Finding Scholarships Scholarship Spotlight: California Middle Class Scholarship Written by Beth Feinberg Keenanon August 26th, 2019 I started my career at Lesley University and spent over a decade at Northeastern University’s Office for Student Financial Services, where I was a senior assistant director. At Northeastern, I worked with applicants for financial aid, athletes, and families interested in financing their educations. In addition, I have served as an ambassador with the Massachusetts Education Finance Authority, visiting Massachusetts high schools to introduce students and parents to the financial aid process and the many sources of education financing that are available. I'm a graduate of Scripps College in Claremont CA, and I have an MBA and a master’s degree in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University. I serve as an ambassador with the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Learn More About Beth scholarship search, scholarships, There is a scholarship (or many scholarships) out there for everyone. Every student has some skill, interest, experience, or characteristic that may make them an attractive candidate for one scholarship or another. And while we often refer to scholarships as “free money,” scholarships don’t actually come for free. It takes work to thoughtfully consider your strengths and research the scholarships that might be most appropriate for you. While the effort that goes into finding and winning scholarships may be akin to a part-time job, we at College Coach want to make your job a little easier. This on-going scholarship series highlights a new scholarship each week. Check out the below, along with the other posts in the series, and you may discover a funding resource that will make covering that college bill a little (or a lot!) easier. While wealthy families can afford college and poor families often qualify for significant financial aid, middle income families often feel stymied by the college financing process. In 2014, however, the state of California created the Middle Class Scholarship in order to help families of undergraduate students make public colleges more affordable. Californians whose incomes do not exceed $177,000 and whose children plan to attend either a University of California or Cal State campus will be considered for funding. Scholarship: California Middle Class Scholarship Awarding Organization: California Student Aid Commission Amount: Reduces tuition 10% to 40%, depending upon family income. Eligible Students: Students who complete the FAFSA on or before March 2nd and meet the income guidelines will be considered for monies. Students who qualify for the California Dream Act are also eligible. Additionally, students must meet the following criteria: Maintain 2.0 GPA Not have a prior bachelors or professional degree Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen Selective Service Registration (males) Not currently incarcerated Not in default of student loan debt Eligible College(s): University of California and California State Universities How to Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application. Deadline: March 2nd Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/middle-class-scholarship Best of luck, and please see the awarding organization’s website for full scholarship details and requirements. Save Save Related Resources Read | Posted on September 20th, 2023 Full-Ride Scholarships: Effective Strategy or Fairy Tale? Read | Posted on August 4th, 2023 Identity-Based Scholarship Series: Scholarships for Hispanic Students Read | Posted on February 16th, 2023 Identity-Based Scholarship Series: Gold Star Children and Families
