Purpose and Process for Applicants
2022-2023 Application Due Date: TBA
The Redwood High School Foundation Scholarship APPLICATION & DEADLINE WILL BE POSTED IN 2022.
A Redwood High School Foundation scholarship is an important one, as scholarships can make a difference in funding education.
Scholarships are awarded to selected seniors by the Redwood High School Foundation (RHSF)
and are heavily weighted for demonstrated financial need and hardship.
If you are interested in applying for a RHSF scholarship, please read all sections below. You will need to gather all required materials before begining the online application.
General Information
Purpose
The RHSF Scholarship Committee recognizes and awards students who are continuing their education after graduation from Redwood High School. All scholarships are used for tuition or school expenses at an accredited community college, trade school, 4-year college, or university.
Criteria
- Financial need (required and highest priority)
- Perseverance and determination
- Academic achievement
- Good moral character
- Good citizenship
- Criteria specific to the endowed awards
Awards
Scholarship awards are based on the availability of funds and through the application that meets the established criteria with particular emphasis on financial need. After reviewing all applications, recommendations for awards are made by the RHSF Scholarship Committee, except for the Chelini awardees who are selected by the RHS Counseling Department. The Committee will mail award checks directly to student accounts at their respective Colleges and Universities in summer, 2021. Funds are not mailed to students. Individual details will not be made public; only the names of the winners will be announced.
Applications must be completed by each student personally. The decisions of the RHSF Scholarship Committee are final. Any information you submit is confidential; however, if you are an award recipient, your name, the award name and the name of your university/college may be announced or printed.
About the Redwood High School Foundation Scholarships
Award decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status or gender. After reviewing the applicant’s submittals, recommendations for awards are made and approved by the RHSF Scholarship Committee. Only the names of the winners will be announced. The applicant’s personal information is kept confidential. In addition to general awards that typically range from $500 to $1,000.00, specialized awards and awards from Community Partners may be granted individually or in conjunction with general awards. RHS specialized awards include:
Redwood High School Awards (~30 Awards/Average $1,000)
Recognizing students who excel despite economic hardship
James Pierce Scholarship for Academic Excellence (1-2 awards /up to $5,000)
Recognizing students who demonstrate intellectual acumen and promise
The RHS Alumni Scholarship and Bill Wilkinson Scholarship (based on funds raised; 2-3 awards/ up to $2,500)
Recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, intellectual acumen and community spirit
The Chelini Awards (based on funds raised; 6 awards/up to $500)
Recognizing students who have overcome significant obstacles and demonstrated character or leadership
The Sylvia Jones Award ($1,500)
The Giant Scholarship (1-3 awards/ $5,000 each)
Recognizing students who show courage and grit towards building a bright future
Submitting the Application
Financial Need Criteria: Completed FAFSA or CADAA (CA Dream Act Application) is required for consideration of financial need based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CADAA. The following EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) limits are required and will be strictly adhered to: RHSF awards: maximum EFC $20,000 Exception: *James Pierce Award: maximum EFC $40,000.
If your family’s EFC is higher than the EFC limit, you may submit an application, but must include an explanation of extenuating circumstances that result in financial need. The RHSF Scholarship Committee will use discretion in considering applicants with an EFC above the required limit, but make no promise or guarantee of exceptions.
The Online Application
Complete the application which contains four sections: 1) Personal & Financial, 2) Academic, 3) Awards & Activities, 4) Writing Section. The writing section has two short essay questions. The first will help the committee understand your financial situation, and the second will help the committee understand your goals and why you want to pursue a higher education.
All information must be provided. If any information is not applicable, indicate with n/a.
RHS Staff Recommendation
In addition to the online application, you are being asked to provide the name and email of one Redwood staff member whom you would like us to ask for a recommendation on your behalf. Email your recommender’s name to Becky Bjursten, College & Career Specialist at bbjursten@tamdistrict.org. The application must be submitted by March 11, 2022.
FAFSA or CADAA Student Aid Report (SAR)
Please either take a photo or scan and email your FAFSA or CADAA Student Aid Report (SAR) printed from FAFSA or CADAA website to Becky Bjursten, College & Career Specialist at bbjursten@tamdistrict.org by the March 25th deadline. If desired, have your parent/guardian email the Optional Confidential Letter on Finances explaining the family’s financial situation.
Change Requests
If you feel you need to make any changes after submitting please contact Becky Bjursten, College & Career Specialist at bbjursten@tamdistrict.org
All awards are made possible through generous donations to the Redwood High School Foundation from our alumni and the family and friends of our students, faculty and staff.