Cal Poly Pomona students will have access to hundreds of scholarships with the launch of the annual Scholarship Fest. During last year's "fest," the university awarded more than 340 scholarships and $1.65 million and plans to build on that success.
Nearly 100 scholarships applications are open now, and hundreds more will open in the spring semester by the March 2 deadline. There are opportunities for students in every college, so they can receive support for tuition, books, living expenses and more.
"Scholarships change lives, and this year we are hoping to double and even triple the dollar amount going to our students," said President Soraya M. Coley. "We are truly fortunate to have such a strong philanthropic legacy and culture on this campus, driven by our engaged and generous donors."
The scholarship application cycle runs from Oct. 1 to March 2, which aligns with the FAFSA and Dream Act applications, both of which are crucial resources for financial aid, including federal grants, work-study and loans.
The annual application cycle helps ensure that the campus has a fair, equitable and transparent application and review process, as well as a centralized hub for CPP scholarships, the Bronco Scholarship Portal. Many scholarships don't just consider academic achievements, but take into account the whole student, including their background and cocurricular experiences and passions.
How to Apply
Students should head to the Bronco Scholarship Portal (BSP) and start with the General Scholarship Application, which automatically matches them to scholarships that they are qualified for, according to the financial aid office. Their work can be saved as they go, so they don't have to finish it in one sitting. As new scholarships become available in the BSP that they qualify for, they will receive an email notification. Students can also check back regularly to look for new opportunities. Most scholarships application deadlines are March 2.
After completing the general application, students can look for additional opportunities within the BSP, which may require more short essays or a letter of recommendation. Students can get help writing essays by contacting the campus' Writing Center.
"Writing that personal essay really helps you reflect on all you've accomplished," said Jeanette Philips, director of financial aid and scholarships. "It prepares you to complete a resume and LinkedIn profile, and to talk about who you are - including your achievements - in interviews for internships and jobs."
Students agree. Eddie Rangel, a transfer student from the San Fernando Valley, received the Norman Priest Scholarship as a result of last year's Scholarship Fest, which truly made a difference for him. The first year he applied, he didn't receive anything but found that through applying he learned a lot about himself and became more resolved to try again. This year, he plans to tap into some time management skills and apply to a scholarship every week to increase his chances.
"You never know unless you try," said Rangel, a senior in visual communication design. "The only 100 percent way I know I won't receive a scholarship is if I don't apply to it. I have nothing to lose by trying. And while failure doesn't feel good, it did make me more determined."
Next Steps
Here are multiple ways you can get involved in this important student success initiative:
- Students with questions about scholarships should visit the Scholarships website or email scholarships@cpp.edu.
- Faculty and staff members who would like to be on a scholarship committee or need help awarding scholarships, can email scholarships@cpp.edu.
- Community members who would like to give, can do so in multiple ways including online.