Deadline for Scholarship Application is Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 5:00 p.m.
Change a Life Foundation’s Scholarship Program is designed to bridge the financial gap for college-bound students. Scholarships assist economically disadvantaged students who excel 
academically to attend the university or college of their choice. Scholarships are awarded up to $5,000 for unmet university expenses in the areas of tuition, housing, meal plan, books, and health insurance.
The Foundation provides scholarships to students with:
- Excellent potential
- Great financial need
- Superior academic demonstration, and
- Active commitment to community and civic involvement.
Eligible scholarship recipients are either:
- Graduating public high school seniors in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange Counties, or
- Emancipated and/or Foster Youth residing in the state of California, as either a graduating high school senior or a student attending community college ready to transfer to a four year university (with the correct number of units)
Selection Criteria for Change a Life Foundation Emancipated/Foster Youth Scholars
Eligible candidates may apply for a scholarship by completing online application and uploading all supplemental information that is required.
Emancipated, college-bound, former foster youth who are students throughout the State of California may apply for a Change a Life Foundation Scholarship of up to $5,000. Applicants must meet these criteria:
- 12th grade student enrolling in a four-year College or University, or students currently attending community college may apply when transferring to a four-year College or University
- Weighted Grade Point Average of 2.75 or above from ninth grade to first semester of 12th grade, or 2.5 cumulative GPA from Community College
- Minimum SAT score of 1,350 (not applicable for transfer students)
- Family income at or below HUD income guidelines (Please note that income information of parents or foster parents of emancipated youth is not required.)
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident with a Green Card
- Demonstrates strong leadership skills and responsibility (leadership/responsibility skills should be evident in the student essays and honor/activities/community service portion of the application)
- Evidence of extracurricular activities (school/community involvement/employment)
- Community Service
- Must apply through our emancipated youth scholarship program, which is available to former foster youth throughout California
Application Procedure
Applications and all supplemental materials must be submitted online to Change a Life Foundation at the close of business, no later than 5:00 pm on March 16, 2016. Late applications will not be considered.
Eligible candidates may apply for a scholarship by completing the online application and uploading all supplemental information.
Required Supplemental Information
- Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, college/guidance counselor or mentor
- Digital photograph of applicant, preferably a headshot
- Transcript of grades
- Electronic Student Aid Report (SAR)
- SAT and/or ACT score verification
Documents Required Before Scholarships Can Be Funded
Selected Scholarship recipients will be notified via United States Postal Mail in May 2016 of award. Once scholars are notified, they must complete a scholarship contract which is due by July 27, 2016, and upload the following documents in order for Change a Life Foundation to release scholarship funds.
- Copy of financial aid award information from the university to be attended
- Cost of attendance provided by the university with expense budget breakout for entire year
- Copy of Health Insurance Fee Verification from university
- Thank you letter addressed Change a Life Foundation Board of Directors
- Copy of university acceptance letter
Change a Life Foundation sends scholarship award checks directly to the university on behalf of scholarship recipients. Scholarships are restricted to the following expenses: tuition, housing and meal plan, books and health insurance.
