Scholarship Committee Goals

Support high school seniors in disadvantaged / disinvested communities in San Francisco and Alameda counties with $500+ donations to support their continued education. Interested students can apply to our Dr. Vivien T. Thomas Scholarship noted below.

CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE (2024-2025) - VIEW LIST

Scholarships awarded since our launch in 2021:

2024

7 scholarships awarded to students from Oakland High School, KIPP King Collegiate High School, Encinal Junior & Senior High School, San Leandro High School, and Lowell High School

2023

5 scholarships awarded to students from Madison Park Academy, Abraham Lincoln High School, Lowell High School, Burton High School, and Alameda High School

2022

5 scholarships awarded to students from Castro Valley High School, San Leandro High School, Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and Philip and Sala Burton Academic High School

2021

4 scholarships awarded to students from Balboa High School, Oakland Technical High School, and Oakland High School

Dr. Vivien T. Thomas Scholarship

($500+ scholarships to High School Seniors that meet requirements)

The Dr. Vivien T. Thomas Scholarships aim to support high school seniors from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities in San Francisco and Alameda counties. These scholarships are awarded based on financial need, as well as academic achievement and civic engagement demonstrated throughout high school and the first year of college. The award provides a minimum of $500 annually and is renewable for one additional year. Semi-finalists will be selected by the Black Caucus Scholarship Committee, according to the general eligibility criteria, with final recipients chosen based on a personal interview and oral presentation. Full terms and conditions for renewal will be provided to all first-year scholarship recipients.

The Scholarship Application opens on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM, and closes on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE

Application Requirements

Eligibility Requirements:

Academic good standing (Unweighted GPA minimum of 2.5)
High School Senior, full-time status in an accredited high school
Demonstrated Financial Need
Declared intention to enroll in one of the following:

- Four-year accredited college
- Two-year community college
- Accredited business, trade, or vocational school

Submission of the completed online application*

Including:

1) Contact information
2) Student transcript w/ GPA
3) Essay**
4) Letter of recommendation

Final Selection Requirements:

Personal Interview
Three-to-Five-minute oral presentation

Notification of Scholarship:

The successful applicant will be notified in writing, and they will be invited to attend a presentation ceremony at which the recipient will be acknowledged and a scholarship certificate presented. (The ceremony is subject to be a virtual presentation. Advanced notice will be given to all recipients.)

Contact Info:
UCSF Black Caucus Scholarship Committee Email: [email protected]

Share the flyer with those that may be eligible.

APPLY HERE

* The Scholarship Application opens on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM, and closes on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

** Please submit an essay on:

"How My Continued Education will Benefit My Community" or "How My Continued Education will Transform My Life" (300-650 words).

Tips for high school students applying to scholarships

Talk to your guidance counselor about local scholarships you can apply to.
Make sure to put a lot of work into and edit your scholarship essays.
Consider applying to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as many have scholarships / grants & merit scholarships for Black students.
Look for help with funding resources and expert guidance in the college application process at Real Talk, a resource for Black students and families.

More Scholarships To Apply To

Study.com Scholarship for Black Women

San Francisco Achievers (for young Black males)

MoAD Teens 2022