Thank you for your interest in this scholarship. In order to be considered for an award, you must follow the instructions below and submit the application – see links at the bottom of this web page. Please note that the deadline for applications is Friday, MARCH 13, 2026, and that any applications received after that date will not be considered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How many scholarships will be given?
The number varies – in 2025 the fund awarded 45 scholarships of $2,500 each.
Who may apply?
Applicants must be graduating seniors enrolled in West Contra Costa Unified School District high schools (DeAnza, El Cerrito, Hercules, Kennedy, Richmond, Pinole Valley, Middle College, Vista, Greenwood Academy, and Adult Education) who plan to attend a post-secondary institution of higher learning including, but not limited to: trade school, adult school, community college, college, university. All applicants must rank in the upper half of their graduating class at the end of the first semester. The class rank requirement does not apply at the alternative sites: Vista, Greenwood Academy, and Adult Education.
How are recipients chosen?
Every application is read and scored by three different educators. All scores are averaged and then ranked. (The scoring sheet is on the website – see below.) Scholarships are awarded according to ranking or scholarship designated criteria.
The panel makes its decisions based on the following:
* Participation in clubs/organizations or work experience
* Service to the community, including family responsibilities
* Honors or distinctions awarded
* An effective written essay describing your interests and current activities, as well as your plans for continuing education and career. NOTE: Applicants are advised that they are to write their personal essay without the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Applicants who are suspected of using AI may have their essay scores lowered significantly.
* Character references from your letters of recommendation
What are the important dates for the process?
March 13, 2026 (Midnight) — All applications must be emailed to your School Site Scholarship Coordinator and also emailed to your school’s Scholarship Board Liaison (these names are listed in the Scholarship Contacts link below).
April 10, 2026 — Scholarship recipients are announced, with first communication by telephone.
May 6, 2026— Picture, self-produced video, and Release Form must be turned in by scholarship recipients.
May 18 – June 4, 2026— Scholarship Award Certificates will be presented to recipients at each school’s Senior Awards Night.
June 4, 2026— Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the luncheon meeting of the West Contra Costa Retired Educators Association via their self-produced video introduction.
November 1, 2026— All requests for funds from scholarships awarded must be completed by this date.
How do I apply?
Scholarship Application Guidelines 2026
Scholarship Application 2026 (Downloadable Word Doc Form)
Scholarship Application 2026 (Downloadable PDF Form NEW)
School Site Coordinators Info Memo 2026
Scholarship Scoring Worksheet 2026 (for your information)
Scholarship Contacts List 2026