How to Apply

Open the Door to Your Future

Open the Door to Your Future

A scholarship from Bay Scholars is based on need + merit. We are looking for exceptional individuals who simply need someone to open the door to a better education.

How to Apply

Open the Door to Your Future

Open the Door to Your Future

A scholarship from Bay Scholars is based on need + merit. We are looking for exceptional individuals who simply need someone to open the door to a better education.

How to Apply

Open the Door to Your Future

Open the Door to Your Future

A scholarship from Bay Scholars is based on need + merit. We are looking for exceptional individuals who simply need someone to open the door to a better education.

Who becomes a Bay Scholar?

While strong academics matter, it’s not just about grades. We look for future leaders — young people whose character, perseverance, and desire to serve set them apart. Bay Scholars stand out for their:

  • Kindness — caring for those around them

  • Generosity — giving back and serving others

  • Leadership — taking initiative and inspiring others

  • Maturity — showing responsibility and sound judgment

  • Motivation — pursuing learning with drive and persistence

These qualities reflect the spirit of a Bay Scholar — a student ready to learn, lead, and create positive change in the world.

 Application Process

Important Dates to Note

Online applications available: September 5, 2025

Application & required forms/materials due: February 6, 2026

Scholarship recipients notified: after March 23, 2026

Apply Online by February 6th, 2026

Send Us Your Financial Documents

Send us your income verification for all adults in the household (e.g., Federal Tax Return or other current income statements such as Child support, SSI, Disability, Foster Care, etc.).

Income Eligibility Guidelines
2 Family Members = $39,000     5 Family Members = $70,000
3 Family Members = $49,000     6 Family Members = $80,000
4 Family Members = $59,000     7 Family Members = $90,000

*For each additional family member, add $10,000
Source: California Department of Education, 2025-26

Send Recommendation Form Link

Send your 8th grade principal, counselor, or teacher the link to the recommendation form.

Scholarship Notification

Scholarship recipients will be notified after March 23, 2026 — the Monday after admissions decisions are released by schools. Accepted students must complete:

  • Bay Scholars Scholarship Acceptance Form
  • Consent, Permission, & Media Release Form
  • Consent to Release of Education Records Form

Scholarship Awarded

Each Bay Scholar receives $3,500/year. Funds are sent directly to the school in December and applied toward tuition.

Siblings of Bay Scholars are automatically included in the Bay Scholars community when they reach high school.

 Application Process

Important Dates to Note

Online applications available: September 5, 2025

Application & required forms/materials due: February 6, 2026

Scholarship recipients notified: after March 23, 2026

Apply Online by February 6th, 2026

Send Us Your Financial Documents

Send us your income verification for all adults in the household (e.g., Federal Tax Return or other current income statements such as Child support, SSI, Disability, Foster Care, etc.).

Income Eligibility Guidelines
2 Family Members = $39,000
3 Family Members = $49,000
4 Family Members = $59,000
5 Family Members = $70,000
6 Family Members = $80,000
7 Family Members = $90,000

*For each additional family member, add $10,000
Source: California Department of Education, 2025-26

Send Recommendation Form Link

Send your 8th grade principal, counselor, or teacher the link to the recommendation form.

Scholarship Notification

Scholarship recipients will be notified after March 23, 2026 — the Monday after admissions decisions are released by schools. Accepted students must complete:

  • Bay Scholars Scholarship Acceptance Form
  • Consent, Permission, & Media Release Form
  • Consent to Release of Education Records Form

Scholarship Awarded

Each Bay Scholar receives $3,500/year. Funds are sent directly to the school in December and applied toward tuition.

Siblings of Bay Scholars are automatically included in the Bay Scholars community when they reach high school.