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 $6,000. Renewal amounts for subsequent years are based on the student's need and performance.
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Financial Need
Only low-income students will be considered for this scholarship program. A typical recipient’s family income does not exceed $80,000, although special circumstances can create exceptions to this guideline. Be sure to explain any special circumstances on your application.
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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 has a relationship/partnership with the high schools listed below. As of 2025, we are encouraging any strong academic student who fits our other criteria and lives between San Francisco and San Jose to still apply:
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- 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
- Hillsdale High School, San Mateo, CA
- Menlo-Atherton High School, Atherton, CA
- Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, CA
- Sacred Heart Prep, Atherton, 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
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- 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:
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- Canada College, CA
- College of San Mateo, CA
- DeAnza College, CA
- Foothill College, CA
- Skyline College, CA
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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.
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Student Work
Preference is given to students who have worked during their high school years.