Scholarships & Financial Aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there are many resources available to help. This page provides information on scholarships, financial aid, and tips to support students and families in planning for college affordability.
How to Get Started
Visit the College & Career Center
Students are encouraged to visit the College & Career Center, located in the ECHS Library, for ongoing support and information about scholarships throughout the year.
Scholarship Application Tips
Use these tips to strengthen your applications:
- Apply for as many scholarships as possible
- Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements
- Carefully follow all application instructions
- Highlight your academic achievements, leadership, talents, and community involvement
- Write in your own voice and share your story
- Ask a strong writer to review your essay
- Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship
Use this when requesting letters of recommendation from counselors or teachers.
Affording College: Step-by-Step
Scholarship America's Guide on "How to Afford College" in collaboration with U.S. News & World Report. For details on each step, visit: http://www.scholarshipamerica.org
1. Complete the FAFSA
2. Search for Scholarships
- Use scholarship search engines
- Check school and community resources
- Explore social media and online platforms
3. Start Early
- Be prepared
- Be complete
- Be careful
- Be on time
4. Write a Strong Essay
- Know your audience
- Plan ahead
- Make it personal and meaningful
- Ask someone to review your work
5. Request Letters of Recommendation
- Choose someone who knows you well
- Ask early
- Be respectful and professional
- Always say thank you
6. Show Your Appreciation
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If you receive a scholarship, send a thank-you letter:
- Be sincere and personal
- Use proper formatting
- Express your gratitude clearly
Financial Aid Resources
Scholarship & College Resources
Scholarship Opportunities
Browse current scholarship opportunities below. Be sure to review deadlines and eligibility requirements for each.
Check this page regularly, as new scholarships may be added throughout the year.
- Bright Minds – Up to $40,000 ($10,000/year for 4 years)
- Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California – $500
- Cal Water – $2,500 to $10,000
- CAP Bay Area – Up to $5,000/year for 5 years
- eQuality Collaborative – $6,000
- Filipino Advocates for Justice – Up to $5,000
- Good Tidings Foundation – $10,000
- Horatio Alger Association – $25,000
- InspirASIAN – $2,000 (national) / $1,000 (state)
- Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) – $400–$1,000
- Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)
- Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival – $2,500
- OCA San Mateo – $1,000
- PB&J – $500–$1,000
- PFLAG – $6,000
- Quest Bridge – Full 4-Year Scholarships (~$200,000)
- San Bruno Community Foundation – $20,000 ($5,000/year)
- San Francisco State University Scholarships – 700+ Opportunities
- San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association – $1,500–$3,500
- San Mateo Credit Union – $5,000 (2 scholarships)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Sons of Italy Western Foundation
- Student Insights – $500–$5,000
- Youth on Course – $4,000–$20,000