Where do I Print my Documents?

Before printing your documents, be sure to have Parts 1-6 of your portfolio complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

** You can stop by the library or Counseling office to print your documents needed for your portfolio. Send documents to sjhslib@sanjaconline.net

Step-By-Step Instructions

Part 1: Resume 

You will need to upload a current resume that highlights any employment history, extracurricular activities, club involvement, and/or community service. You can find a resume template in the next section of this page, but feel free to use a template of your own if you have one.

Part 2: Scholarship Application 

Neatly complete the application section by answering the questions requested. The application is attached in the next section of this page.

• Parts B and C are optional; these sections are to be completed by students who would like to be considered for scholarship based on financial need. If you intend to apply for all other types of scholarships (merit, major-related, talent, etc.), your parent(s)/guardian(s) and you may choose to check the box provided to indicate that you will not comment in these sections.

Your signature indicates that you have honestly answered all of the questions in the application. 

Part 3: Personal Statement 

Include a copy of your personal statement. This statement should give the reader a snapshot of you and your future plans (explain your background, your college/career plans and why you deserve a scholarship.) These are read closely! (1-2 pages, 12pt font, double spaced). * Pro tip- Have your English teacher or another adult read over your statement. They can catch grammatical or spelling errors that you may have missed. OR submit it to Paper Tutoring to get feedback from a tutor. 

Part 4: Letter(s) of Recommendation 

• One letter of recommendation is needed. You can gather an additional letter of recommendation, but no more than 1-2 are necessary.

• Ask each person to print and sign the original recommendation letter on school or organization letterhead.

• We recommend that you share a copy of your Resume with your teacher, coach, employer, etc. It may be helpful in writing your letter of recommendation. Please give the person you are requesting a letter from at least two weeks notice. Do not wait until the last minute. 

Part 5: Confirmation of FAFSA or Dream Act Application 

Please include a copy of your confirmation for the FAFSA or Dream Act Application. This is a requirement for all seniors, so if you have not completed an application, please access the application in your California Colleges (CCGI) account. For students who do not have a social security number or have one assigned through DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) then please apply at : https://dream.csac.ca.gov 

• Your SAI (Student Aid Index) must be included in the confirmation. 

• applications open in December (TBD) and close March 2nd. Your parent/guardian must use their 2021 taxes to fill out the 2022-2023 FAFSA/ Dream Act. 

Part 6: Portfolio Google Form

• The Portfolio Google Form MUST be completed to officially submit the Community Scholarship Portfolio. You will find the form in the next section of this page. 

• You will take a screenshot of the confirmation page of the Google Form and print it along with your other documents 

Optional Part 7: Honors, Awards, Activities, and Community Service (OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY ENCOURAGED)

• You are limited to a total of six one-sided pages of honors, awards, activities, and community service (in color). If you have more awards than will fit on six pages, you may shrink them down to fit multiple awards on each page. You may add new honors and awards during the spring, but you must still respect the six-page limit. Suggestions to consider:

  • Include any certificates, awards, or letters you have received during your high school years only. Do not include middle school awards.

  • Include any letters of acceptance from colleges (email is acceptable).

  • Select pictures and add short captions to depict your involvement in activities and community service; add newspaper articles or anything else that describes your commitment, or create a summary that includes hours devoted to each activity.