within the Roman Catholic Dioceses of California or either Roman Catholic parent, guardian, or grandparent is a member of the Italian Catholic Federation (student must be Roman Catholic)

• 3.2 GPA

Visit website for application: www.icf.org

The Ohio State University Alumni Scholars Program

The Ohio State University Alumni Scholars Program (ASP) is intended to recruit, provide recognition and financial assistance to incoming freshmen. The Alumni Association coordinates with the local alumni club, Admissions and Undergraduate Financial Aid.

The program provides scholarship awards as competitive, merit-based, recruitment scholarships. Selection criteria:

•  Students who preferably apply to the University by November 1.

•  Preferably accepted to The Ohio State University but not required.

•  Demonstrate academic merit.

•  Demonstrate involvement in school and community activities.

•  Show a sound interest and positive attitude toward college work.

•  Be residents of and/or attend high school in the area in which the participating alumni club’s membership is based.

Apply for a club scholarship and others by signing in to ScholarshipUniverse . https://osu.scholarshipuniverse.com/

The application is open from December 1 until February 1. Further information may be obtained by contacting Leslie Smith, The Ohio State University Alumni Association, email Smith.6863@osu.edu

Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission Scholarship

On June 21, 2024, the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission (Cable Commission) launched a Community Grant Program, which will play a vital role in creating community programming and promoting Public, Education and Government (PEG) television channels as a powerful tool for community engagement, creative expression, education, and cultural exchange. The program aims to empower individuals, students, and organizations to amplify their voices by sharing their stories and contributions to the rich media landscape of the greater Sacramento region.​

The Community Grant Program also includes a separate Scholarship where students and community members may apply for scholarships of up to $2,500 that may be used to:

• Fund their training and education related to video programming and production. 

• This may include college courses or other courses and training that may be available that will help teach and increase knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of video production/programming, technical expertise, editing and other areas. ​

Check out the link here for more information.