College Scholarship Program Details
Programs
and Application
Change a Life Foundation operates a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties and for Emancipated Youth throughout California.
The Change a Life Scholarship Program wishes to bridge the financial gap that college-bound students face. The donor wishes to do this by providing scholarships to students with great potential, high financial need, strong academic demonstration and community/civic involvement. Scholarships are meant to assist economically disadvantaged students who excel academically to attend the University/College of their choice, with a scholarship of up to $5,000 to defray unmet needs such as: tuition, room and board, lab fees, books, and health care insurance.
Scholarship Criteria (Emancipated Youth criteria listed below - please scroll down)
| 1. | 12th
grade student enrolling in a four-year College or University |
| 2. | Weighted Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above from ninth grade to first semester of 12th grade |
| 3. | Minimum SAT score of 1,500 |
| 4. | Enrolled in and/or passed Advanced Placement courses (AP
courses) |
| 5. | Economically
disadvantaged: HUD standard of poverty to serve as a guide example: family of 4 in Orange County - HUD limit is $74,300 |
| 6. | U.S.
Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident |
| 7. | Evidence
of extracurricular activities (school/community involvement/employment) |
| 8. | A minimum of 40 hours of Community Service from ninth grade to first semester of 12th grade |
| 9. | Above
average attendance |
| 10. | Must graduate from an approved public high school in the following counties: Los Angeles County, San Diego County, or Orange County. Approved high schools are those within the Department of Education for each of these three Counties (LA County Dept. of Education, Orange County Department of Education, San Diego County Office of Education). |
Scholarship Criteria Specific to Emancipated Youth
| 1. | 12th grade student enrolling in a four-year College or University OR currently attending a Community College and ready to transfer to a four-year College or University |
| 2. | Weighted Grade Point Average of 2.75 or above from ninth grade to first semester of 12th grade OR a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for Community College courses |
| 3. | Minimum SAT score of 1,350 (not applicable for transfer students) or ACT score of 19 |
| 4. | Economically disadvantaged: HUD standard of poverty to serve as a guide (Income information of parents or foster parents of emancipated youth is not required) |
| 5. | U.S. Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident |
| 6. | Evidence of extracurricular activities (school/community involvement/employment) |
| 7. | Community Service |
| 8. | Above average attendance |
Applicants should work directly with their college and/or guidance counselors to apply.
| Dates to Remember | |
| March 14, 2013 | Scholarship Applications must be received at Change a Life Foundation |
| May 2013 | Scholarship Reception Invitations mailed out |
| June 1, 2013 | Scholarship Reception for first year Change a Life Scholars |
| July 26, 2013 | Scholarship contracts must be received at the Change a Life Foundation |
 |
2013 Scholarship Guidelines |
|
2013 High School Senior Sample Application |
|
2013 Emancipated Youth Sample Application |
 |
2013 Scholarship Contract |
|
2013 HUD Guidelines.doc |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Change a Life Foundation Scholarship?
First you must meet the Change a Life Scholarship program criteria. If you meet the criteria you must complete a scholarship application online and mail, email or fax all requested attachments to the Foundation by the application deadline date (email preferred to lfujimoto@changealife.org).
What is the Scholarship Application Deadline Date?
The final date to receive new scholarship applications online is March 14, 2013.
If I cannot complete the application online, can I have my printed application post marked by the due date?
Your scholarship application must be submitted online and supplemental information must be received at the Change a Life Foundation address by the due date. Late applications will not be accepted.
What do I do if I have difficulty with the online application? What if the information that I enter does not save?
If you have difficulty with our online application - email Lisa Fujimoto at lfujimoto@changealife.org. Explain the difficulty you are having with the application and, if possible, attach the information that didn't save to the application to the email.
Do I have to meet all of the Scholarship Criteria?
Yes, all of the scholarship criteria must be met. If you do not meet or
are just shy of one of the guidelines your application will not be considered.
Can I use my funds for summer school session?
No, scholarship funds cannot be used for summer school session unless
you have received special pre-approval from the Foundation.
Can I use my scholarship funds for study abroad?
At this time no scholarship funds can be used for study abroad. The Board
of the Change a Life Foundation considers this a special privilege and
not a necessity. Therefore it falls outside of the guidelines of funding.
What is considered unmet need?
Any tuition, room and board, lab fees, books, and health care insurance
that is not covered by scholarships, grants, or financial aid from your
institution (not including loans). Parent and/or student contribution,
as determined by FAFSA, is not considered unmet need.
What is the Scholarship Contract?
If you are approved as a Change a Life Foundation Scholar you must fill
out the Scholarship contract form and submit a copy of your financial
aid award package, thank you letter, and the signed original contract
in order to receive your scholarship funds.
What is the Scholarship Contract Deadline Date?
All scholarship contracts and materials must be received by July 26, 2013
in the Foundation office.
What needs to be included in my financial award package information
that I send to Change a Life Foundation?
First, be sure to include what the cost is to attend your University or
College. Second, include the line item detail of the grants, loans, scholarships,
and loans that you have been approved for. You should be able to access
this information on your student account from your University or College
website.