College Scholarships

The Pasadena Educational Foundation administers a variety of college scholarships to recognize achievements, accomplishments, talents, and financial needs of PUSD graduating seniors. PEF works with high school counselors, principals, and teachers to identify and nominate worthy students.

Geographic Scope: Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), including Altadena and Sierra Madre

Funding History:

• 2025: Over $290,000 distributed to graduating seniors
• $107,000 specifically directed to students who lost homes in the Eaton Fire
• Over 40% of Summer Enrichment Program students receive scholarships
• More than $30,000 distributed annually in college scholarships
• Over 40 scholarships awarded to college-bound seniors annually

Eligible Applicants:

• PUSD graduating high school seniors
• Students demonstrating academic achievement
• Students with demonstrated financial need
• Students with specific talents or accomplishments
• Students pursuing particular fields of study (STEM, arts, etc.)

Scholarship Types:

• Needs-based scholarships: For students with demonstrated financial need
• Merit-based scholarships: For students with academic achievements
• Field-specific scholarships: For students pursuing STEM, arts, and other specialized fields
• Memorial/Honorary scholarships: Named funds honoring individuals or families
• Emergency scholarships: For students affected by natural disasters (e.g., Eaton Fire)

Award Timing: Scholarships awarded each spring. Students notified and celebrate at awards ceremonies at individual high schools.

Participating Schools: Scholarships distributed across 6 secondary schools and programs in PUSD

Nomination Process: High school counselors, principals, and teachers identify and nominate students for specific scholarships based on eligibility criteria

Scholarship Establishment: PEF can help businesses and community members establish memorial or honorary scholarships

Contact for Donations or Scholarship Establishment:

• Phyllis Fash
• Email: pfash@pased.org
• Phone: 626-396-3625
• Address: 351 South Hudson Ave, Room 153, Pasadena, CA 91101

Scholarship Awards Process

Nomination Process:

1. High school counselors, principals, and teachers identify worthy students
2. Educators nominate students for specific scholarship funds
3. Nominations based on scholarship eligibility criteria (academic achievement, financial need, field of study, talents, etc.)

Selection Criteria (varies by scholarship):

• Academic achievement
• Financial need
• Talents and accomplishments
• Specific field of study (STEM, arts, etc.)
• Community involvement
• Character and leadership

Award Distribution:

1. PEF reviews nominations and selects awardees
2. Students notified of awards
3. Scholarship checks awarded at spring awards ceremonies
4. Celebrations held at individual high schools

Donor Information:
To contribute to existing scholarship funds or create a new memorial/honorary scholarship, contact Phyllis Fash at pfash@pased.org

Student Application: Students do not directly apply; they are identified and nominated by school staff based on achievement, need, and merit