Qualifications


The Pursuit of Excellence scholarship program is a local program focused on high school seniors and community college transfers for whom additional funds can be the tipping point in allowing them to attend a four-year college. Scholarship recipients typically have challenging backgrounds and are determined to go to college. First-year awards range from $500 to $5,000. Renewal amounts for subsequent years are based on the student's need and performance.


  • Financial Need

    Only low-income students will be considered for this scholarship program. A typical recipient’s family income does not exceed $60,000, although special circumstances can create exceptions to this guideline. Be sure to explain any special circumstances on your application.

  • Graduating High School Senior OR Community College UC Transfer

    Must have graduated from one of the high schools targeted by Pursuit of Excellence:

    1. POE SF Peninsula High Schools:

      • Carlmont High School, Belmont, CA
      • Castilleja High School, Palo Alto, CA
      • Eastside College Prep, East Palo Alto, CA
      • Everest Public High, Redwood City, CA
      • Gunn High School, Palo Alto, CA
      • Menlo-Atherton High School, Atherton, CA
      • Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, CA
      • San Mateo High School, San Mateo, CA
      • Sequoia High School, Redwood City, CA
      • Summit Prep, Redwood City, CA
      • Woodside High School, Redwood City, CA

    2. POE San Jose - Los Gatos

      • Lincoln High School, San Jose, CA
      • Los Gatos High School, Los Gatos, CA
      • Pioneer High School, San Jose, CA

    3. POE Mid Atlantic area High Schools:

      • Wakefield High School, Arlington, VA
      • Justice High School, Arlington, VA
      • St. Michaels High School, St. Michaels, MD

    4. POE Community College Transfer:

      • Canada College, CA
      • College of San Mateo, CA
      • DeAnza College, CA
      • Foothill College, CA
      • Skyline College, CA

  • College Plan

    Students must graduate from high school in good standing planning to attend a 4-year university or a community college and then transfer to a 4-year institution.  For community college transfer applicants, students must apply to transfer to a UC and be eligible to transfer the year they apply for POE.

  • Student Work

    Preference is given to students who have worked during their high school years.



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