Do you know a student who might be interested in applying for one of California State PTA’s Graduating High School Senior scholarships? Now is the time to apply; the application deadline has been extended to February 15, 2025!
The following two types of scholarships are available.
- $1,000 Volunteer Service Scholarship – This scholarship recognizes graduating seniors for volunteer service in their PTAs, schools, and communities. It provides funds to enroll in courses at accredited colleges, universities, and trade or technical schools. Applicants must be PTA members graduating from a California high school between now and June 30, 2024. Seniors graduating from a non-PTA high school may still apply if they are on the board of a council or district PTA or the California State PTA Board of Managers.
- $500 Dr. Ralph E. White Graduating Senior Scholarship – Honoring the volunteer and public-service legacy of Dr. Ralph E. White and his wife, Eleanor, this additional scholarship provides $500 each to two successful applicants of the Volunteer Service Scholarship who intend to pursue a career in a medical field.
Graduating seniors only need to fill out one application to apply for both scholarships. The top two student applicants entering the medical field will receive both the Dr. Ralph E. White Scholarship and the Volunteer Service Scholarship.
Be sure to include the following items in the application:
- Proof of PTA membership must be uploaded to the application.
- A descriptive essay which fully answers the questions asked regarding PTA volunteering and experience, service to other organizations, career plans, job experience, and any other information the student feels would be valuable to the scholarship selection committee.
- Two completed reference forms and letters are required, written specifically for this application. The first reference is to be written by a community volunteer leader who has volunteered with the student and is unrelated to the applicant. The second reference is to be written by a high school faculty member.
Applications, reference forms/letters, and all supporting documents must be received in the California State PTA office by February 15, 2025. All applicants are notified of their application results by the end of March. Scholarship winners receive a letter of congratulations, a recognition certificate from California State PTA, and a check.
For additional information, please visit the Graduating Seniors Scholarship web page or email the California State PTA Scholarships & Grants Committee at scholarships@capta.org.