Santa Barbara General Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
2026–2027 Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara — General Application
Introduction
All General Scholarship applications must be filled out solely by the student applying. Parents, teachers, counselors, or any other third parties may not complete the application on an applicant’s behalf. If an application is found to have been prepared or submitted by anyone other than the applicant, it will be discarded and the applicant will be declared ineligible for the current scholarship cycle. No exceptions.
Deadline: January 31, at 11:59 PM PT.
The General Scholarship Program is the primary pathway for most candidates seeking support from the Scholarship Foundation. Applicants are assessed primarily on financial need, academic performance, and personal motivation, among other considerations. Students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, law, or medical degrees must use this application to be considered for General Scholarship awards.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Residency/Schooling: Attended school in Santa Barbara County for at least four of the six years between grades 7 and 12.
- Graduation: Graduate from (or receive a G.E.D. through) a Santa Barbara County high school by June of the current academic year.
- Enrollment Plans: Intend to attend a Title IV–approved institution full-time in the upcoming academic year.
- Immigration Status: Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or AB 540–eligible.
- Foster Care/Wards: Current or former wards of the Santa Barbara County Court (youth who were in foster care after age 13) remain eligible to apply even if they no longer live in the county.
- Financial Need Verification: Financial need is confirmed via the Submission Summary produced after submitting the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.
- Types of Study Not Funded: The Foundation does not fund summer terms, research projects, special projects, or part-time study. Online coursework is acceptable only if it is taken through a Title IV–approved institution.
- Homeschooled Applicants: Homeschooled students must have a homeschool affidavit on record with the Santa Barbara County Office of Education. A copy of that affidavit for each high school year (grades 9–12) must be provided to the Scholarship Foundation by January 31.
- Homeschooled and Boarding Families’ Residency Rule: Families of homeschooled or boarding students must meet the requirement of residing in Santa Barbara County for at least four of the six years between grades 7 and 12.
If you meet the above requirements, complete the General Scholarship application by the deadline to be considered for awards.