Application Tips
Review the Frequently Asked Questions below.
Read the application carefully for all the requirements.
Be sure to obtain original signatures on letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Provide OFFICIAL transcripts—ORDER EARLY! It often can take 2-3 weeks for your school to provide this document.
Start filling out your application early. You can start your online application now, save a draft, and return to complete it, later .
Submit all of your supporting documents by uploading them into your application. If not submitted together, your application will be considered incomplete.
Review your application before hitting the submit button.
Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to edit your docs. In the case of incorrect documents being submitted, send us an email to rectify the application. Email: scholarships@calstrawberry.org.
Save the electronic confirmation of your submitted application.
Monitor your email after submitting your application – this is the primary way we send messages .
FAQs
The California Strawberry Scholarship Program was founded by growers to help California strawberry farmworkers or children of California strawberry farmworkers to further their educational and career goals. Funds awarded can be applied toward a scholastic or vocational program.
California strawberry farmworkers or children of California strawberry farmworkers. For the first-time applicant, employment verification is needed for the farmworker or at least one parent/legal guardian who is currently employed in the California strawberry harvest. This employment must also be in effect for the past two consecutive years. Applicants must graduate from high school. Growers and their families, permanent staff and members of the California Strawberry Commission, or their families are not eligible.
Scholarship awards are made by the California Strawberry Scholarship Selection Committee on the basis of merit.
Applications for the California Strawberry Scholarships program are only accepted online and must be completed no later than the due date. Any supporting documents MUST be emailed prior to the due date as well.
Scholarship awards range between $300 and $5,000 and are applied toward full-time status at a four-year college/university, community college, or accredited trade school. All scholarships are one-year allocations.
Complete application packages must be submitted no later than the due date of February 15 prior to the new school year.
Submission Requirements
| Requirements | High School Applicants | First Time College Applicants | Previous Scholarship Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completed Online Application | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verification of Parent Employment | ✓ | ✓ | Not Necessary |
| Two Letters of Recommendation * | ✓ | ✓ | Not Necessary |
| Essay (1,000 words describing your education and career goals) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Responses to three questions (selected on application) | Not Necessary | Not Necessary | ✓ |
| Official High School Transcript (including SAT or ACT scores, if applying to a 4-year university or college) | ✓ | ✓ | Not Necessary |
| Official College Transcript (Can be opened and uploaded if a school signature and official stamp is visivle) | Not Necessary | ✓ | ✓ |
| Current College Class Schedule | Not Necessary | ✓ | ✓ |
*At least one letter of recommendation must be from a teacher or counselor and placed on a school letterhead.
IMPORTANT: ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER (all within the online application – documents are not accepted by mail).
If not submitted together, your application will not be reviewed.
Selection process will take place in April for the next academic year. At that time the selection committee will review your application, letters of recommendation, essay, and transcript (documents as applicable). We will notify first-time recipients by email. Renewal applicants will be notified by July 31.
During the summer, we will send out an email requesting documentation to be submitted to the California Strawberry Scholarships. After all of the required documentation is received by November 1, the award is processed and sent to your school, and you will be notified when this occurs. This process can take between 3-4 weeks. Awards are not given directly to students.
Contacts
If you have further questions or need additional assistance, contact us at: scholarships@calstrawberry.org or call 831.724.1301.
Mailing Address:
California Strawberry Scholarships
P.O. Box 269
Watsonville, CA 95077
Phone: 831.724.1301
