Scholarships for Women in California
Those with college degrees typically make about $20,000 more per year than their peers who only have a high school diploma. Degree holders also tend to hold jobs which offer benefits, including health insurance, and unemployment rates are typically lower for those with degrees. Even in today’s unpredictable economy, earning a college degree is one of the best investments and individual can make in his or her future.
Women are entering college at record rates, and for the first time in history, there are more women in higher education than men, and women are outperforming men in some disciplines. American women have been welcome in US institutions of higher learning since the middle of the 19th century, and women remain scarce in leadership roles both in the public and private sectors worldwide, but 21st century American women in higher education are proving themselves to be both as driven and as competitive as their male peers.
Women in California have access to a number of remarkable colleges and universities, and, fortunately, there are plenty of state and privately run scholarship programs for women in California, as well.
When searching for scholarships, always remember to read a particular scholarship’s qualifications and stipulations carefully before you apply. Be aware of scholarship scams, and do your homework on any program you consider.
The following programs are specifically for women who live in California: 
The Women’s Foundation of California offers a Smart Cookie scholarship to first and second generation Latinas in California. In addition to scholarship money, the Women’s foundation also offers support and networking to help ensure the recipient’s future success.
The California Federation of Republican Women offers a Ronald Reagan scholarship to conservative California women based on need.
The Professional Business Women of California have an annual scholarship for high-school seniors, which is given at their annual networking event.
Other good places to find information about scholarships include your high school guidance counselor, the college or university you wish to attend or small, service-oriented social groups in your area. Internet searches may also help you find scholarships related to your hobbies, intended field of study or particular need.
Browse Scholarships for Women in California:
Listing 1 to 62 of 62
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2023/2024 College Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Sponsored: There is no GPA requirement and no essay to write! | |
| AAUW of Camarillo Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Scholarship awarded to a goal-oriented, re-entry woman residing in Ventura County; have completed at least 60 units or the equivalent by June; carrying minimum course load of six units, and ... | |
| AAUW of Simi Valley Scholarship | Varies |
| Scholarship awarded to a female applicant over 25 years of age; high school graduate; resident of Simi Valley or Moorpark; must have attended Moorpark College for one previous semester with ... | |
| AAUW Santa Monica Bay Branch Scholarship | Varies |
| Female, U.S. citizenship, transferring to SMC as full-time student, financial need. Contact your high school counselor. | |
| AAUW, Danville-Alamo Branch Scholarship | $500 |
| The award is for female college students with a junior or senior standing, or graduate status, and for graduates of San Ramon Valley or its high schools. Applicants will be evaluated on the ... | |
| AAUW, Humbolt Branch Scholarship | $1,000 |
| The award is for re-entry (out of school five or more years) women students who are enrolled full-time in upper division or graduate level courses, and who are residents of Humboldt or Del ... | |
| AAUW-American Association of University Women-Walnut Creek | $500 |
| Preference to women and residents of Contra Costa County, California. Applicants should be transferring to an accredited four-year college or graduate school. Demonstrate leadership, ... | |
| Alpha Zeta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma International Society | varies |
| The applicant must be a Female Education major, planning to become a teacher, be a resident of San Joaquin County for at least five years, demonstrate leadership ability and community ... | |
| Alvie Campbell Bible Scholarship | $1000 |
| This scholarship is awarded in honor of educator Alvie Campbell Bible. Be an African American female student, attending a Bay Area junior college or four year col1ege/university • have a ... | |
| American Association of Japanese University Women Scholarship Program | $1000 |
| Established to provide financial assistance to female students currently enrolled in college in California. This program is open to female students enrolled in accredited colleges or ... | |
| American Association of University Women Scholarship | Varies |
| Applicant must be a female, earned 45 semester units, have a 3.0 GPA, resident of San Diego County, California and working toward a credential of certificate from San Diego City College. | |
| ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Sponsored: Thousands available in scholarships this year. | |
| American Association of University Women Scholarship | $800 |
| The award is for a Female student completing two years of college, transferring to a four-year institution in the fall. The applicant must be a resident of San Joaquin County for at least ... | |
| American Association of University Women Scholarship | Varies |
| Must be a Kings or Tulare County resident with a 3.0 GPA. | |
| American Association of University Women/Nevada County Branch | varies |
| High Achievement is required for this award. Applicant must NOT complete the scholarship budget information, must be a female residing in Nevada County, must have completed more than 48 ... | |
| American Business Women’s Association - Farthest West Chapter Scholarship | $500 |
| The amount and number of awards vary. The award is for women who have been a resident of Humboldt County for one year. The applicant must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and have the ability to ... | |
| American Legion Auxiliary Junior Member Scholarship-CA | $300-$1000 |
| For the child, grandchild, or great grandchild of a veteran. Must currently be in high school and plan to attend college in the next academic year. More info at: www.calegionaux.org. Must be ... | |
| $2,000 "No Essay" Scholarship - Niche | $2,000 |
| Sponsored: Open to all students and those planning on enrolling in either 2023 or 2024. | |
| Association for Women in Architecture | $1000-$2500 |
| The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation offers annual cash awards to women students studying Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and/or Land Planning, Interior Design, ... | |
| Baywood Park Women’s Club Scholarship Endowment | $1000 |
| Preference for SLO school district graduates, re-entry and female students, medical, business and teaching majors. The applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. | |
| Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship Competition | $1500 |
| This scholarship competition is offered to outstanding female Latina students through the Chicana Latina Foundation. Demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement and leadership ... | |
| Colton Woman’s Club Scholarship | Varies |
| Scholarship awarded to a female in the Nursing Program, preferably a Colton High School graduate or resident of Colton. | |
| Curry Award for Girls and Young Women | $1000 |
| The award is for young women who are self-motivated and need financial support to re-enter the educational system through an accredited community college, university, or vocational school. ... | |
| CaptainU Student-Athlete Scholarship | $2,000 |
| Sponsored: This opportunity is offered to current high school athletes for 2023-2024. Only athletes that want to play in college should apply! | |
| Darliene M. Lundberg Memorial Scholarship | $500 |
| Available to a woman resident of Lassen County for at least one year at the time of application. The applicant must have attended a Lassen county high school. Further, the applicant must be ... | |
| Dee Sullivan Memorial Scholarship | $250 |
| The award is for students graduating from Del Norte County high schools, and for outstanding female athletes. The applicant must demonstrate GPA, financial need and school and community ... | |
| DeeAnn Gruhn Memorial Scholarship | $1000 |
| Scholarship will be awarded annually based on academic achievement. Administered through the Humboldt Area Foundation. Requires an official Humboldt Area Foundation Application Form. Open to ... | |
| Elizabeth J. Morrison Memorial Scholarship | $750 |
| This scholarship was established in memory of Elizabeth J. Morrison, the first woman lawyer in Humboldt County. She started her practice in 1925 and remained active in that practice until ... | |
| Elsie Carrington Rumford Scholarship | $500 |
| This scholarship is dedicated to Elsie Carrington Rumford with the lifelong commitment to furthering the educational opportunities for all people. Open to female high school seniors from ... | |
| Monthly University Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Sponsored: Just register and you could win $1,000! And because we don't want to take a lot of time away from your college search, entry takes just a few minutes. | |
| Evelyn Zillgitt Teaching Scholarship | Varies |
| Awarded to a female who is transferring to UCLA. Must be a permanent resident and must show evidence or intention to enter the field of teaching. Applicants must have a 3.25 GPA or above. | |
| Financial Leadership Scholarships for Bay Area Women | $5000-$10000 |
| This scholarship is awarded to encourage leadership and provide opportunities for Bay Area women in the field of finance or Financial Services. Visit www.fwasf.org for more information. The ... | |
| Gail Karp Orgell Scholarship | $2000-$4000 |
| The Gail Karp Orgel Scholarship Fund of the Jewish Community Federation Endowment Fund is open to female undergraduate students. Open to female students under age 25 accepted or enrolled in ... | |
| Gonzaga University Girls’ State Scholarship-California | $500 |
| Upon admission to Gonzaga University, students are automatically considered for this scholarship. Please note on admissions application of involvement in Boy’s State. No scholarship ... | |
| GTE Independent Colleges Scholarships | Varies |
| Qualified students from GTE California’s service areas with preference given to women and minority students enrolled at Loyola Marymount University. | |
| Monthly University Scholarships | $1,000 |
| Sponsored: Open to High School students and adults looking to head back to school, current college students and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school this year or in 2024. | |
| Kiwanis Club of Greater Pismo Beach-Female | $250 |
| Awarded to one male and one female. The applicant must be a full time south county resident, with demonstrated financial need. | |
| Latin American Professional Women’s Association Scholarship | $500 |
| This schoolarship is offered to a Female Hispanic student through the Latin American Professional Womens Association. Must be a female Hispanic non-traditional student, over age 23, and who ... | |
| Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Local Scholarship | $500-$1500 |
| This scholarship is awarded to support women. Open to women residing in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, or Sunol in California; based on financial need and academic achievement. | |
| Lois Olsen Memorial Scholarship | $250 |
| The award is for a Fortuna High School female who has participated in 2 or more sports in school, has a 2.75 GPA or better, is going to a two-year or four-year college after graduation, and ... | |
| Louise Snyder Scholarship for Re-Entry Women | $500 |
| This scholarship is intended for a female student who has reentered the educational system and is in need of financial assistance to be able to continue her education. The applicant must have | |
| M. R. Bauer Foundation Continuing Nursing Studies Scholarship | $500-$2000 |
| This scholarship is available to women who are residents of Los Angeles county. | |
| Mabel Wilson Richards Fund | Varies |
| Based on financial need. Applicants must be a woman of high moral character and good citizenship. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen unless they are under 21 and their parent is a U.S. citizen | |
| Mabel Wilson Richards Scholarship | Varies |
| Applicant must be a female student who is a resident of Los Angeles, California enrolled at Pomona College. Financial need is considered. | |
| Mabel Wilson Richards Scholarship | Varies |
| Applicants must be females with financial need, enrolled at LMU. Residents of Los Angeles County, California, with at least a 3.0 GPA. Separate application forms are available in the ... | |
| Mabel Wilson Richards Scholarship | $750-$2500 |
| Awarded to undergraduate women who reside in the City or County of Los Angeles, California. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and enroll full-time each semester ... | |
| Mabel Wilson Richards Scholarship | $2000 |
| Scholarship available to women who are current students, and have resided in the Los Angeles area for two years before attending UCSD. Student must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and one parent ... | |
| Mabel Wilson Richards Scholarship Fund | Varies |
| Must be a female resident of California with demonstrated financial need. | |
| Mable Wilson Richards Scholarship Fund | Varies |
| Females who reside in specific cities in California. Listing in the Financial Aid Office. Demonstrate need for assistance and high moral character and good citizenship. Enrolling on campus ... | |
| Miss Black California USA Scholarship | Varies |
| The Miss and Ms Black California USA Scholarship is a chance for African American female students to compete in an official US competition. Open to African American females from California ... | |
| Native Daughters of the Golden West Scholarship | $150 |
| Female of California, graduating ECC. Based on academic achievement and financial need. Awarded for fall and spring semester if grades during the first semester are satisfactory. GPA of 3.0 ... | |
| Olga Jane Lewis Scholarship | $1000 |
| This scholarship is in honor of Olga Jane Lewis and awarded by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Open to female high school seniors from Alameda or Contra Costa County, California who plan ... | |
| Pat Nixon Scholarship | $1000 |
| Awarded to registered Orange County Republican women, who are 25 years-of-age or older, and currently furthering their education. | |
| Patricia R. Young Memorial Scholarship | varies |
| Applicant must complete the scholarship budget information, must have completed more than 48 college units by the end of Fall, must be transferring to a four year college for both semesters ... | |
| Reedley Study and Civic Club Scholarship | $300 |
| Awarded to transferring female students who are Reedley High School graduates with a 3.0 GPA. | |
| Santa Ana/Tustin Soroptimist International: Bethany J. Ochal Memorial Schol | $1,000 |
| This scholarship is for a female student who is a resident of the City of Santa Ana or Tustin. The applicant must enroll in 9 or more units in the fall and spring, and be a continuing ... | |
| Soroptimist International of Trinity County Women’s Opportunity Awards | $300 |
| $300 awards are given to to women who are residents of Trinity County. The applicant must be female head of household, attending an undergraduate degree program, and have financial need. | |
| Sybil Blackman Scholarship | Varies |
| Must be a female, parent, 25 years or older, enrolled in a minimum of 6 units, and show potential. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. | |
| The Ellis Scholarship For Childcare | $500-$2000 |
| This scholarship is available to women who are residents of Los Angeles county. | |
| The June Miller Nursing Education Scholarship | $500-$2000 |
| This scholarship is available to women who are residents of Los Angeles county. | |
| The Ruth Pam Family Scholarship For Women Returning To School | $500-$2000 |
| This scholarship is available to women who are residents of Los Angeles county. | |
| Tracy Woman’s Club Scholarship | $500 |
| The award is for a female re-entry student, and a Tracy resident. | |
| WHCE Lynn Adamson Memorial Scholarship | $5000 |
| The Lynn Adamson Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by the Women Health Care Executives of Northern California, a professional association dedicated to career advancement of women in health ... | |
| Willie Mae Allen & Addie Mae Whitaker Scholarship | $1000 |
| This scholarship is in honor of Willie Mae Allen and Addie Mae Whitaker and is awarded by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Open to female high school seniors from Contra Costa County in ... | |
| Wilson Wade Memorial Scholarships | Varies |
| Established to provide financial assistance to women high school seniors in California who are interested in attending college in the state. This program is open to graduating women high ... | |
| Woman’s Club of Arroyo Grande Scholarship | $500 |
| Awarded to South County femal re-entry students with demonstrated financial need. | |
| Women’s Opportunity Scholarship | Varies |
| Scholarship available to students who are vocational majors. Preference given to females who demonstrate finanical need. | |
| ZONTA International Ethlyn Brown Memorial Scholarship | $100 |
| Applicants must be a woman of at least 18 years of age, be a resident of the Salinas area, be planning a career in business or the professions, have a GPA of 3.0 or above, and enroll in and ... | |