NorYo Opportunity Scholarship

The scholarship was established to help students in northern Yolo County who are planning to attend a community college, trade schools or any other program that will help them earn a living wage and fulfill their dreams and potential. The scholarship is available to students of any race, ethnicity or background whose goals and/or aptitudes are not in sync with a four-year university program. The scholarship is geographically based and is meant to support students living in the following northern Yolo County cities, towns and surrounding unincorporated areas and corresponding zip code (Woodland, Esparto, Knights Landing, Dunnigan, Capay Valley, Madison, Zamora and especially the town of Yolo)

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a graduating high school senior planning to attend a 2-year community college, vocational or trade school in the upcoming academic year.
• Must reside in the following cities/towns & zip codes: Capay Valley (95607; 95606), Dunnigan (95937), Esparto (95627), Knights Landing (95645 only within Yolo County), Madison (95653), Woodland (95695; 95776), Yolo (95697), Zamora (95698)
• Preference will go to students who live in rural (or unincorporated) areas of northern Yolo County, which includes all cities listed above except for Woodland. Students living in Woodland are invited to apply for this scholarship, but preference will be given to students living in the other listed cities.
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Preference will be given to applicants with a GPA of 2.0 – 3.0.
• Demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application. "Need is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) scores from the FA FSA or The California Dream Act Application.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are first generation college students (ie: first in your family to attend a post high school education).
• Applicants must intend to enroll at least part-time in the upcoming academic year.
• Preference will be given to renewal applicants

Application Requirements

• Submit the General Application to apply for the NorYo Opportunity Scholarship.
• Essay: please provide a personal statement/self-description essay on your educational/career goals and what your plans are to pursue your goals.
• Reference letter: provide a letter of reference from a teacher, employer, community organization or 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 tuition, fees and educational expenses such as books and school supplies.
• The scholarship is renewable. You must reapply to be considered for a renewal award.