Countywide Scholarships

All applications are available to fill out and submit online through our website. The Foundation will also accept common high school applications for the 2019 scholarship cycle. To apply for multiple scholarships online please fill out each individual application located under the scholarship title. Deadline are closed for the 2019-2020 academic year. For scholarship opportunities for the 2020-2021 academic year please visit us again in January of 2020.

California Retired Teachers Association Division 55 Bessie Scott Scholarship Fund

Created in 1970 by Mendocino County retired teachers in memory of Ukiah teacher, Bessie Scott, this scholarship is awarded to Mendocino County public high school seniors who plan to attend college to study education.  Awardees are selected based on their ability and aptitude for a teaching career; prior academic performance (3.0 GPA preferred); and recommendations from teachers, community members, and employers. To learn more about the history of this scholarship, click here.

Amount: $1,000

Requirements:  A 2019 Community Foundation online application, including a high school transcript and two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, and/or employers. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

California Retired Teachers Association Division 55 Hilmer Finne Music Scholarship Fund

Created by Mendocino County retired teachers in honor of Hilmer and Vivian Finne, this scholarship is awarded to Mendocino County public high school seniors who plan to attend college to study music.  Awardees are selected for their commitment to music, proven talent, and positive outlook; their prior academic performance (3.0 GPA preferred); and recommendations from teachers, community members, and employers. To learn more about the history of this scholarship, click here.

Amount:  $1,000

Requirements:  A 2019 online Community Foundation application, including a high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation from teachers, music instructors, counselors and/or employers. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

Walter Camp STEM Scholarship Fund

Created in honor of Walter Camp by his family, wife Jane and sons Tomki and Blaise, this scholarship is awarded to a Mendocino County high school senior (excluding Ukiah High School*) pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) at an accredited community college or an accredited four-year college or university within the United States. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate aptitude for STEM careers with a 3.4-3.8 unweighted GPA and have the passion, perseverance, and work ethic necessary to accomplish their goals, evidenced by their community service and/or extra-curricular involvement in STEM-related activities. To learn more about the history of this scholarship, click here.

Amount:  $1,000

Requirements:  A 2019 Community Foundation online application, including a high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors and/or employers. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

*Ukiah High School students interested in pursuing STEM careers should consider applying to the Warren "Ed" Brown Scholarship.

Hammond Trust Emergency Services Scholarship Fund

Created by the Ukiah Fire Fighters Association in honor of Virginia and George Hammond, this scholarship is awarded to Mendocino County high school students and/or graduates to attend the Explorer Academy, emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic training, Fire Academy, or a Bachelors in Fire Science degree program at an accredited vocational school, community college or four-year college or university within the United States. Priority will be given to individuals who intend to pursue a career as a paid or volunteer EMT, paramedic or fire fighter, have financial need, and a demonstrated history of community service. A 3.0 GPA or better is preferred. To learn more about the history of this scholarship, click here.

Amount: $500-$1500

Requirements: A 2019 Community Foundation online application, including a high school transcript and  two letters of recommendation from an instructor, mentor, or employer at least one letter of recommendation from an instructor or mentor should be from someone in the EMS field. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

Mendocino Agricultural Families' Scholarship Fund (Winegrowers' Scholarship Fund)

Created by the Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance and the Savings Bank of Mendocino County, this fund recognizes the invaluable contributions of the agricultural workforce and invests in the future of the Mendocino County agricultural industry.  This scholarship is awarded to Mendocino County high school seniors who are children of agricultural workers (including the wine, ranching, farming, and dairy industries) and have interest in attending vocational schools, community colleges, four-year colleges, or universities.  Awardees are selected for their potential for academic success, their community and/or extracurricular involvement, and their financial need.  To learn more about the history of this scholarship, click here.

Amount: $8,000 over four years ($2000/year)

Requirements:  A 2019 Community Foundation online application, including a high school transcript and two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors and/or employers. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

Marge Pardini Philanthropy Scholarship Fund

Created by the Redwood Empire Lions Club to honor Marge Pardini’s many years of service to the Club, this scholarship is awarded to Mendocino County graduating senior(s) to attend a vocational school, community college, or four-year college or university full-time.  Awardees are selected for their high level of community involvement during high school.  Preference will be given to student(s) with a 3.0 - 3.5 GPA who have financial need.  Evidence of the student’s impact in the community will be required and may be provided through letters of recommendations from instructors, mentors and/or community members. To learn more about this scholarship, click here.

Amount: $1,000

Requirements: A 2019 Community Foundation online application, including a high school transcript and two letters of recommendation. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

Jesse Pittman Memorial Scholarship Fund

Created by the friends and family of Jesse Pittman, the Jesse Pittman Memorial Scholarship Fund helps determined young Americans who share Jesse's spirit to continue their development by ensuring an opportunity to attend college.  This scholarship is awarded to Mendocino County High School seniors, including Jesse's alma mater- Willits High School.  Awardees are selected for their grit, hard work and determination; their desire to answer the call to service and make a difference; their desire to seek adventure and challenge; and their uncommon desire to succeed. To learn more about the history of this scholarship, click here.

Amount: $1,000

Requirements:  A 2019 Community Foundation online application, including a high school transcript, two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors and/or employers, and completion of the GRIT Scale. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

The Skye Scholarship Fund

Created by an anonymous donor, the Skye scholarship is awarded to graduates from Mendocino County high schools who plan to attend an accredited and/or licensed vocational school, an accredited community college, or an accredited four-year college or university within the United States.  Priority will be given to individuals who have a 2.0 GPA or higher, have financial need, and have demonstrated, through the arts, sports, community service, extracurricular activities, or their employment history, determination and a willingness to work hard in and out of school. A primary consideration will be the student’s altruism and desire to make the world a better place. Special consideration will be given to applicants whose personal circumstances have limited their opportunities to pursue their goals. To learn more about the history of the Skye Scholarship, click here.

Amount: up to $4,000 over four years ($1000/year)

Requirements: A 2019 Community Foundation online application, including a high school transcript and  two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, coaches, and/or employer that demonstrate the student’s determination and willingness to work hard in and out of school. *We will also accept your paper high school common scholarship application.

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