Amount:  $5,000.00

($2,500 per semester)

2 award winners will be selected

Application Period: January 16, 2024 – April 12, 2024

The Rise Above Scholarship Award is being given for the purpose of uplifting and empowering the next generation to make our society and communities a better place in the future. The ability to make a positive impact should be an opportunity given to all, not just to those that already have the financial means. The award will be given to a student of whom has exhibited perseverance through challenges, commitment to learning, and clarity of future goals.

The proceeds of this scholarship will be awarded to a Sacramento City Unified School District high school graduate who needs financial assistance to fund his/her education. Additional criteria to apply include a 3.9 cumulative weighted GPA, and a proven track record of community service. Applicants are required to enroll full time at an accredited 4 year university.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

This scholarship is available for SCUSD students who attend a district or dependent charter school. A graduating senior from any high school in the Sacramento City Unified School District; who

-Graduating students at all high schools and charter schools in the district

-Have financial need

-Cumulative weighted 3.9 GPA

-Multi-year membership in CSF; Key Club or NHS

-Full time enrollment in an accredited 4-year college or university

The award shall not be available to the recipient of the scholarship until his/her actual enrollment at a university has been verified and documentation has been approved by the chairperson of the awards committee.

NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS:

The scholarship winner will be announced at the selected student’s High School Awards Assembly, unless otherwise indicated. The award will be paid out to the university in which the student is enrolled once enrollment has been verified and approved by the scholarship committee chair.

APPLICATION ATTACHMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Any student who meets the stated qualifications must complete an online application.  The completed application must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Student Essay– (essay must be typed in the appropriate box on the application, must be 750 words or less and must include the following):

-Short-term and long-term goals

-Personal challenges

-Community involvement (including future involvement)

-How you will use your education in the future to benefit society

2. Two Letters of Recommendation (MUST INCLUDE):

One from a school official (principal, counselor, or teacher) at the student’s high school; and

One from outside the school (employer, pastor, youth leader, or community leader)

3-Transcript:

An unofficial transcript of the student’s high school record, including the first semester of your senior year

4-College Enrollment:

Verification of acceptance to a university or acknowledgement by the university that the process is underway