Outside Scholarships
Scholarship checks sent to the College of the Desert Bursar's Office from outside organizations on behalf of students, require a minimum 6-8 week turnaround time to process the check(s) from the date the check is received.
All outside scholarship checks will be mailed to the address College of the Desert has on file. Please be sure to update your address if your address has changed to ensure you receive your scholarship in a timely manner.
External (Outside) Scholarship Opportunities:
- Spectrum Institute (LGBT) Scholarship (PDF)
- Spectrum Institute (Developmental Disability) Scholarship (PDF)
- Dr. Suhyun An Scholarship for students who plan to pursue a medical degree
- The Jaime & Blanca Jarrin Foundation goal is to help close educational gaps and pave the way for first-generation Latino college students with dreams of becoming the first in their family to achieve their higher education degree.
- Soroptimist Live Your Dreams Scholarship
- Sun Community FCU Scholarships
- WTS - Advancing Women in Transportation Careers
- Hortio Alger application for juniors in high school
- Hortio Alger application for current students in career and technical programs
- Theresa A. Mike Scholarship
- L-Fund Education Assistance Program Application
- Sallie Mae Fund Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program
- DAR-Monica Scholarship
- Coachella Valley Housing Coalition
- California Strawberry Scholarship
- California Desert Association of Realtors Scholarships for high school seniors
- California P.E.O. Scholarships
- Coachella Valley Alumnae Phanhellenic Scholarships
- Girlfriend Factor GoGirl! Grants for local adult women over the age of 25
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
- Latinos in Finance Scholarship
- Woman's Club of Indio Empowering Women Scholarship Opportunity
- Standard Motor Products Blue Streak Scholarship for automotive students
- Standard Motor Products Women in Auto Care Scholarship
- Rehabs.org Scholarship for Minorities
- Ottinger Employment Annual Scholarship Contest
- VNutrition & Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship Scholarship opportunity for students who Identify as LGBTQ+
- USC Race and Equity Center Student Visions for Change Challenge A California community student challenge with over $50,000 of prizes awarded to selected winners of the challenge!
- Foundation for California Community Colleges The Educating for Change Scholarship is designed to support students attending a California Community College who may have a part incarcerated in a prison that is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
- Linderes Avanzando Program This program was Launched in 2016. This scholarship is for first and second year Latinx students (DACA and undocumented students may also participate in this program). The goal of this program is to support the college retention and graduation rates for Latinx students.
- WCI Empowering Women Scholarship Applications are now Being Accepted Woman's Club of Indio Scholarships are based on multiple variables. The amount of these scholarship awards is contingent on the number of qualified applicants yearly. The application is open now through April 12th 2024. Make sure to apply!
- Foundation for Community Colleges - Keenan Insurance Scholarship Scholarship preference shall be given to underrepresented students who are working towards either a certificate or degree in either insurance, risk management, financial services or a related filed such as business administration, with a concentration in or focus on the insurance benefits industry. Applicants must be eligible for a California College Promise Grant or be experiencing other circumstances demonstrating financial need, be enrolled in and also complete three (3) units each semester in insurance, risk management, financial services or related courses to be eligible for this scholarship opportunity. For more information on the Keenan Insurance Scholarships click on this link
- Black and African American Student Success | California Community Colleges Check out this link to apply for scholarships, and discover ways you can meet your College and Career goals!
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund HSF Scholar Program Application is now open and also on this site, there are multiple scholarship awards students may, if applicable, apply to.
- Esperanza Advancing Hispanic Academic Achievement STEM Scholarship opportunity in partnership with Sherwin Williams. Applicants must identify as Latinx, must be in Business reglated or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) major. DACA and Undocumented students are encouraged and welcomed to apply.
- IMMIGRANTS RISING Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising is dedicated to empowering individuals and driving systemic change. Through a range of resources and support, the organization helps individuals access educational resources, help with career pursuits aimed at building a brighter future for those they assist and their communities.
- Community College League of California This scholarship opportunity is open to students who are enrolled in 6units or more, who have a 2.0 GPA, and who are working a minimum of 10hours weekly. Application deadline is March 31st 2024, and award selections will be made in May 2024!
- California Nurses Foundation Scholarships The California Nurses Foundation (CNF) would like to share potential scholarship opportunities for the 2024/2025 academic year. If you are or planning to be a nursing student, during the 2024/2025 academic year, please click on the following link to see if you may be able to apply for one or more of their many scholarship opportunities.
- Scholarship Search by Sallie Easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships! You might find a scholarship that is just right for you. No need to register, you can begin your free scholarship search today.
- Reach for the Stars Reel Money Courses "Reach for the Stars Film Finance Scholarship Program purpose is to provide 10 free scholarships. This scholarship opportunity is for students interested in pursuing careers in film/tv, drama, finance, accounting, economics, business, sociology, law, entertainment and more. Application deadline to apply is January 31st 2025!
- Chief Information Systems Officers Association of the California Community Colleges (CISOA) Is now open! This scholarship opportunity is for students enrolled part-time who have declared an IT related major. There will be fifteen(15) $1,500.00 scholarships awarded this year, apply today! The application will close on March 14, 2025.
CalKIDS
California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program, CalKIDS gives children in California a jump start on saving for college. CalKIDS is a California state program that helps children save for college or career training after high school. CalKIDS was created to help as many California children prepare financially for a postsecondary education. For more information on CalKIDS and their program please visit CalKIDS the first step toward college
Have more questions about calKIDS, click on the Frequently Asked Questions link! https://calkids.org/help-resources/frequently-asked-questions/
OneFuture Coachella Valley Scholarships
Since 2009, OneFuture Coachella Valley (OFCV) and their local partners have aligned and awarded more than $17 million in scholarships to more than 2,600 students. To apply for OFCV scholarships please visit the OneFuture website.
Carreon Foundation
Since 1991 the Dr. Carreon Foundation has awarded more than $2million in scholarships to over 1,000 Coachella Valley and Blythe students. To apply click on the GET STARTED NOW! link.
Inland Empire Community Foundation
The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) IECF awards a wide variety of scholarships, including general and field-specific scholarships for areas of study like civil engineering, nursing, special education, veterinary sciences, and more. To apply for scholarships with IECF, please visit the IECF website and click on "Scholarship Opportunities."
Following is a list of free scholarship search sites:
- www.scholarships.com
- www.fastweb.com
- www.scholarshipamerica.org/
- www.salliemae.com/freemoney
- www.studentscholarships.org
- scholarshipinstitute.org
- www.collegeboard.com
Outside Scholarship Opportunities from Departments within the College
| Name | Deadline | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Burton Book Fund for Foster Youth | Ongoing | EOPS/CARE office |
