Pathways to Success Scholarship Criteria

Pathways to Success is changing the culture of college going by offering sizeable scholarships to Coachella Valley undergraduate students (like you) with demonstrated financial need who wish to complete a college degree. If awarded a scholarship you will be linked to a wide variety of student support systems designed to help you succeed in college.

Our goal at Pathways to Success is to provide the financial resources and student support services to students who have clear career goals, students who have demonstrated leadership or involvement in their community or school, and students who have the desire and motivation to succeed. Our GPA requirements for eligibility are broad. We require a 2.0 GPA or above. We fully recognize that your GPA should not be the sole determining factor in your ability to attend and succeed in college. But, we also recognize that you may need additional help, advising and academic assistance once you are in college.

For that reason, you will be linked to Pathways to Success support services that provide workshops on college readiness and financial management, training in how to navigate your way through college, training in core study skills, and one-on-one counseling. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to be matched with a mentor who has experience and knowledge in areas that you show a desire for learning more about. Our website is packed with important links to the best programs and services designed to guide you towards the best choice of college or university and best strategies for success while in college.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for a Pathways to Success Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

• You or your parents must have been permanent residents of the Coachella Valley over the past 3 years.
• You must have attended a California high school for a minimum of 3 years and graduated or completed a GED in the state of California.
• You must apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 2 priority deadline. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
• You must demonstrate financial need (as identified by academic institutions & FAFSA).
• You must be pursuing your first bachelor or associates degree at an accredited college, university, or academic institution in the U.S.
• You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and maintain full-time enrollment throughout the academic year (as defined by academic institutions).
• You will be expected to sign a contract with sign Pathways to Success involving you in scheduled events, mentoring, workshops, and web based interactions.
• You will be given preference if you have had previous involvement in college preparation program(s), demonstrate community leadership, have been involved in a career pathway program(s), and are first generation or first in family to attend college.
• You must submit two letters of recommendation from a Professor, Instructor, Counselor, or Community Leader.
• You must submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts.
• You must submit a copy of your 2012-2013 Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA.

Scholarship Award Amounts

Aware of the increasing cost associated with attending college, Pathways to Success and its local matching partners have agreed to increase the level of scholarship awards, so that you may work less and focus more on completing your education.  Scholarships are available to you in one or two year increments in the following amounts:

• Up to $2,500 for Community College for one year
• Up to $5,000 for Community College for two years
• Up to $5,000 for university for one year
• Up to $10,000 for university for two years

Scholarship awards may be used to cover your tuition, books, and living expenses while attending college.  So what are you waiting for?  Apply today!!