Community Scholarship

Sacramento Region Community Foundation established the Pooled Scholarship in 2026 for the purpose of pooling award amounts from selected scholarship funds into a single, flexible funding source that provides meaningful financial support to students in Sacramento County pursuing a higher education. The scholarship is designed to expand equitable access to postsecondary education and career training for local high school students by recognizing academic achievement, financial need, community engagement, and clearly defined educational goals. Awards from this fund are intended to address unmet financial need and support college access, persistence, and degree completion.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a graduating high school senior from a high school in Sacramento County.
• Plan to attend a 2-year or 4-year college/university, vocational or trade school in the upcoming academic year.
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Preference will go to students with a GPA range of 2.5 – 3.5.
• Demonstrate financial need – Need is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) scores from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or The California Dream Act Application. Preference will go to students with an SAI # of 6000 and below on the FAFSA/CAR.
• Preference will go to first generation college students (first in family to receive a higher education degree)
• Applicants must intend to enroll full-time 12 units or more or the equivalent in the upcoming academic year.

Application Requirements

• Complete the general application before applying to the Pooled Scholarship Fund which included a Completed FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the California state priority deadline to establish eligibility for federal and state financial aid, including Cal Grant A, B, or C.

• Essay topics: Prompt 1: Sacramento Community Impact Sacramento is home to diverse neighborhoods, cultures, and communities. Describe a time you contributed to your school, neighborhood, or a Sacramento-area organization. What did you learn from this experience, and how has it shaped your goals for the future? Prompt 2: Self Description – Your Story, Your Voice: Tell us something about your background & identity, challenges & growth, gratitude & admiration and lived experience that you believe is important for the Foundation to understand as it considers your application.

• Reference letter: One (1) letter of reference from a non-family member (e.g., teacher, counselor, administrator, employer, coach, or community service supervisor) addressing the student’s character, effort, and readiness for postsecondary education or training.

Scholarship Award

• Scholarship Award is renewable up to 3 years. Applicants must be in good standings and submit grades and proof of enrollment to claim a renewal 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 the cost of attendance (includes tuition, fees, books, educational expenses and housing).
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Authority:
Eligibility guidelines and selection criteria are approved by the Foundation and may be updated periodically to reflect changes in California state financial aid policy or philanthropic best practices.

Application Completeness & Disqualification Clause:
Only complete applications received by the stated deadline will be reviewed. Incomplete or late submissions, including missing FAFSA/California Dream Act confirmation, reference letters, or essays, may be deemed ineligible.

Equity & Non-Discrimination Statement
The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religious affiliation. Applications are reviewed with attention to equity, access, and individual educational context.