NorYo Opportunity Scholarship

This scholarship was established to help students in northern Yolo County who are planning to complete a community college certificate program, trade school or any other program within two years that will help them find employment that will provide a living wage. This can be a long-term or an interim goal toward fulfilling their ultimate dreams and potential. 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 within two years or less.
• Must reside in the following towns or surrounding rural areas: 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 – 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• 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 before applying to the NorYo Opportunity Scholarship.
• Essay: Please provide a personal statement/self-description essay including your educational/career goals, why you have chosen this goal, and what you have done to learn about this career and prepare for your chosen educational path. Note any special circumstances that should be considered in determining an award amount.
• Reference letter: provide one or two reference letters 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. (second reference letter is optional)

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.