Scholarships for students California. Some scholarships specifically open to California students, and others give preference to students in California.

Nickelson Family Essay Scholarship
Sponsor: Freethought Day
Amount: $2,500.00
Closing Date: July 15, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to recent California high school graduates who plan to pursue post-secondary education at a community college, four-year college, trade school, or vocation school. Applicant must submit an essay on the following prompt, “Good without God.”

Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship
Sponsor: BBB Pacific Southwest
Amount: Up to $1,500
Closing Date: August 2, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to students in grade 9-12 (graduating classes of 2027-2030) residing and enrolled in school in San Diego or Imperial County. Applicant must submit an essay on a ethical issue that they faced and how they handled it.

Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship
Sponsor: BBB Pacific Southwest
Amount: Up to $1,500
Closing Date: September 27, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to students in grade 9-12 (graduating classes of 2027-2030) residing and enrolled in school in Orange County (California). Applicant must submit an essay on a ethical issue that they faced and how they handled it.

Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund
Sponsor: Macy’s | LULAC National Educational Services Center, Inc.
Amount: Up to $500
Closing Date: Rolling
Description: Scholarship is open to deserving students facing economic hardship and immediate monetary need that, if not met, could result in an inability to complete classes or a degree program. Emergency financial need resulting from the following will qualify students from funding: change in family income/support, loss of job, death of an immediate family member, natural disaster, pending eviction or home foreclosure, burglary, or fire. Applicant must be a resident of California, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, or Texas.

CalCPA Scholarship
Sponsor: CalCPA Education Foundation
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: Varies
Description: Scholarships are open to students with an interest in pursing professional careers in the accounting field. Applicant must be enrolled at an institution of higher learning in the state of California and must be a member of CalCPA (student membership is free). CalCPA chapters have different deadlines for scholarship – see website for details.