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HBFoL Scholarship Program - Turning The Page (Creative Writing)

HERMOSA BEACH FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Foundation Annual Grants for Creative Writing

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Funding Amount

$1,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

HBFoL Scholarship Program - Turning The Page

Award Amount: $1,000

Status: Deadline has passed (April 3, 2026)

Geographic Scope: Beach Cities (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach), California

Category: Creative Writing

Overview

Write an original fictional story in which a book, story, or act of reading changes the course of a person's life or a community. The South Bay, especially Hermosa Beach, should appear as a meaningful setting, influence, or character. Blending realism and imagination is encouraged. Best for students who enjoy fiction, storytelling, and creative expression.

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
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

Originality and Voice
Narrative Craft (character, setting, structure)
Emotional Impact and Resonance
Connection to Reading, Learning, Curiosity, or Community

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

How to Apply

How To Apply

#### Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You qualify if you meet all three criteria:

You are a junior or senior in the 2025–2026 academic year

You attend a high school located in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Redondo Beach

You are not a family member of an HBFoL Board member, judge, or program administrator

#### Step 2: Write Your Essay

Formatting Requirements:

500–750 words

Double-spaced

12-point readable font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri)

1-inch margins

Save as PDF

Include a title at the top

Do NOT include your name anywhere in the document

Essay Prompt (Turning The Page):
Write an original fictional story in which a book, story, or act of reading changes the course of a person's life or a community. The South Bay, especially Hermosa Beach, should appear as a meaningful setting, influence, or character. Blending realism and imagination is encouraged.

#### Step 3: Submit

Digital Submission (Preferred):

Complete the online form and upload your essay as a PDF

Digital submissions close at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on April 3, 2026

File Naming Convention: [TP], [YYYY-MM-DD], [NAME OF ESSAY]

- Example: TP, 2026-02-05, South Bay Stories

Physical Submission:

Print your essay and complete a paper submission form (available at the HBFoL Bookstore)

Place both in a sealed envelope and deliver or mail to:

- HBFoL Bookstore, 701 11th Place, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- OR Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library, PO Box 515, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Physical submissions must be received or postmarked by April 3, 2026

Important Notes: