Navigating Reedley College Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

The Reedley College Scholarship Program is designed to help students achieve their educational goals. These scholarships represent a vital financial resource, supported by the generosity of local businesses, community groups, alumni, and various private sources. However, due to limited funding, scholarships are awarded competitively based on specific criteria, such as grade point average, academic major, educational and career goals, and financial need. These criteria are designated by the donors themselves. Attendance in the scholarship ceremony is required in order to receive funds.

Understanding Financial Aid Options

Before diving into specific scholarships, it's important to understand the broader landscape of financial aid. "Financial aid" refers to any form of assistance designed to help students meet the costs of higher education. This can include grants, scholarships, or work-study programs.

Federal Pell Grant Changes

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the qualification criteria for Pell Grants will change. It's important to note that this change applies only to the Federal Pell Grant.

Enrollment Intensity

Enrollment intensity is a percentage that indicates the number of units a student is taking compared to a full-time course load, which is typically 12 units.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Federal Work-Study (FWS) allows students to earn money toward their education by working on campus in various departments. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least 6 active units. The goal of the FWS program is to provide students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in an environment where education remains the primary focus. This is a paid position, and students receive a paycheck for the hours worked.

Read also: Explore Reedley College Bookstore

Cal Grants

The State of California offers Cal Grants to students attending eligible California institutions of higher education. The Cal Grant program is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Cal Grant A & B can generally cover up to 4 years of full-time attendance, typically two years at a community college.

Students who have completed 24 units by the end of December will have their GPA reported by the Cal Grant deadline on March 2. Students who have not completed 24 units by the end of December will need to return to their high school to have their GPA re-reported to meet the March 2 deadline.

Starting with the 2021-2022 academic year, students attending a California Community College could be eligible for the Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award. However, students awarded a California Community College Entitlement award cannot transfer the award to a Private College. If a student transfers to a Private College, the award will be withdrawn, and students will be reevaluated for Cal Grant.

To be considered for the appropriate Cal Grant award based on GPA and financial need, students must submit their completed FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and verify their GPA.

Student Success Completion Grant

The Student Success Completion Grant is available to students who receive a Cal Grant. This grant rewards students for taking more classes by providing additional financial support.

CalWORKs Program

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is a partnership between Reedley College and Fresno County Employment & Temporary Assistance (E&TA). Fresno County Department of Social Services provides services to people on cash aid who qualify for the program.

Eligibility is determined by Fresno County E&TA. CalWORKs participants attend an orientation conducted by the CalWORKs staff, where they receive information about the requirements and expectations. An appointment is then scheduled with a CalWORKs counselor who assists the student with registering for school, determining a class schedule, and providing support and guidance through the academic experience.

Foster Youth Grant

If you are or were in foster care and are under 27 years old, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. This money does not have to be paid back. The grant can also help pay for childcare, transportation, and rent while you're in school.

Undocumented Students and Financial Aid

For students who are not US citizens or permanent residents and cannot apply for federal aid due to their immigration status, there may still be options available. Students who have attended a California High School for three full years and graduated from a California High School or received their GED or passed the high school equivalency exam in California may be eligible for state aid through the CA Dream Act.

Specific Reedley College Scholarship Opportunities

Reedley College offers a diverse range of scholarships, each with its own unique criteria and requirements. Here's a breakdown of some of the available scholarships:

General Academic & Leadership Scholarships:

DR. TOM CROW DISTINGUISHED STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP: Recognizes a student of State Center Community College District who exemplifies academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and service to the district and to the community. Qualified nominees must be eligible for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, have completed at least 24 degree applicable college units, and be enrolled full-time at any campus in the State Center Community College District. Any district employee, member of the Board of Trustees, or Foundation board member may submit a student for nomination.
Five awards of $500 given to entering freshmen in any major, who demonstrate academic ability and participation in activities.
One award of $175 given to a freshman or sophmore in any major who is a graduate of Reedley High School and demonstrates scholastic ability, leadership and good citizenship.
One award of $950 is given to a freshman with a minimum GPA of 3.00 or a sophomore or transfer student with a minimum GPA of 2.50, in any major.
One award of $275 given to sophomore who demonstrates leadership, scholastic ability, participation in activities, and good citizenship.
One award of $475 given to a freshman or sophomore who demonstrates leadership, scholastic ability and good citizenship.
Varied award amounts for degree seeking freshman and sophomores with at least 2 years of volunteer experience (40 hrs. per year).
Two awards of $475 given to freshmen and sophomores who demonstrate academic ability.
Two awards of $500 given to freshman students in any major. Must attend Reedley College. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. This award is based on academics, financial need and character.
One award of $375 is given to a freshman or sophomore in any major. Two letters of recommendation of character are required.

Agriculture-Related Scholarships:

One award of $100 given to a freshman or sophomore who is majoring in Agriculture.
One award of $300 is given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture or involved in ag-related activities.
One award of $175 given to a freshman or sophomore student majoring in Agriculture, Plant Science or Animal Science who demonstrates enthusiasm, leadership and commitment and shows involvement in 4-H, FFA or other ag-related activities. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required.
One award of $225 given to a student majoring in Agriculture. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required.
One award of $425 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture.
One award of $275 given to a Freshman or Sophomore who is majoring in ag mechanics, animal science or a related field who demonstrates financial need. First preference will be given to a student majoring in forestry.
One award of $150 given to an entering freshman or sophomore who is majoring in Agriculture or Agriculture related field and will attend the Reedley College Campus.
One award of $150 given to a freshman or sophomore who is a graduate of Sanger High School and is majoring in Agriculture. Must have participation in FFA.
One award of $100 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture or a related field. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required.
One award of $225 is given to a sophomore majoring in Agriculture, Plant Science, or Agribusiness. Must be from the Reedley College area and have active participation in the field of agriculture. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required.
One award of $100 is given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture who demonstrates good leadership, activities, and citizenship.
One award of $125 is given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture.
One award of $850 given to a student majoring in Agriculture who demonstrates academic ability and good citizenship and will transfer to a four-year college/university in the fall.
One award of $200 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture.
One award of $175 given to a sophomore majoring in Ag Production, Ag Marketing or Ag-related fields.
One award of $450 given to a sophomore majoring in Agriculture or an ag-related field.
One award of $925 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture. Must be a student whose relative is a member of the Raisin Bargaining Association. Preference will be given to students who have involvement in FFA, 4-H and other ag-related activities.
Three awards of $475 given to freshmen and sophomores majoring in Agriculture or a related field.
One award of $1100 disbursed evenly over semesters. Preference is given to majors in Agriculture with Plant Science or Horticulture classes. Must be a Kings Canyon Unified School District graduate. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required and must be maintained during all semesters at Reedley College.
One award of $100 given to a freshman or sophomore from the Reedley College area majoring in Agriculture, Pre-med, or Science.
Two awards of $650 given to students from the Reedley College area majoring in Agriculture, Ag Business, Mechanized Ag, or Horticulture. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required. Preference given to a student transferring to a four-year college/university.
One award of $375 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Agriculture or related field attending Reedley College.

Business-Related Scholarships:

One award of $225 given to a student majoring in a business transfer program who plans to transfer to a four-year college/university.
One award of $350 is given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in business who demonstrates good citizenship and leadership. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required.
One award of $450 given to a student majoring in Business who demonstrates scholastic achievement and good leadership abilities.
One award of $250 is given to a sophomore majoring in Business or Economics.
One award of $100 for a full-time freshman student majoring in Business.
Two awards of $950 given to one male and one female majoring in Business who are transferring to a four-year college/university.
One award of $125 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Business or Technology. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required.
One award of $225 given to a transfer student majoring in Agriculture, Business or Technology. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required.

STEM & Technical Fields Scholarships:

One award of $350 given to a freshman or sophomore who is enrolled in the Reedley College Aviation Maintenance Program.
One award of $600 to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Forestry or a related field. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled full-time.
One $125 award to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Forestry with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Must be a full-time student with a demonstrated love for the outdoors, and who plans to transfer to a four-year college/university in the future.
One award of $275 is given to a sophomore majoring in Engineering or Architecture who plans to transfer to a four-year college/university.
One award of $300 given to a sophomore or transfer student majoring in Biological or Health Science. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required.
One award of $500 given to a freshman majoring in Science, Engineering or Liberal Arts who will attend at least four years of college.
One award of $1100 is given to an entering freshman or Sophomore majoring in Natural Science.
One award of $175 to a freshman or sophomore with a major in the Agriculture, Nursing/Medical, or Mechanical Engineering fields. Full time enrollment and a GPA of 2.5 are required.
One award of $250 to a Ag/NR, Art, Music, English, Business, industrial tech/manufacturing, or STEM Major.

Athletics Scholarships:

One award of $450 given to a sophomore who excels in the area of Reedley College Athletics. Preference will be given to football athletes.
One award of $400 given to a promising sophomore student participating in athletics at Reedley College and in need of financial assistance.
One award of $175 given to a sophomore in any major who is or will participate in any Reedley College athletics. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required. Based on citizenship, leadership and athletic ability.
One $375 award to a sophomore who participated in intercollegiate football their freshman year and will be a current member of the Tiger football team during their sophomore season. Must be enrolled full-time with a minimum 2.50 GPA.
One award of $550 is given to a sophomore in any major who is a Reedley College Football player. Special consideration is given to candidates who exemplify individual character.
One award of $325 given to a sophomore in any major who participates in Reedley College athletics.
One award of $125 given to a sophomore in any major who participates in any Reedley College athletic sport.
$1250 given to one male and one female full-time sophomore student-athlete who shows good leadership & citizenship.
One award of $175 given to a sophomore who participates in a Reedley College athletic sport and demonstrates leadership, citizenship, and good sportsmanship.
One award of $450 given to a sophomore participating in a Reedley College athletic sport who has achieved MVP Honors or All-Conference Honors.
One award of $675 given to a sophomore who is a Reedley College Volleyball or Football player that plans to transfer to a four-year college/university.
One award of $125 given to a sophomore in any major who excels in athletics, such as football, basketball or volleyball.
One award of $150 given to a sophomore who participates in Reedley College athletics and plans to transfer to a four-year college/university.
One award of $300 is given to a sophomore who is a participant in the sport of tennis.
One award of $750 given to a sophomore in any major who has participated in volleyball, soccer, or tennis.

Specific Major & Career Path Scholarships:

Five awards of $500 given to entering freshmen or sophomores majoring in Aeronautics, Automotive, Child Care, Fashion Merchandising, or Food and Nutrition. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
One award of $500 given to a graduate from Reedley High School. Must plan to enter the teaching profession.
One award of $225 given to a student majoring in Pre-Med or any field of medicine and is transferring to a four-year college/university in the fall semester.
One award of $650 given to a Liberal Arts/General Education student who is transferring to a four-year college/university for the fall semester and plans to enter the teaching profession. Applicants must complete the supplemental application for consideration.
One award of $425 preference given to a sophomore who plans on becoming a musician or music teacher. Second preference will be given to a student entering the teaching profession. Recipient will have a history of leadership and good citizenship.
One award of $275 to a student majoring in Foreign Language or Communications who is transferring to a four-year college/university. Full-time enrollment and a minimum of 3.00 is required.
One award of $100 given to a sophomore or transfer student majoring in Liberal Studies, Ag Education or Teaching. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required. Must be a student who plans to be a teacher, coach or administrator.
One award of $550 is given to a freshman or sophomore who intends on entering the real estate business or has a relative in real estate.

Location & Affiliation Based Scholarships:

One award of $275 given to a freshman or sophomore student who is a member of St. Anthony's Parish in Reedley, CA.
One award of $1000 is given to a freshman or sophomore who is a graduate of the Kings Canyon Unified School District.
One award of $200 given to a freshman or sophomore in any major who is a graduate from the Fowler High School District. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required.
One award of $625 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Plant Science who graduated from Reedley or Sanger High School and has been involved in ag-related activities.
One award of $600 to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Music, Science or Agriculture who is from the Reedley area.
Two awards of $325 given to entering freshmen or sophomores from the Dinuba Club area.
One award of $550 given to a freshman or sophomore from the Reedley area.
One award of $225 given to a sophomore in any major who resides in the Dinuba area.
One award of $450 given to a freshman or sophomore student from the Selma area or a graduate of Immanuel High School with an interest in teaching. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required.

Other Scholarships:

One award of $150 given to a student demonstrating academic ability.
One award of $150 given to a sophomore who is a re-entry student and whose goal is to transfer to a four-year college/university or be in a vocational field.
One award of $200 given to a student enrolled full-time with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
One award of $150 given to an Art major. Full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required.
One award of $100 given to a freshman or sophomore majoring in Art or who has a great interest in art.
One $125 award to a student attending Reedley College full-time. Must be majoring in Office Technology or Accounting with a minimum 3.00 GPA.
One award of $150 is given to a freshman or sophomore student who is/was active in the VROP or is a re-entry student.

Applying for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Apply to Reedley College: For assistance with applying to Reedley College, please call 559-494-3011.
Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application: This is the first step in determining your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
Check Self-Service: Regularly check Self-Service for updates on your financial aid status and any required documents.
Submit Required Documents: Submit any requested documents to the Financial Aid Office. Reedley College Attn: Financial Aid Department 995 N. MyPortal.
Go to WebGrants 4 Student Login: Students will need to create an account to manage their Cal Grant.
View the enrollment guide below to start the application process.

Additional Information

Transfer-Level Coursework: Pursuant to Education Code Â§78213, students have the right to access transfer-level coursework in English, math, and credit academic ESL.
On-Campus Living: Reedley College is one of the few community colleges in California that offers on-campus living in Residence Halls.
International Students Program: Reedley College welcomes students from all over the world. To join our International Students Program, you must be at least 18 years before the start of the semester in which you wish to start.
Class Attendance: Attend your classes on the first day of school. If you are taking an online class, be sure to access your courses in Canvas through My Portal the first day of the semester. If you are waitlisted for an in-person class when the semester starts, you still need to attend the first day. You can find the instructorâs contact information when you click on the course link under the "Section Nameâ column in Self-Service.
Special Programs: If you are already connected to one of our special programs (EOPS, TRiO, DSP&S), you may also schedule an appointment with a program-specific counselor for academic advising. If you need assistance scheduling an appointment, we are available to assist you.

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