Scholarships

Apply for a Scholarship!

• Scholarships are NOT Just for "Perfect" Students: Many scholarships don’t require a perfect GPA. They can be based on hobbies, interests, or unique experiences, meaning there’s something for everyone.

• They’re Like Free Money: Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be paid back. Why not apply?

• You Can Apply for Multiple Scholarships: There are hundreds of scholarships available, and applying for more increases your chances of receiving funds. You control your odds!

• Even Small Scholarships Add Up: Every scholarship can help you pay for part of your education. Multiple smaller scholarships can add up quickly!

• Scholarships Can Open Doors: Winning a scholarship can connect you with networks, internships, and job opportunities that go beyond just the financial benefits. It's a chance to boost your resume too!

• Never pay or provide your SSN to apply for a scholarship. The risk is higher than the reward. 

What are Scholarships?

• Scholarships are cash from private/public, corporate, community, or institutional donors who want to invest in student learning and education.
• Scholarships are typically awarded to students who understand how to apply, make time to apply, and can show promise in certain fields of study in their application.
• If you look, you can find a scholarship that you are eligible for. Financial Aid is here to help.
• Skyline College uses a system called AcademicWorks that lets you explore & apply for a wide range of scholarships offered to students enrolled in our college district.

Why Apply?

• Scholarships are not loans; they do not need to be paid back
• They can be used for your cost of attendance, not just tuition
• The odds of earning a scholarship here at Skyline are higher than an external scholarship

There are students who routinely earn hundreds and thousands of dollars in scholarship earnings to reduce their financial stress and be able to focus on the learning and projects that matter to them. Completing your financial aid application is truly just the beginning of how much aid you can receive!

How do I Apply?

1. Create an San Mateo County College Foundation Account
2. Draft your General Application
   • This includes your Academic Statement, Extra Curricular, and Supplemental Info
   • Draft your information in an external document for easy editing & copy-pasting
3. Request and Upload your Unofficial Transcript
4. "Finish and Submit" your general application
   • A rough draft is fine! You can go back and update your general application before the deadline.
5. Explore the specific recommended scholarships you qualify for. "Finish and Submit" those applications.
   • This step is when you have applied for a scholarship.
   • Do not stop at step 4. Submitting the general application does not apply for anything by itself.
6. Want to edit? Click General Application and update your statements or make edits to your entries.
7. Research external scholarships, internships and fellowships and create a plan of action to apply.

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Statement?

When writing a winning scholarship statement, it’s essential to combine persuasive writing with your authentic self.

Scholarship committees want to see who you truly are—not just a list of accomplishments, but a genuine portrayal of your passions, values, and unique qualities. Use persuasive writing techniques to convince them why you deserve the scholarship in a way that feels natural and true to you. Authenticity makes your essay stand out and resonates with readers, showing them that you're not only qualified but also someone to believe in.

Equally important are the key strategies of:

• Responding directly to the prompt
  • Always address the prompt fully. Stay focused on what the scholarship committee is asking and ensure that every part of your statement is relevant.
• Using rhetoric effectively
  • Rhetoric includes persuasive techniques like ethos, pathos, and logos and helps you connect emotionally, build credibility, and present logical arguments to make your case.
• Structuring your writing with clarity
  • Organizing your ideas in a PIE (Point, Illustration, Explanation) format ensures that your writing is clear, structured, and compelling. Strucutre helps the reader follow your thinking and reasoning.

Visit your local library and loan a scholarship book for guidance while you do your apps!

Facts about Scholarships

• You can apply to as many scholarships as you want!
  • All you need is to meet eligibility and minimum requirements
  • Do not get discouraged about not hearing back or not being awarded
• Many scholarships do not have unattainable GPA requirements
• Many scholarships are not contingent upon financial need
• Scholarships pay for more than just tuition
• While most scholarships require full time enrollment status, not all of them do
• Incoming high school students are eligible for many internal scholarships here at Skyline College

Tips for Applying

• Applying for financial aid (FAFSA / CADAA) will make you eligible for more scholarships, and may be thought of as a scholarship in itself
  
  • Applying for financial aid also makes you eligible for other helpful programs on campus such as EOPS, Promise, and MESA!
  • Unsure about which application to fill out? Check out FAFSA's FAQ   and CADAA's FAQ  .
• Ask for feedback & support on your personal statements / supplemental questions
• We offer books about scholarships such as "The Ultimate Scholarship Book" or "How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay" in our library if you are eager to learn more about scholarships
• Build connections during your process so scholarships can lead into internships and fellowships
• Focus on effective and efficient learning techniques in your classes so you can spend more time applying for scholarships and high quality leisure