Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid and Scholarships
FAFSA-Financial Aid
The FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to apply for financial aid.All information and the application can be found at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ or The CADAA (California Dream Act Application) www.caldreamact.org for those who are not US citizens. You can file a FAFSA between October 1st and March 2nd of the senior year.
Cal Grants: TUSD submits GPAs for all seniors each year. This means that you DO NOT have to fill out the GPA Verification Form. As long as you complete your FAFSA by March 2nd, you will be considered for Cal Grants.
In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges and universities will require the CSS Profile. That can be found here: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/.
Other Scholarships
For Current Seniors
South Bay Women's Association:
Selection Criteria: Women who are graduating high school seniors, undergraduate college students who have completed at least one year of study, or students continuing with postgraduate or graduate work are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (for high school seniors a weighted average is used). Applicants must reside in the Greater South Bay area. Specific cities include San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Carson, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, El Segundo and Westchester. Recipients are required to enroll full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Scholarship Deadline: February 24, 2019 More information and our flyer for posting is available here.
Charlotte Mousel Scholarship
The Charlotte Mousel Scholarship is given to a young man or woman who exemplifies qualities of Citizenship and Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to assist graduating seniors who demonstrate ability to think constructively on matters affecting our government. Deadline is March 1, 2019 for additional information and to apply visit here.
Scholarship Opportunity For Seniors who plan to go into CTE:
Attention Seniors who are planning to pursue a technical career after high school ( Auto Mechanic, Carpenter, Welder, Electrician, Surgical Technologist etc.) There is a special scholarship for you! Please see Ms. Maldonado for details on how to apply.
Vietnam Veterans of America South Bay Chapter 53 24th Annual Scholarship
Students must report on a Vietnam Era Veteran: Veteran served in the U.S. armed forces on active duty (other than for training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between Feb 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 or in any duty location between Aug 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975. (NOTE: Verification of veterans military service may be required.) Essay required of at least 500 but no more than 1,000 words. Entries must be submitted by April 17, 2019. For more details and information please see Mrs. Leone in the counseling office.
Beat the Odds
This scholarship honors those graduating High School Seniors who have overcome obstacles, large or small and who have contributed to the well being of others in their community. Applicants must reside in the City of Torrance and attend a Torrance High School. Deadline is March 18, 2019.
For more information and to apply, please see Mrs. Leone in the counseling office.
Quest Bridge College Prep Scholars Program
The program is open to high achieving, low income high school juniors who demonstrate strength in character and academic achievement and have financial need. If you think you fit the criteria please see Mrs. Leone in the counseling office for additional information. Deadline to apply is March 20, 2019.
Torrance Craftsmen's Guild Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to Torrance High School seniors who have been selected for their work in the arts.
Requirements: (Deadline March 30, 2019)
- Complete the application
- Attach at least (2) 5x7 pictures of your work (on photo paper)
- Include a detailed explanation of your craft and why you have an interest in creating handmade items
- Attach (2) letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be from a teacher, counselor or administrator from the school you are attending. Letters may be photocopies
Please see Mrs. Leone in the counseling office for an application.
2019 South Bay JACL Scholarship- Deadline March 31, 2019
Kiichi Egashira Memorial Scholarship-Open to students planning to attend or attending a college or university pursuing a bachelors or graduate degree in Physical and Biological Sciences, Engineering and/or Mathematics.
Janice Kobata Zoeger Memorial Scholarship-Open to students planning to attend or attending a college or university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in any field of study relating to biological sciences, foreign and/or ancient language or business.
The Ernest K. Tsujimoto Memorial Scholarship-The Tsujimoto Family will award a memorial scholarship to a student planning to attend or be enrolled in a college or university in pursuit of an Undergraduate/Graduate Degree majoring in the STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
Gardena Valley Japanese American Citizens League Scholarship-Open to high school seniors only, who are planning to attend a college or university pursuing a bachelor's degree in any field of study.
More info on all of the JACL scholarships can be found here.
South Bay Women’s Business Association Scholarship -2/24/19
The SBWBA is awarding (7) students with $2,000 scholarships
Selection Criteria: Women who are graduating high school seniors, undergraduate college students who have completed at least one year of study, or students continuing with postgraduate or graduate work are encouraged to apply. Must have a minimum of 3.0 (Weighted GPA) to apply.
Application and more information can be found here.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships- Deadline ongoing
Beginning with the class of 2020 ( Current Juniors), College Board will be awarding scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000. This scholarship program does not have a minimum GPA or SAT score. Students have a chance to earn scholarships when they: Build their college list, Practice for the SAT, Improve their SAT score, strengthen their college list, Fill out the FAFSA and apply to college.
More information on this College Board Opportunity Scholarships can be found here
Sons of Italy Western Foundation Scholarships- Deadline 3/1/19
Multiple scholarships available for students who are of whole or partial Italian descent who plan to enroll in an accredited Trade School, College, University or Community College for the fall of 2019. Scholarships are available in the following categories: academic awards for highschool seniors, Italian Language Study Grants in Italy for high school Seniors for the Summer of 2019 and athletic awards.
Apply here.
Italian Catholic Federation
Scholarships are for students who have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA and:
1.Are Roman Catholic and of Italian Descent and live within the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Arizona, California, Illinois and Nevada, only where Branches of the Federation are established; or,
2.Are Roman Catholic but need not be of Italian Descent or live where Branches of the Federation are established if either Roman Catholic parent, guardian or grandparent is a member of the “Italian Catholic Federation.”
More information can be found here.
South Bay Republican Women Federated
The South Bay Republican Women Federated will be awarding scholarships to local graduating high school seniors who demonstrate strong academics, participate in extracurricular activities, and commitment to the Republican Party. Deadline is April 15, 2019
Requirements:
- Applicants must reside in the South Bay area we represent
- Must have a B+ average and be active in school activities
- Recipient must be a registered Republican voter, or if underage, at least one parent must be a registered Republican
- Community involvement is important
For more information and to apply please visit here.
Shelly Spiegal-Coleman 2019 Scholarship
This scholarship is for a High School bilingual senior who is planning to enroll in courses leading towards a teaching or counseling credential addressing the needs of english learners through the promotion of Bilingual Enducation. Requirements:
- Must submit a completed and signed application (3pages)
- Must submit a one page personal statement explaining why you have chosen to becomes a teacher or a counsler promoting Bilingual Education
- Must submit at least 2 letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, administrator, or supervisor (including a contact telephone number).
- Must enroll in a college (community, state, or private college or university) by Sep 2019
- Must submit a copy of spring 2019 transcript
Must submit all of the above documents by Monday April 29, 2019
Please see Mrs. Leone in the counseling office for an application.
The Daniel Carlos Herrera Memorial 2019 Scholarship
Requirements:
- High School graduate who is pursuing a career in education or community service with a focus on serving an ethnically diverse society
- Student who is bilingual in English/Spanish, or has a Native American Tribal Affiliation
- Resilient student who in their earlier school career had an academic or personal obstacle to overcome
- Student who is, or has been involved in outside community work or service
Application must be postmarked by Monday April 29, 2019
Please see Mrs. Leone in the counseling office for an application
South Bay Business Women's Association Scholarship
Requirements: (Deadline: February 24, 2019)
Graduating female high school seniors and college students who have completed at least 1 year of study, or students continuing with post-graduate work may apply. Applicants must be planning to enroll full-time for the upcoming academic year in a college or a specialized education program. Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for High School applicants. For additional information and to apply click here.
Pine Cone Foundation College Scholarship for Seniors
Requirements: Applications accepted February 15 - April 1
- Have documented learning disabilities
- Be a graduating high school senior
- Enroll at a CA community college
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Be a US citizen
For more information and to apply click here.
Dinty Mohr Scholarship
Requirements: (Deadline: April 1, 2019)
Scholarships are awarded to seniors that will be attending an accredited 2 or 4 year institution of learning such as college or vocational school as a full-time undergraduate freshman. Most rewards may be renewed but not guaranteed for 3 years based upon students re-application with evidence of satisfactory academic progress.
- Must be a high school senior
- US citizen or permeate resident of USA
- Minimum 3.0 un-weighted GPA
- Accepted at an accredited 2 or 4-yr college or vocational trade school as a full-time undergraduate freshman beginning the fall following high school graduation
- Completion and submission of required supporting documentation to Beach Cities Lodge for review.
Supporting documents needed:
- Completed and signed original applications with a wallet size photo and 3 additional copies.
- Personal essay written as a letter of introduction with 3 additional copies.
- Two letters of recommendation and 3 additional copies.
- GPA verified by school counselor (see application).
- College/Vocational School acceptance letter.
- A copy of the College Board Entrance Examination - SAT or ACT score.
- Proof of Masonic relation and/or Masonic youth order membership (if applicable)
Please see Mrs. Leone in the counseling office for application and any questions.
9-12 Grade Scholarships
Cirkled in Scholarship
$2500 scholarship for 8th-12th grade students. It’s an easy scholarship to apply for, with no income bracket requirements, no minimum GPA, and no lengthy essay to write. Students can use it for any educational need, such as college tuition (4 year, 2 year, or trade school), books and supplies, even transportation if necessary. It’s free to apply. It’s open to all high school grades, not just the seniors. Apply here.
Scholarship Buddy - California
You deserve it scholarship
Requirements: (Deadline: February 27,2019)
- Be a resident of any of the 50 US, District of Columbia or US Territories
- Be 16 years of ag on the day of the deadline
Applications can be found here.
Clarion Scholarship
Requirements: (Deadline: February 28, 2019)
- Be at least 13 years old and enrolled or plan to enroll in a college or university in the US.
- Be a legal resident of the US or Puerto Rico
Applications can be found here.
Harris Poll Scholarship
Requirements: (Deadline: February 28, 2019)
- Be a legal resident of the 50 US and DC
- Be 13 years or older at the time of entry
Applications can be found here.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships- Deadline ongoing
Beginning with the class of 2020 ( Current Juniors), College Board will be awarding scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000. This scholarship program does not have a minimum GPA or SAT score. Students have a chance to earn scholarships when they: Build their college list, Practice for the SAT, Improve their SAT score, strengthen their college list, Fill out the FAFSA and apply to college.
More information on this College Board Opportunity Scholarships can be found here.
She Leads
She Leads is throwing an entrepreneurship makeathon at Snapchat headquarters on March 9th and 10th to teach high school students how to start their own businesses. During these two days, students will actively engage in discussions with female entrepreneurs (i.e. founders of Sugarfina, Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP, Knock Knock Stuff etc.) and learn design thinking, ideation, product development, and marketing from industry leaders at Snapchat, General Assembly, Very Nice, etc.
Participants with stand-out ideas will have the chance to launch their products with mentorship, angel investors, and potentially even full-tuition college scholarships! There will be great food, lots of amazing swag (i.e. Maybelline makeup, Ban.do stationary, etc.), and numerous networking opportunities. Our Ticket link is here. We're also offering full scholarships to meet financial need! Please have the students apply for scholarships here.
2019 Scholarships Opportunities
Attached is annual compilation of key scholarship opportunities, internships, and summer programs. Click here for a list of scholarshop opportunities. Interested in an internship? Click here for a list of career focused internship opportunities for students looking to gain valuable career experience. Both lists are updated regularly. It's not too early for students to begin planning for summer, also offered is a list of college focused summer programs click here.
Resources
The following links are great for national scholarship searches and more information on financial aid: