Scholarship and Contest Opportunities for San Diego County Students – San Diego County Office of Education | SDCOE
There are many local scholarship and contest opportunities available for students in San Diego County. For more student awards and free or low-cost opportunities, visit SDCOE's What's Happening webpage.
High school students can learn more about the admission requirements and benefits of the San Diego Community College District (SDCC) San Diego Promise, which aims to eliminate financial barriers to a community college education. Visit the SDCC San Diego Promise page for complete details.
The California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) provides webinars and in-person workshops to help students and their families learn about scholarship applications and local financial aid resources. The workshops are open to all San Diego County students, with a special focus on current high school seniors. Check out the Cal-SOAP website for more information on programs to help pay for college including current scholarships.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) seeks to honor ethical students for doing the right thing with the BBB Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship. Scholarship prizes range from $500 to $1,500. San Diego students in grades 9-12 (graduating classes of 2025-2028) are invited to apply for this scholarship opportunity. The application deadline is Aug. 11. For more information visit the Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship webpage.
The Milikowsky Tax Law is offering the Fearless Scholarship to recognize and support students who are ready to confront their fears and pursue their passion with courage. San Diego high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $2,000. The application deadline is Aug. 31. For more information view the Fearless Scholarship flyer or visit their website.
Students interested in pursuing a career in transportation engineering can apply for the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) San Diego scholarship. $1,000 scholarships are available to graduate students, undergraduate students, local community college students, and high school seniors graduating in 2026 and who are planning to pursue a transportation-related program at a college or university. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 26. Reach out to Mychal Loomis at mloomis@kittelson.com for any questions. More details can be found on the ITE San Diego scholarship application.
Luz Rodriguez flourished in the North Region Independent Study program. Now she’s a high school graduate who will attend Palomar College in the fall and is participating in the school's Rising Scholars Program this summer to help bridge the transition between high school and college.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza and Heather Diamond from San Diego County Credit Union kicked off the Stuff the Bus campaign with CBS 8, sharing the positive impact donations have on students experiencing homelessness.
The new school year can be a very exciting time for children and parents, but it also can cause some anxiety. SDCOE compiled resources and information to help education professionals and families.
San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza released the following statement regarding the federal funding freeze of educational grant dollars.
The San Diego County Office of Education recently announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs for the 2025-26 school year. All students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at all of its sites.
More than 75 students at San Diego County Office of Education school programs participated in graduation ceremonies this month, celebrating their strength and perseverance in accomplishing this significant milestone.
