IECF has opened its Common Application portal, providing access to over 30 scholarships available to students for the 2024-2025 academic year. The portal streamlines the overall application process and also maximizes an individual’s chances to successfully land a scholarship. The initiative reflects the IECF’s ongoing commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of youth through the generosity and long-term vision of its donors.
“We are incredibly proud to offer such a robust scholarship program that caters to the diverse needs of our students,” says Denisha Shackelford, IECF Programs Manager. “With the rising cost of education, these scholarships can be life-changing for many students, allowing them to focus on their studies and achieve their dreams.”
And save some time. The new Common Application portal eliminates the need for multiple applications, thereby reducing the amount of time and effort experienced in a general scholarship application process. One of the most unique aspects is that the system can effectively match applicants with relevant scholarships across a variety of categories, based on their individual and unique qualifications.
Those categories range from graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adult re-entry students to students pursuing four-year universities, community colleges, and career or technical colleges, and those seeking financial assistance. Students pursuing specific fields of study are also part of the mix.
“Our donors understand the challenges students are facing today,” Shackelford adds. “Their generosity fuels our commitment to expanding educational access and fostering success for all. It is our hope that many IE students will come back to the region that helped launch them and become successful, contributing members of the community.”
Michelle Fausto, two-time Recipient of the Castro/Falk Endowed Scholarship Fund of the Coachella Valley
The scholarships being offered should spark interest. Cardenas Markets Scholarship, for instance, is geared to “Undocumented Students Dreamers” attending colleges and/or universities, who are graduating high school seniors.
Desert Outreach Foundation Scholarship gives students residing in the Coachella Valley who are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree a shot at new opportunities. Meanwhile, the Marvin Leggett Jr. Endowed Scholarship targets seniors graduating from high schools in the Alvord Unified School District with a focus on teaching, creative arts, peace studies, and environmental protection.
Several other scholarships lean into diversity, such as the Ruth Schroff Scholarship for outstanding African-American or Hispanic/Latino students residing in Riverside County or San Bernardino County.
The Shield Packaging, Chino Scholarship is designed for students, including those who are home-schooled, to pursue further education and training at universities, colleges, community colleges, and trade schools.
The deadline to apply for most IECF scholarships through the Common Scholarship Application is 5 p.m. (PST), April 15. Applicants will be notified of decisions by June 1, 2024.
Shackelford encourages all eligible students to start the application process early. For students seeking support, IECF offers both internal and external resources. Team members are available to assist with technical difficulties, while a network of local organizations provides free college guidance services. These partners include BLU Educational Foundation, Promise Scholars, Making Hope Happen Foundation, One Future, and Upward Bound through California State University, San Bernardino.
For a complete listing and to apply, visit: https://www.iegives.org/students/overview/. Students can also submit questions to scholarships@iegives.org.
If your philanthropy goals include enhancing educational opportunities for students in the IE, we invite you to connect with our Charitable Giving Team. Donors and businesses interested in starting a scholarship fund can contact Brie Griset Smith, SVP of Charitable Giving at bgrisetsmith@iegives.org.
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