San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation
Scholarships & Awards

The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation presents a number of scholarships and awards annually.

Alfred I., Catharine J. & Eleanor G. Switzer College Scholarship
This scholarship focuses on youth pursuing a degree in Applied or Fine Arts, Architecture, Engineering, Mathematics or Science and is awarded on the basis of financial need and scholastic achievement. All applicants must be residents of Los Osos. Last year a single four year scholarship of $16,000 was awarded. Applications are due March 31, 2008.
  • Click here to download application form (363K PDF)


  • Dorothy Ross Memorial Scholarship
    Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to youth who have spent time in the Juvenile Services Center of SLO County and have since demonstrated their commitment to improving their future. Applications are due March 31, 2008.
  • Click here to download application form (37K PDF)


  • Gary Grossman Scholarship
    This scholarship awards funds to students whose parents or legal guardians are financially unable or refuse to support their son or daughter’s college expenses because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Applications are due March 31, 2008.
  • Click here to download application form (401K PDF)


  • Gary Paul Piantanida Scholarship
    Any student who is or has graduated from a San Luis Obispo County high school is eligible for this scholarship. Scholarships will range from $2,500 - $5,000. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, based on satisfactory academic progress (2.0 or better). Selection criteria will include financial need, academic merit and demonstration of good character. Last year one scholarship was awarded for $4,000, renewable for four years. Applications are due February 15, 2008.
  • If you are a high school student, click here to download the High School application form (456K PDF)

  • If you are a college student, click here to download the College application form (457K PDF)


  • Justin McCutcheon Memorial Scholarship
    In memory of Justin McCutcheon this scholarship will be awarded annually to the senior varsity golfer from San Luis Obispo High School with the lowest stroke average in varsity regular season matches in their senior year. To apply for the scholarship the qualifying senior should write to the Community Foundation and provide verification via a signature from the San Luis High School Athletic Director or Principal that they satisfy the criteria. The scholarship recipient must continue their education at either a junior college or a four year college or university.

    Mary Jo Desio Special Education Scholarship
    This fund awards an annual scholarship in the amount of $500 to an individual who is enrolled in a course of study leading to a credential in special education.
    Scholarships will primarily be distributed to:
  • a) Applicants who demonstrate determination and dedication to the field

  • b) Applicants who demonstrate financial need

  • * Special consideration in the selection will be given to applicants who are entering a low incidence specialization (i.e. visually impaired) or an area of scarcity (i.e. speech and language, emotional disturbance, etc.). Applications are due November 1, 2007.
  • Click here to download application form (26K PDF)


  • Orfalea Scholarship
    This scholarship provides support for students planning to attend full-time at an approved vocational school, community college, four-year college, or graduate school. Last year scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $3,500 were awarded to 21 deserving students, totaling $57,000. Applications are due February 15, 2008.
  • If you are a high school student, click here to download the High School application form (453K PDF)

  • If you are a college student, click here to download the College application form (455K PDF)

  • Eligibility:
  • a) Applicant is currently a Senior at a San Luis Obispo County high school or is currently attending an approved San Luis Obispo County vocational school, community college, four-year college or graduate school; and
  • b) Applicant is planning to attend full-time at an approved vocational school, community college, four-year college, or graduate school during the 2007-08 academic year; and
  • c) Applicant has evaluated financial need; and
  • d) Applicant has a documented learning difference/is a non-traditional learner; or
  • e) Applicant is majoring in Nursing or other basic Health field (EMT, Radiology, CNA, etc.); or
  • f) Applicant is studying Dental Hygiene, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Social Work, or Psychology/Counseling; or
  • g) Applicant is planning a career in the Teaching field; or
  • h) Applicant is planning a career in the Early Childhood Education field; or
  • i) Applicant has demonstrated consistent employment while in school; or
  • j) Applicant is from a single parent household; or
  • k) Applicant's parent is employed as a Nurse; or
  • l) Applicant's parent is employed as a Teacher (Preschool-grade 12); or
  • m) Applicant's parent is employed at a Non-profit Agency; or
  • n) Applicant completed the Montana Yellowstone Expeditions summer program


  • Orfalea Migrant Scholarship
    The Orfalea Migrant Scholarship helps the children/dependents of seasonal and migrant farm workers attend vocational school, community college, four-year college, or graduate school. Special consideration will be given to students planning to attend universities with the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). Applications are due February 15, 2008.
    Click here to download application form (455K PDF)

    Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship
    In memory of Richard J. Weyhrich, this scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors as well as current college attendees in San Luis Obispo County who demonstrate leadership potential and dedication to serving the community. Last year fourteen high school seniors and two college students from throughout San Luis Obispo County each received $2,000. This year the Community Foundation would like to award a scholarship to one student at each San Luis Obispo County high school and college. Applications are due March 14, 2008.
  • If you are a high school student, click here to download the High School application form (440K PDF)

  • If you are a college student, click here to download the College application form (440K PDF)


  • Yeager Science Scholarship
    This scholarship focuses on students attending Coast Union High School and intending to major in the physical sciences and related fields. Selection will be based on financial need and academic record. Scholarship award will be $3,000 per year for two years at a California Community College and $7,000 per year for two years at a UC or CSU school, for a total of $20,000. Applications are due February 15, 2008.
  • Click here to download application form (456K PDF)


  • In addition, the Community Foundation holds a number of scholarship funds on behalf of local organizations or donors.

    AVID Region VIII Scholarship Fund
    Don Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Elkan T. Hart Scholarship Fund
    Frank C. Holt Scholarship Fund
    Wachtang Korisheli Music (SLO County Youth Symphony) Scholarship Fund
    Ian Purdon Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Paso Robles High School Class of '55 Scholarship Program
    Lauren Tipton Slaughter Scholarship Fund
    San Luis Obispo Symphony Scholarship Endowment Fund
    Spirit of the Class of '49 Award Fund
    Brian Waterbury Memorial Scholarship Fund
    Justin McCutcheon Memorial Scholarship

    Award Programs

    Paul Wolff Accessibility Advocacy Awards
    Established in honor of local architect Paul Wolff, this annual award recognizes and honors those who strive to make San Luis Obispo County a barrier-free community.

    SLO County Environmental Awards
    This fund annually presents three awards to an individual, group or organization that has contributed to the betterment of the environment or ecology of San Luis Obispo County. Award categories:
    • Sustained Environmental Contribution: $2,000 honoring a sustained body of environmental activism, by an individual or group, that has taken place over a period of time
    • Environmental Initiative: $1,000 honoring a unique or innovative environmental effort by an individual or group
    • Environmental Achievement of the Year: $3,000 honoring an individual or group that made the single most important environmental contribution for the prior calendar year
    Free College 101 Workshop on September 13th in Paso Robles. For students, grades 8-12 and parents. Great information on how to prepare students for the college entrance process. For more information click here (133K PDF)

    College Board EFC Calculator

    To complete the College Board EFC Calculator for financial aid info, click here.

    Scholarship applications are available from the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation¹s website and from the School Counseling/Guidance Office. Contact Angela Hollander at the Community Foundation with any questions (543-2323).

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