Riverside STEM High School Guidance Department
Welcome to the Guidance Department! See contact info below. Be sure to access all parts of this site using the tabs drop-down on the upper right of the home page.
Jess Menacho, Student Assistance Program Counselor
ymenacho-mcleod@riversideunified.org
951-788-7308 x42634
College & Career Readiness Bulletin Board
It’s Senior Year - Class of 2024
The A, B, C’s of College Basics
by Ms. Sandra Izquieta - School/CEEB Code 054784
2023-2024 College Planning Guide - Fall 2023
(basic info only, please research online for complete & additional information)
(A) College Information
(B) Financial Aid/Scholarship Information
(C) College Tests (SAT/ACT)
ACtive SCHOLARSHIP LIST 2022-2023
Scholarship Resources:
Partnership for Access to College Education PACE:
RUSD partnered with University of La Verne, Cal Baptist University, and La Sierra University to help high school seniors gain access to high quality, affordable education. These partnerships offer qualified students guaranteed admission to three local private universities and a wide range of financial assistance to help students achieve their college goals.
La Sierra University: contact Alex Bolanos, Assistant Director of Recruitment at
abolanos@lasierra.edu or by phone at 214-641-6737.
CBU: contact admissions counselor at
https://calbaptist.edu/admissions/undergraduate/contact-us
University of La Verne: contact Cynthia Ramirez, admissions counselor, at
cramirez6@laverne.edu or by phone at 909-448-4024.
SAT/ ACT/ PSAT/ AP: Testing Information
2022-2023
AP Testing May 1- 12, 2023 - Deadline Passed
Cost $97 per test (Free/Reduced Lunch price will be set by the district, previously it has been $5/exam - to see if you qualify, please be sure to complete a district funding form which can be found on the riversideunified.org under Departments/ Nutrition Services ).
Contact - Fabiola Vargas frvargas@riverisdeunified.org
PSAT - Saturday, October 15, 2022, 7:30am - 12:30pm @ STEM - Deadline Passed
AP Readiness Program at UCR - Deadline Passed
(Updated 8/25/22)The UC Riverside AP Readiness Program is a partnership with Riverside County Office of Education designed with two interconnected goals in mind. The program aims to improve the teaching abilities of AP instructors while simultaneously giving students the skills they will need to be successful in college level classes.
AP Readiness allows students to work with master Math, Science, Spanish Language, Social Science and English instructors, who prepare them for the rigorous curriculum that they will face in AP courses. Concurrently, their AP teachers observe and learn from the master instructors, gathering a framework for how to successfully conduct an AP course.
Program Highlights:
Workshops providing students with the skills necessary to be successful in college level classes and hands-on AP activities
Formation of a network of learners allowing communication between teachers and students from various neighborhoods
Website for registration: CLICK HERE
For more information please contact UCR staff directly.
James Keipp, Director at: james.keipp@ucr.edu
College Presentations & Visits 2022-2023
*Juniors may check this section for what to expect for the 2023-2024 school year
PROMISE PROGRAM -
Riverside City College - RCC
Learn more about the RCC Promise Program by clicking HERE
UC Campus Fall Events 2022 - Deadline Passed
This fall, campuses are offering a variety of events for prospective students, including events for first-year, transfer and out-of-state/international applicants. Each campus continues to work closely with state, federal and local agencies to ensure the safety of the campus and community. Therefore, events may be offered in-person or virtually and could change depending on current guidelines. Be sure to check with the campus for more information on the full schedule and format of events as well as registration information.
Campuses may offer a range of virtual opportunities, including college fairs, appointments, admissions sessions, tours and videos on admission, housing and/or financial aid and scholarships. Some will be hosted in person, while others will be offered virtually. Programming for counselors, students and families will be available.
UC Berkeley: Open House, October 8; programming throughout September and October
UC Davis: Open House, October 3–31; programming for counselors, families and students offered throughout the fall quarter
UC Irvine: Discover UCI Preview Day, October 15
UCLA: Fall Open House, Saturday, October 8 (in person); recorded presentations available
UC Merced: Discover UC Merced virtual series, beginning September to November 2022
UC Riverside: Discover UCR Day. October 22 (in person).
UC San Diego: Fall Showcase, October 1st; additional virtual programming throughout September, October and November
UC Santa Barbara: Virtual programming throughout October and November
UC Santa Cruz: Fall Spotlight (in person), Saturday, November 5; virtual workshops throughout September, October and November
PATHWAYS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION - Deadline Passed
The College Kick Off Season Begins!!!
Attend College Wednesdays for assistance on the University of California (UC),Cal State University (CSU), Common Application, Community College and Cal Baptist University (CBU) application .
Zoom meetings take place 5:30-7:00pm
Register in advance to attend. REGISTER HERE!
October 5
California Baptist University Application Workshop
October 12
Common Application Workshop
October 19
CSU Application Workshop
October 26
UC Application Workshop
November 9
Community College Application Workshop
(Ms. Izquieta will continue assisting students with college applications September 22-November 17 in Mr. Ponce's classroom from 2:00-3:20 and by appointment)
INACTIVE SCHOLARSHIP LIST
2022-2023 opportunites will be forthcoming and listed above
*Juniors may check this section for an idea of what will be offered for the 2023-2024 school year
Varsity Tutors Scholarship Contest
Deadline - Monthly
Varsity Tutors runs a monthly $200 college scholarship contest where students must write an essay in response to a monthly prompt. Visitors to the Varsity Tutors scholarship webpage are able to vote via social media for submitted entries. The top five entries with the most votes are reviewed by Varsity Tutors at the end of the month and one winner is chosen to receive the scholarship. Interested students can enter the contest here at http://varsitytutors.com/college-scholarship
Innovation in Education Scholarship
Deadline - Monthly
LA Tutors awards students who showcase their creativity and make positive impacts with a $500 Innovation in Education scholarship. On an ongoing monthly basis, this scholarship is open to all currently enrolled high school and college students who showcase their creativity while helping those around them (whether that be in a creative fundraiser, inventive new app, series of blog posts on a particular theme, or another idea). The application deadline is 11:59 pm PST on the 20th of each month. Requirements: must be currently enrolled in high school or college, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and must be a citizen of, permanent resident of, or hold a valid student visa in the United States or Canada. For detailed information, please visit:
https://www.latutors123.com/scholarships/innovation-in-education/
B. Davis Scholarship
Deadline - May 21, 2023
This scholarship is available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as students currently registered in any post-secondary institution. To apply for this scholarship, you will need to write an essay of less than 1000 words on the topic provided. For detailed information, please visit: http://www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm
Cal Coast Cares Scholarship
Deadline - April 30, 2023 - DEADLINE PASSED
This year the Cal Coast Cares Foundation is providing more than $130,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and foster students in San Diego and Riverside Counties to help them pursue their dreams of obtaining a college education.
California Coast Credit Union was founded in 1929 by local educators, and the non-profit Cal Coast Cares Foundation was created in 2015 to continue their legacy by supporting the local education community, including student scholarships and educator grants.
High School – This scholarship award program recognizes outstanding students for their dedication to academic excellence and community leadership. These scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors in San Diego or Riverside Counties to help further their education. Click Here to view and complete the application.
Foster/Former Foster Youth – This scholarship award program is to support high school seniors and current college students who are in or have been in the foster care program in San Diego or Riverside Counties. First year foster students Click Here to view and complete the application. Second year foster students Click Here to view and complete the application.
Thank you so much for helping to get the word out to your students and your support of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation!
The scholarship application deadline is April 30, 2023. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Misty Morton at mmorton@calcoastcu.org.
alliantgroup - Blue Heart Fund
Deadline - April 24, 2023 - DEADLINE PASSED
As an advocate for innovators everywhere, alliantgroup is proud to help light that spark for the next generation of professionals by developing the Blue Heart Fund STEM Scholarship Program. With the growing need for technical talent within the country and diminishing talent pool, alliantgroup has created a program that incentivizes young people who are entering higher education or the workforce to pursue careers in STEM and become the innovators of tomorrow.
Apply below for a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship towards your higher education in stem!
Riverside Woman’s Club (RWC)
Deadline Thursday, April 20, 2023 - Deadline Passed
The Riverside Woman’s Club (RWC), a community service organization that promotes education, is excited to offer several $500 scholarships to male or female high school seniors attending a high school located in Riverside.
Scholarships are awarded based the student’s academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, community service, and their personal essay. Also considered is financial need. Under the Privacy Act, the student should only disclose information he or she considers essential.
Application:
Submit Application:
Email the completed application with the requested attachments at the following email: rwcscholarshipapplication@gmail.com
The deadline for submitting applications is on or before Thursday, April 20, 2023
Questions?
Please contact Lois Bailey at 951-233-7906 and leave a message or
email RWC at rwcscholarshipapplication@gmail.com
Riverside City Teachers Association - RCTA Scholarship -
Application deadline is Friday, April 14, 2023 at 5pm - Deadline Passed
The Riverside City Teachers Association is awarding MULTIPLE $500, $1000 and $1500 scholarships. This opportunity is not limited to students graduating from Riverside Unified School District high schools in June, 2023, but also applies to sons and daughters of RCTA members, no matter from which high school they may be graduating.
Students selected for consideration will be applicants who demonstrate excellence in academics (an overall 3.0 GPA or higher) and who have shown leadership in community activities or within their High School Community.
Students must demonstrate a commitment to further education in a recognized vocational program or academic institution. While no specific discipline or major is required, preference will be given to
applicants who express an interest in pursuing a teaching career.
The financial need of the applicant shall be considered by the Selection Committee. However, need shall not be a primary criterion for selection.
All applications will be reviewed by the RCTA Scholarship Committee approved by the Riverside City Teachers Association. The Committee will read and review all applications, transcripts, and letters of
recommendation to determine scholarship recipients. The names of the Scholarship recipients shall be announced prior to graduation each year.
RASM - Riverside Association of School Managers - Senior Class of 2023
Application deadline is Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 11:59pm - Deadline Passed
This year RASM will offer six Scholarships for $500 each.
There will be scholarships awarded to students of RASM members, students of RUSD employees that are not RASM members, and students who completed their entire K-12 education in RUSD. Please apply if you fit into one or more of these categories for consideration.
Applications must be submitted DIGITALLY through the Google Form.
All submission materials must be sent by 11:59pm on April 2, 2023.
To begin the application process, CLICK HERE to visit http://bit.ly/rasmscholarship
To qualify, scholarship applicants must be one of the following:
a graduating 12th grade student from an accredited high school
a student currently enrolled in a vocational school, college, or university in pursuit of a bachelor's degree, and/or military program.
Greater Riverside -Dollars for Scholars 2023
Deadline - Friday, March 17, 2023 at 10pm - Deadline Passed
These are merit and need-based scholarships offered each spring to graduating seniors in Alvord, Jurupa, Corona-Norco, Moreno Valley, and Riverside Unified School Districts as well as Sherman Indian High School and California School for the Deaf.
Go to the Website
Click on Students and Parents
Create your online student profile
BASIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
2.5 or better GPA
Demonstrate financial need and/or academic merit.
Participate in community service during high school years.
Participate in school activities such as clubs, athletics, ASB, AVID, theatre, etc. during high school years.
Submit a 100-200+ word essay describing educational and career goals.
Submit a 100+ word essay describing any unusual circumstances.
Plan to attend a 2-year, 4-year college/university, or a technical/trade school
Complete the online Student Profile
Complete the online Application
English/Spanish -Informational Flyer
FAQ's - (Frequently Asked Questions) for filling out the application
Kiwanis Club of Riverside
Deadline Friday, March 17, 2023 - Deadline Passed
Thank you for applying to the Kiwanis Club of Riverside Scholarship program! Scholarships are awarded based on merit and need, and awards range from $1,000-$2,500. Before proceeding, please prepare the following items:
1. A copy of your transcript (either high school or college)
2. A one-page type-written essay describing your goals, either in college or after college
3. A list of activities, community involvement and awards (as outlined in the question below)
4. Two letters of recommendation for this scholarship
5. Photo release form (click here), signed and uploaded to this application. If college student, you may sign instead of parent/guardian.
Applications are due by end-of-day March 17, 2023.
If you have questions please contact Elliot Emmer, chair of the scholarship committee, at e.emmer@gmail.com
Student Volunteer Award
Deadline - February 10, 2023 - Deadline Passed
The Student Volunteer Award is given by Soroptimist International of Riverside (SIR) to honor a high school senior young woman, who supports her community through volunteerism. This award provides an opportunity to honor a girl who might not otherwise receive recognition. She may not be the best student, the best athlete, or the most popular girl in school, but she is committed to making the world a better place.
A cash award of $5,000 will be given or shared to the awardee(s) at the Salute to Service luncheon on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the Victoria Club. An article featuring the honored girl(s) may be submitted to the Press-Enterprise.
To be eligible, each candidate must submit to a completed application, a typewritten essay (up to 750 words) in Microsoft Word (no pdf’s please) and a letter of recommendation. She should include:
a thorough description of her volunteer activities
the approximate number of hours she spent volunteering during the last two years.
the name of her school and counselor
the number of words in the essay (counted by Word software)
The application, essay, and letter of recommendation are to be emailed to Ellen Clizbe at eclizbe@yahoo.com by Friday, February 10, 2023.
Students must have their supervisor send Ellen Clizbe at eclizbe@yahoo.com a completed Supervisor’s Recommendation Sheet to qualify for this award. The supervisor should submit the recommendation sheet by emailing the completed fillable copy by February 10, 2023.
SIR is a volunteer service organization for business and professional women committed to improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.
If students have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email Ellen Clizbe, Chair.
Student Volunteer Award
Soroptimist International of Riverside
eclizbe@yahoo.com Phone: 951-321-9590
California State PTS Scholarship: Volunteer Service Scholarship
Deadline - February 1, 2023 - Deadline Passed
This scholarship recognizes volunteer service in the school and the community and does not have a grade point average restriction or requirement. Applicant must be a California resident, graduating from a high school in California with a PTA/PTSA unit in good standing, and must be a member of his or her high school PTA/PTSA. A copy of current PTA/PTSA must be submitted with application. Apply online at www.capta.org
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Deadline - January 13, 2023 - Deadline Passed
To be eligible, an applicant must: be a graduating minority high school senior, plan to attend an accredited and approved four-year institution within the U.S., show leadership potential, demonstrate a dedication to community service, present evidence of financial need, be a U.S. citizen, and submit an official SAT and/or ACT test exam score from junior or senior year. Apply online at www.jackierobinson.org
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Deadline - January 11, 2023 - Deadline Passed
To be eligible, an applicant must: be a graduating minority high school senior, plan to attend an accredited and approved four-year institution within the U.S., show leadership potential, demonstrate a dedication to community service, present evidence of financial need, be a U.S. citizen, and submit an official SAT and/or ACT test exam score from junior or senior year. Apply online at www.jackierobinson.org
Ron Brown Scholars Program
Deadline - January 9, 2023 - Deadline Passed
The Ron Brown Scholar Program seeks to identify students who will make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential and make an impact in their communities through service to others. To be eligible, applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents, African American and current high school seniors at the time of their application. For more information and application, go online at www.ronbrown.org
GE-Teagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline - January 5, 2023 - Deadline Passed
Exceptional student leaders are invited to apply for this program. In honor of the legacy and character of President Ronald Reagan, this program annually rewards up to 20 college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship. Applications will be accepted online at www.reaganfoundation.org
To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
•Demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the
attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship;
• Demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point
average/4.0 scale or equivalent);
• Demonstrate financial need;
• Be citizens of the United States of America;
• Be high school seniors attending high school in the United States and
graduating in winter 2022 or spring 2023; and
• Plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a
bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the
United States for the entire 2023-2024 academic year.
Cirkled In the "No Sweat" Scholarship
Deadline - December 31, 2022 - Deadline Passed
The Cirkled in Scholarship does not have an income or GPA requirement. Open to students in grades 8 – 12. Money may be used for any educational need. To apply, create a free account on:
Elks Most Valuable Student (MVP) Scholarship
Deadline - November 14, 2022 - Deadline Passed
The Riverside Elks Lodge gave out 6 scholarships last year, worth nearly $15,000 total. Current high school Seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
To Apply visit: Application - Due by November 14, 2022
Coca-Cola Scholarship - October 31, 2022 - Deadline Passed
Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 to high school students across the United States through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Students need a 3.0 GPA and to fill out an application, that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Online Application due by October 31, 2021, at 5 p.m. Eastern.
WTS (Women Transportation Scholarship)
Deadline October 21, 2022 @ 11:59pm - Deadline Passed
One of WTS Inland Empire's primary goals is to provide scholarships for women pursuing careers in transportation. Each year, women with permanent residence in the Inland Empire, or who are enrolled at a college or university located within the Inland Empire, are invited to apply for a scholarship. This includes high school seniors who plan to enroll in college or university to pursue STEM majors for their freshman year.
High School Seniors, Undergraduate and Graduate Women are encouraged to apply. Eligibility begins with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Last year, $50,000 in scholarship funds were awarded!
If you have any questions or need additional assistance submitting your application, please contact :
Kimberly Barling: kbarling@markthomas.com
STEPCon Scholarships - 11th & 12th Grade - Deadline Passed
RUSD students in 11th& 12th grade can submit an application for a $1,000 scholarship. The Educator STEPCon committee is looking for 11th & 12th grade high school students to share about the impact STEM has had on their lives.
More information can be found on the Family STEM site, click HERE
To apply, click HERE
Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation
Deadline May 13, 2022 - Deadline Passed
The Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation (RMCCF) will be awarding 10 scholarships in the amount of $500.00 each to graduating seniors who would like to pursue a career in any healthcare procession within the Inland Southern California area. The money can be used for college application fees, supplies, or other costs related to the study of their chosen career field.
Students can visit RMCcharity.org or call 951-321-6513 for more information on how to apply.
visit For more information
Riverside Association of School Managers
Due April 10, 2022 - Deadline Passed
This year RASM will offer six Scholarships for $500 each.
There will be scholarships awarded to students of RASM members, students of RUSD employees that are not RASM members, and students who completed their entire K-12 education in RUSD. Please apply if you fit into one or more of these categories for consideration.
Applications must be submitted DIGITALLY through the Google Form.
All submission materials must be sent by 11:59pm on April 10, 2022.
To begin the application process, CLICK HERE to visit http://bit.ly/rasmscholarship
To qualify, scholarship applicants must be one of the following:
A graduating 12th grade student from an accredited high school
A student currently enrolled in a vocational school, college, or university in pursuit of a bachelor's degree, and/or military program.
Assistance League® of Riverside - April 3, 2021 Calling all Seniors! - Deadline March 31, 2022 - Deadline Passed
Assistance League® of Riverside is pleased to invite graduating senior students who plan on attending Career/Trade school, or a two or four year College or University next year to apply for one of the $2000 scholarships from our College Bound Committee. This is for students who need financial assistance and would benefit from this scholarship, please review the attached information and complete the application form.
Finalists for the scholarship will be selected on the basis of the applicant’s academic record, school and community activities and awards, essay, and letters of recommendation. We are looking for candidates who have shown strong improvement and promise to develop further with the opportunity of post-secondary education. We also look for students who have concern for others and who demonstrate financial need.
The application packet should be returned to the Assistance League and postmarked by March 31, 2022. Applications can be submitted individually or gathered into a single package. The package can be mailed to Assistance League of Riverside, 3707 Sunnyside Drive, Riverside, CA 92506.
Late applications will not be considered.
Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet all the requirements will not be considered.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact
Cheryl Parker can be reached at (909)225-3221 or collegebound@alriverside.org
Lugena Wahlquist can be reached at (951) 780-0881 or lugenaw@aol.com
PTA Scholarships and Awards
Friday, April 1, 2022 - Deadline Passed
Riverside Council PTA is accepting nominations for: Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, "Power" Award, Honorary Service Award, Principal/Administrator of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. To make a nomination, please complete *both* sections of this form.
Dollars for Scholars - November 9, 2020 to February 1, 2021 Deadline Passed
The Dollars for Scholars 2021 scholarship application process is now open.
The following information is attached for your use.
Flyer announcing the scholarship application dates. Click here
Instructions for students in a PowerPoint format. Click here
Frequently Asked Questions:
Students, if you get stuck completing the profile and application, press the gray SUPPORT button at the bottom left hand corner of their screen to ask for help.
PTA Scholarships and Awards
Friday, April 1, 2022 - Deadline Passed
Riverside Council PTA is accepting nominations for: Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, "Power" Award, Honorary Service Award, Principal/Administrator of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. To make a nomination, please complete *both* sections of this form.
PTA Scholarships and Awards
Friday, April 1, 2022 - Deadline Passed
Riverside Council PTA is accepting nominations for: Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, "Power" Award, Honorary Service Award, Principal/Administrator of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. To make a nomination, please complete *both* sections of this form.
Friday, April 1, 2022 - Deadline Passed
Carol Rude was a dedicated parent volunteer in RUSD from 1974-1997. She believed that children were our highest priority, and acting on that belief, gave thousands of volunteer hours to them. She was Riverside Council PTA’s President at the time of her death in December 1997. Scholarships of $500 each will be awarded each year to selected seniors (within Riverside Council PTA) who complete this application.
Deadline Friday, April 15, 2022 - Deadline Passed
Senior Scholarship Award - 23rd District 23rd District Scholarship pdf
SUMMER SCHOOL 2023
Information will be forthcoming