For DonorsFor Applicants

Fernandez Scholarship

$2,000
2 winners, $1,000 each
Open
Application Deadline
Feb 1, 2025
Winners Announced
Mar 1, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
California

Financial aid is a crucial stepping stone on the path to higher education for many students.

As the cost of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses continue to grow, it has become increasingly difficult for the average student to afford a college education. When student loans are the only option, many debt-averse students turn away from their dreams.

This scholarship aims to make higher education more accessible by supporting students who are preparing to make the transition from high school to college.

Any high school senior in California may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, tell us what you plan to do with your life and how your goals will have a positive impact on others.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published November 5, 2024
Essay Topic

What would you like to do with your life and how will that positively impact others?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Brandon Felipe
Oxnard High SchoolOXNARD, CA
In high school, Students are more worried about friends, sports, and boyfriends. I was more worried about what I was going to do after high school. In middle school, I started taking a class called AVID. AVID is a program that gives you valuable information about colleges and how to apply to college. AVID also helps you get prepared for college by staying organized. Through my 5 years in AVID, I researched lots of careers in the medical field. I found my dream career at the start of my junior year. I faced the ultimate challenge that year when I lost my dad to a heart attack. Me and my family were deeply saddened by the incident. I remember everything the day he died. I was at Disneyland California Adventure and I got a call from my mom saying something was wrong with Dad coming back now. I ran to the hotel room where my dad was on the floor. Seconds after me Emergency Medical Service arrived. We all got out of the way and tried to let them work however they just sat there. I was furious with them because they weren't urgent toward my father. Yes, losing my father was a challenge. Yes, I wish he were here to be a part of my life and watch me grow up but, through this challenge, I have grown and learned what is truly important in life. The most important part of life is to not look at the bad side of things. Yes, it is hard for me to accept, however, I feel his death has made me a better person and more mature. After my dad's funeral, I made a goal for myself. I did not want any human being to feel like they did not get to save their family member’s life. My goal in the future is to become a firefighter paramedic. I plan to attend Oxnard college fire Academy and become a firefighter. Then, I plan on going to paramedic school. I am one hundred percent committed to this career. I would love to help those in need no matter how gruesome it is. I hope I get the chance to help people in urgent need and do the best I can. I believe that I can relieve families of worry and stress. I just hope I can make a difference in the city of Oxnard and make my father proud at the same time.
Jessica Zecua
Oxnard HighOXNARD, CA
I have always worked hard in school to do my best and get good grades. I know that if I do good in school it will benefit me in the long run and give me more opportunities in life. My parents have always been supportive when it comes to school. The support of my parents is one of the things that motivates me the most to focus on my education and have various educational goals. I would like to attend a university in the future not only to pursue my dream career but also to make my parents proud. Right now I am working hard to get good grades for my last year of high school. I would like to finish high school and graduate with a high G.P.A. I am also taking a dual enrollment class my senior year of high school to be able to get ahead in college and potentially save time & money in the future. After high school I would like to go straight into a 4 year university as a psychology major. During my time in university I plan on working a part time job to be able to pay for my school. I will apply for scholarships and take out loans if needed to be able to pay for my classes. I would also like to do volunteer work during my time in university. I would prefer to do volunteer work in a setting where I will work with kids. Doing so, I will be able to get experience for my dream future job working with children. As of now I don’t know exactly in what field I want to go in after my four years in university but during my time in university I will be able to study more of each of the different fields of psychology and I will then be able to decide what I want to do after receiving my bachelors degree. Although I don’t know what I want to do for my masters degree now, I do know that after getting my bachelors degree I want to work towards getting a masters degree to get more job opportunities. Based on what I decide to study in graduate school I will try to find a job working with kids that is the best fit for me. In the future I would like to work with children and positively impact their lives. Whether it is in a school setting or another setting I want to be able to have a positive impact on their lives. I would like to help children with either their physical or mental learning abilities. I know that working with young kids can be difficult but I think that it's important to help them grow and prepare themselves for the future which is why I would like to have a job working with children in the future.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Feb 1, 2025. Winners will be announced on Mar 1, 2025.