2014 High Hopes Scholarship Application Period is Open
Deadline for submission is April 9 at Noon PST
The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) is now accepting applications for High Hopes Scholarships for the Class of 2014. The scholarships provide $16,000 (payable in installments of $4,000/year over four years) and mentoring support to Berkeley public high school students who will attend 4-year colleges on a full-time basis.
Twenty plus scholarships will be awarded this year. Funds may be used for tuition, books, room and board, or incidental expenses in connection with the recipient’s college education. In addition to the monetary award, recipients are partnered with a mentor for four years.
BCF evaluates applicants based on financial need, the application package, personal statements, recommendations, and a personal interview. We look for: academic achievement reflected in the required GPA in a challenging mix of courses throughout high school; other activities, including in-school positions, particularly those that reflect leadership and initiative; community service activities and/or work experience.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and over in high school and begin attending college full-time in the Fall of 2014. The recipient of the Berkeley High Class of 1951 scholarship must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in high school.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants must show they:
• Are attending Berkeley High School or B-Tech during the 2013-14 academic year;
• Have a cumulative minimum GPA over 2.5 in high school and are academically prepared to attend college;
• Have been substantively involved with their community, school, or family;
• Have the ability to overcome obstacles to achieve academic and personal goals.
• Will be a full-time student at a 4-year accredited college or university in the U. S. in Fall 2013.
Applicants must also
• Document financial need.
• Be available for a personal interview on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. (Interview location will be at the YMCA Teen Center)
• Plan to attend the High Hopes Scholarship Awards ceremony on Monday, June 9, 2014
All finalists will be contacted and interviewed in person before the final awards are made.
For further information, contact the Berkeley Community Fund at info@berkfund.org.
