HBFoL Scholarship Program - History & Heritage Story of Community (Historical Research)

HBFoL Scholarship Program - History & Heritage Story of Community

Award Amount: $1,000

Status: Deadline has passed (April 3, 2026)

Geographic Scope: Beach Cities (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach), California; focus on South Bay history

Category: Historical Research

Overview

Write a research-based essay exploring a South Bay person, place, movement, or historical moment. Explain its relevance today and why it matters for community identity, democracy, or access to knowledge. Use at least one credible source beyond Wikipedia. Best for students who enjoy research, history, and argumentative writing.

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Juniors & Seniors in 2025-2026 academic year
• School Location: Must attend high school in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Redondo Beach
• Eligible Schools: Mira Costa High School, Redondo Union High School, Patricia Dreizler Continuation High School, Fusion Academy South Bay, and other accredited high schools within these cities
• Residency: Do NOT need to live in Beach Cities; only school location matters
• Exclusions: Not a family member of HBFoL Board member, judge, or program administrator
• Sources: Must use at least one credible source beyond Wikipedia. Credible sources include: books, academic articles, newspaper archives, museum records, government documents, and interviews with primary sources. Wikipedia can be used to find other sources but does not count as your primary source.
• AI Usage: Can use AI for brainstorming, grammar checking, or feedback. Cannot use AI to write sentences, paragraphs, or sections. Final writing must be your own. Undisclosed AI-generated content results in disqualification.

Judging Criteria

History & Heritage essays are scored on:
• Historical Accuracy and Use of Sources
• Clarity, Structure, and Argument
• Insightfulness and Contemporary Relevance
• Independent Thinking and Depth of Analysis

Judges: Three to five judges evaluate each category, including retired teachers, published authors, editors, and librarians. All submissions are anonymized before review. All decisions are final. HBFoL does not provide individual feedback or score reviews.

Award Distribution

• Payment Options: $1,000 deposited into a 529 college savings plan or paid directly to you for educational expenses
• Recognition: Winners are photographed at the HBFoL Bookstore and featured on Instagram (@hermosabeachfol). You choose whether to be recognized publicly or remain anonymous.
• Publication: With your permission, HBFoL shares winning essays for community engagement.

Organization

Funder: Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 95-3512644) promoting literacy, education, culture, and community since 1959.

Contact Information

• Email: scholarship@hbfol.org
• Phone: (310) 776-5354
• Instagram: @hermosabeachfol
• Bookstore Address: 701 11th Place, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
• Hours: Tuesday 10am-2pm, Wednesday 5pm-7pm, Friday 10am-2pm, Saturday 10am-2pm

Timeline (2026)

• February 3: Submissions open
• April 3: Deadline (11:59 p.m. PST)
• April 4-11: Eligibility and formatting review
• April 12 - May 14: Judging period
• May 15: Winners announced