Financial Aid and Scholarships for College

FAFSA- Toll Free Help Line: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-499-3243)

College Financial Aid

Seniors and their families are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid for the 2016-2017 college school year. To set up an account, create a ID number, and fill out the application (FAFSA), visit:http://www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible. Applications are due no later than March 2nd, but students are encouraged to submit these applications as soon after October 1, 2016 as possible.

California Grant (Cal Grant)

After your student's FAFSA has been submitted, he/she can be considered for a California Grant (Cal Grant) if attending a California college. ALL seniors will be submitted for a Cal Grant electronically, so students do not need to apply individually or fill out any paperwork. Information regarding the Cal Grants are found at http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=15. To find out the status of your Cal Grant, AFTER you have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can go online and check the status of your Cal Grant application by logging onto https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov and create a account. This secure site will let you view the status of your Cal Grant application, update your address, or view payment history.

Financial Aid Website(s):

California Student Aid Commission - Cal Grant information.

CollegeNET - information about financial aid and scholarships.

Completing the FAFSA - instructions for completing the FAFSA.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE - many private colleges and universities require this form be submitted in addition to the FAFSA.

Department of Education - information about federal student aid.

FAFSA Express - download FAFSA express software to fill out the FAFSA application on your computer.

FAFSA Online - complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on line and submit electronically.

FastWEB - allows free computer search of more than 275,000 scholarships.

FinAid - financial aid information page.

Financial Aid Calculator - College Board's expected family contribution calculator.

IRS Web Site - information on the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits.

Sallie Mae - gives information on student loans.

Student Guide - everything you need to know about financial aid.


DHS Scholarship Guide

The Table below is a summed list of scholarships and grants with the amount provided

* = Local

Reminder to always fill out FAFSA!

Scholarship Title Description Amount
Kern County Science Fair Scholarship* Kern County Science Foundation Scholarship Applicants have shown evidence of strong interest and achievement in the sciences or engineering. Applicants should have participated in at least one Kern County Regional (or equivalent) Science Fair during their high school years. The amount of the scholarship is set at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee of the Kern County Science Foundation. Up to $2,500
Edwards Spouses Club Scholarship* High School Seniors who are dependents of U.S. Military members of all ranks or civil service employees (DOD) at EAFB . Please see applications for specific eligibility and qualification requirements. Questions? Contact the ESC Scholarship Committee Chairperson, at [email protected]. Up to $2,500
FTC Scholarship* Join Robotics! Varies
Odyssey of the mind Scholarship* Join Odyssey of the mind! Scholarships are mainly graduating High School seniors. Varies
Desert High Marching Band* Join the Band, It's a great time and they help you a bit when your a senior! Depends on the fundraising
UC Regents Scholarship A scholarship given to you when you get accepted to a University of California School. This is based off your your application thus you are automatically "put-in" when you apply to any UC school. Each school has different benefits but generally you get priority enrollment, exclusive club, honors, and personal advisors. Up to a Full Coverage
Fresno State Smittcamp A full ride to Fresno State, you get honors credit, priority enrollment, and a community.

Criteria:

Minimum 3.8 high school GPA
Ranking in the top 10 percent of your high school graduating class
Combined SAT score of 1200 or ACT average score of 27

Full Ride
Long Beach Presidential Scholarship This is a very prestigious award similar to Fresno's. You get accepted into the University Honors Program as well. Half Ride
Cal Vet Engineering Scholarship If you get accepted to University of California, Berkeley Engineering program and a military dependent. Up to Full Coverage
UCLA Achievement Scholarship You are automatically considered for this when you apply. Make sure you do FAFSA for more benefit Up to $10,000
UCLA Alumni Scholarship You are automatically considered for this when you apply. Make sure you do FAFSA Up to $5,000
College Specific ones Important if you get accepted to the college look through their freshman scholarship list Up to Full Coverage
SAT and ACT scholarships These depend on the School. USC offers full rides for very high SAT AND ACT results. Do your best and do your Research! Up to Full Coverage
ROTC Scholarship (literally all the branches)

Links:
Air Force

Army

Navy & Marines

This scholarship requires you to be in the branch ROTC at the school but offers stipends and a job immediately after college. There are more guidelines for these types of scholarship which include medical test, academic tests, fitness test, and character screenings. Overall depends on branch but there are two main categories.

Up to All College Tuition and stipend (Public Univ)

Up to Full Coverage and stipend (Private Univ)

External Scholarships

Desert High School students can often qualify for awards from external organizations and we encourage our students to pursue all scholarship opportunities. Apply now! Don't wait to be accepted to a college to begin researching and applying for private scholarships.

Scholarship Scams

Be aware of the tactics companies use to convince students to utilize their services. Federal Student Aid Information on Financial Aid Scams.

Free Scholarship Search Engines

FASTweb FinAid Scholarships.com ScholarshipExperts CollegeBoard
PrincetonReview ProgramAdvisor InternationalScholarships
CollegeToolKit ScholarshipAmerica GoCollege


Leadership in Service Scholarship at University of Dayton

The Sky's No Limit

At the University of Dayton, our spirit ignites a boundless curiosity that drives us to search for truth. It pushes us to go beyond the easy answers and to use our knowledge to create a brighter tomorrow. Here, students are challenged to connect scholarship and learning with leadership and service. It's part of our Catholic, Marianist educational philosophy.

To honor this tradition, we award Leadership in Service scholarships to students who have an innate desire for personal development and are committed to service within their school, church or community. Selected students are also eligible for a University merit scholarship, worth up to $98,000 over four years.

In addition to receiving a $10,000 Leadership in Service scholarship ($2,500 per year), recipients complete one leadership opportunity - such as attending a leadership conference, participating in on-campus leadership activities or writing personal reflections - each semester.

Learn More

The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at CSU Channel Islands

We have exciting news for all high school educators! CSU Channel Islands is now offering four-year, full-tuition scholarships for students interested in studying Business or Economics.

If your students apply to CSUCI by November 30, 2018, meet all of the admission requirements for fall 2019, and are fully admitted to CSUCI, then they may be eligible to apply for the MVS Scholarship worth $6,802 a year. These competitive merit-based scholarships are renewable for four years of study at CSUCI. Additional information may be found on the MVS Scholars page.

Admitted students whom we select as MVS Scholars must:

  • Major in Business or Economics.
  • Maintain a 3.25 GPA annually, both overall and within their major; and
  • Participate in MVS Scholars activities with Business & Economics faculty, such as seminars or field trips.

More Information

About MVS School of Business & Economics

The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics emphasizes a liberal arts education that provides a strong foundation in the functional areas of business and economics, while also encouraging students to think critically, collaborate, and communicate.

Studying at the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics will prepare you for a variety of careers through an education that is creative, innovative and focused on you and your future success.

Virtual Tour

Ron Brown Scholarship Program Eligibility

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program provided you meet the following requirements:

  • Must be Black/African American.
  • Must excel academically.
  • Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
  • Must participate in community service activities.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
  • Be a current high school senior at the time of your application. NOTE: Current college students are not eligible to apply.

Timeline: https://www.ronbrown.org/section/apply/application-timeline

Apply Now

Military Family/Dependents Scholarship(s)

Please visit the individual websites for most up to date information on the various scholarships, complete eligibility requirements, and deadlines if no link is provided. Also check with your college or university to search for other available scholarships.

List of Military Scholarships for Service Members, Spouses and Dependents

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

Exceptionally promising high school seniors with financial need can apply exclusively through The Common Application. All scholarship application materials must be submitted before the deadline on November 20, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. in your local time zone.

Learn More

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. The application is open! Students who will be graduating in the 2018-2019 academic school year may through Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

Learn More

Wendy's High School Heisman Scholarship

Eligibility begins with maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better. Applicants also need to be proven leaders and role models within their school and community. And applicants must perform in at least one of the 47 school sponsored sports. National winners receive a $5000 scholarship. Deadline is October 17, 2018.

Learn More

California State University, Long Beach President's Scholarship

President's Scholarships are the most prestigious merit-based scholarships awarded by CSULB and have helped make The Beach a university of choice for students throughout - and beyond - California. The idea behind the President's Scholarships is to reward and foster academic excellence by making a very special scholarship/educational opportunity available to the state's best and brightest students. President's Scholars are selected from an elite pool of top-performing students admitted to the University Honors Program and receive financial support in the form of individualized award packages. Incoming freshmen should apply to CSULB through Cal State Apply by the November 30 deadline. In addition, high-achieving freshmen and transfer students must apply for membership in the University Honors Program and consideration for the President's Scholarships during the First Round of Spring Applications beginning on February 1. Students will be notified of decisions in April.

President's Scholars receive financial support in the form of individualized award packages that comprise a combination of tuition waivers, campus housing allowances, and subsidies for textbooks (or other essential course materials) for up to four years. President's Scholars also participate in the prestigious University Honors Program, which affords them priority registration, small classes, faculty mentors, internship support, summer research assistantships, and opportunities for international educational travel and local civic engagement.

Additionally, these students may participate in the UHP Living Learning Community, where incoming Honors freshmen live together in the residence halls and are mentored by faculty and staff in a family-like atmosphere. Students also engage in a culminating educational activity (an Honors thesis, performance, or research project) that showcases their knowledge and talents.

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (4.0 or higher recommended for President's Scholarship consideration)
  • Strong ACT and/or SAT scores are desirable
    • Recommended scores for the Engineering Honors Track - SAT-M (≥650 old OR ≥ 680 new) and SAT-V( ≥ 600 old OR ≥ 550 new), or ACT Math ≥ 31 and ACT Reading ≥ 27
  • Ability to complete the unit requirements of the selected Honors Plan

* Even if not all criteria are met, under special circumstances, applicants may be evaluated for admissions consideration by the Honors Program Director.

Apply Now

California State University, Fullerton President's Scholarship Program

4-Year scholarship includes the following:

  • Full payment of all in-state CSU tuition and fees for 4 (four) consecutive academic years
  • Annual $750.00 stipend for books and other materials
  • Complimentary parking permits ($236.00) for fall and spring semesters
  • Personal use of a new Apple or Dell laptop computer for all 4 (four) years
  • Highest and earliest priority registration for classes each semester
  • Automatic admission to the University Honors Program
  • Access to the Center for Scholars which offers academic support services including: private computer lab, free printing services, holistic advising, and class-level programming
  • Priority consideration for on-campus housing, as well as the opportunity to live on the Honors and Scholars themed-floor (NOTE: housing fees not covered by scholarship)
  • Exclusive recognition awarded to graduating Scholars at the Honors Convocation and University Commencement ceremonies
  • Priority consideration for on-campus employment, study-abroad experiences, and professional development opportunities
  • Direct invitations from the University President to attend private events
  • Membership into the President's Scholars Student Association: an official student organization that develops social activities, service events, and leadership opportunities for our scholars
  • Letters of recommendation for graduate school and job references following graduation from Cal State Fullerton

Who is Eligible to Apply?
The California State University, Fullerton President's Scholars Program prides itself on supporting California's best and brightest.

Applicants to the President's Scholars Program must meet the following requirements:

  • Apply to California State University, Fullerton as a first-time freshman*
  • Attain a weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.75 in all academic subjects for the 10th-12th grades
  • Earn above-average SAT scores in both the Verbal and Mathematics components
  • Demonstrate evidence of significant contributions to school and community service activities during high school
  • Be a resident of California; residency is determined by the Office of Admissions and Records for fee purposes

* Students are accepted to the university based on a minimum CSU Index; President's Scholars applicants are evaluated using additional objective and standardized criteria.

Apply Now

California State University Channel Islands President's Scholarship Program

High school students who have distinguished themselves academically are encouraged to become a CSUCI President's Scholar by applying for this scholarship. Must be a first time freshman and resident of California with a minimum 3.75 GPA (as calculated for CSU admission). Admissions must have record of all academic transcripts at time of scholarship application submission. Two letters of recommendation. The scholarship is renewable for four years. Please visit the website for upcoming deadlines and application window.

  • Full Cost of in-state tuition
  • $600 credit at the University Bookstore (per semester)
  • Lap top computer
  • Priority registration

Apply Now

University of California, Irvine

Regents' Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies each year

Benefits: In addition to the scholarship award, Regents' Scholars also receive other benefits from the University. Regents' Scholars receive a priority window for class registration, graduate level library privileges, Regents' Scholar notation on official transcripts and an offer of guaranteed on-campus housing.

Application Process: The Regents' Scholarship is awarded based on the information gathered on the UC Application for Admission and Scholarships. No additional materials are required nor considered in the selection process. To be considered for the Regents' Scholarship, you must apply for fall admission by November 30. Applicants for winter or spring quarter are not eligible.

Award Notification
Award notifications will be sent out to freshman recipients in early March.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Apply Now

Harvey Mudd College Presidents Scholars Program

President's Scholars Program

The President's Scholars Program (PSP) is a renewable, four year, full-tuition scholarship program that identifies and encourages outstanding young men and women who have the potential to be future leaders in engineering, science, mathematics and technology, and who are from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented at Harvey Mudd College or are the first in their families to attend college.

Eligibility
To be eligible to be selected as a President's Scholar, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Demonstrate a potential for leadership at Harvey Mudd College.
  • Show a proven record of academic success, including a rigorous course schedule and excellent grades and be among the top students in your secondary school.
  • Be a first-year applicant for admission to Harvey Mudd College.

Special consideration is given to students from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields, including women, ethnic minorities, students from low income backgrounds, students with disabilities and students who will be the first in their family to attend college.

Candidates for the President's Scholars Program (PSP) must submit the online PSP Application, including the Statement of Purpose. Your PSP Application must be received by January 10.

Early decision candidates are required to commit to Harvey Mudd College and withdraw, in writing, their applications to other colleges by January 15 (or March 15 in the case of Early Decision II). Because President's Scholars are not notified of their selection until mid to late April, candidates whose commitment to Harvey Mudd is dependent upon winning the President's Scholars Award should apply via Regular Decision.


Local Scholarship Opportunities

Directions on how to apply to a local Scholarship:

1. Visit the Counseling Office to look through the "Community Scholarship" binder.

2. Follow specific directions for each scholarship! Please read directions carefully.


California City Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program

The California City Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards outstanding students graduating from high school. The Scholarship Program seeks to identify and reward students residing in California City who have demonstrated the highest personal and intellectual qualities both through superior academic performance and through participation and leadership in extracurricular and community activities. Scholarship packet and information can be found in the counseling office.

Edwards Spouse's Club Scholarship

The Edwards Spouse's Club is now accepting applications from High School Seniors who are dependents of U.S. Military members of all ranks or civil service employees (DOD) at EAFB. Scholarship packet and information can be found in the counseling office.

Desert High School Football Booster Club Scholarship Application

** Student must have a minimum of one parent/Guardian be a current DHS Football Booster Member to be eligible to apply** Applications can be found the counseling office and must be received no later than 21 of April of the current year.



More to come as we receive them.....

The Counseling Office staff keeps a Scholarship Binder on the front counter of their office. Students are urged to peruse this binder on a weekly basis. Students SHOULD NOT rely on our binder as their sole resource. New scholarships arrive daily!