The Scholarship

The "Dr. George J. McKenna III Scholarship" is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, community engagement and civic leadership. 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible students from public high schools in specific districts in Los Angeles County can self-nominate or be nominated by their school (See Application Requirements). “Los Angeles County Schools” is defined, for the purpose of eligibility for a C-SAF scholarship, as all traditional public schools in LAUSD, Inglewood USD, Compton USD, and Pasadena USD. These are the school districts where Dr. McKenna served. If students attend a high school in one of these Districts, they meet the requirements for our scholarship.  The application process includes an application and an essay.  No unsolicited or outside nominations or applications will be accepted.

REQUIREMENTS

To receive a scholarship, each selected student must maintain a high level of academic achievements, citizenship and leadership.

• A 3.0 cumulative grade point average is required, and students must be accepted into an accredited college/university.

• Candidates must submit a high school transcript with an application.

• Candidates must complete a 500-word statement indicating how this scholarship will impact their schooling and life.

•  When a candidate is selected, proof of college/university enrollment is required.

• Scholars are not required to attend a college or university in California.

This list of requirements is not all inclusive and candidates who fail to comply with these and all other requirements may have the scholarship withdrawn by action of the Board of Trustees.

PROCESS 

Scholorship Committee members will review the applications and other materials and make the recommendation of scholarship recipients to the C-SAF Board for final approval. The number of scholarships awarded will vary from year to year. Invitations to nominate are mailed to the specified school districts in Los Angeles County each year. Each school may nominate a single graduating senior based on academic achievement, community engagement and financial need. Students meeting the requirements need to submit an application. All required supporting documents need to be submitted in hard copy or via email to the addresses listed on the application. No application will be considered complete until all required supporting documentation is received. Students must meet all eligibility criteria to be considered for the scholarship.

Once the application period closes, the Scholarship Committee will select students and  submit their recommendations to the Board. Selected students will be notified by letter of their scholarship.  No unsolicited or outside nominations or applications are accepted.

A scholarship recipient is under no obligation to repay the funds received. Any obligation to the California Student Achievement Foundation will have been satisfied by achieving their best in college, by becoming a leader in their career and community, and by engaging in activities that give back to those in need.