Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: Sonoma County, California

Program Background: In its first year the program gave away $9,000 through six scholarships. As of the date provided, the Foundation has given over 431 scholarships in excess of $1.5 million.

Focus Areas: Higher education scholarships for former foster youth pursuing post-secondary academic or vocational education.

Eligibility Criteria

• Foster Care Status: Former dependents of the Sonoma County courts OR previously in foster care in a different county who now reside in Sonoma County. If you were in foster care in Sonoma County at any point, you are eligible even if you no longer live there.
• Enrollment: Attending a post-secondary academic or vocational institution
• Full-Time Status: Enrolled in 12+ units or the equivalent of full-time enrollment (exceptions made on case-by-case basis for part-time due to learning disabilities or unavailable classes)
• Academic Standing: Maintain a C average (2.0 GPA minimum)
• Academic Planning: Commit to developing an academic plan with a school counselor to better achieve prospective educational goals (not required for trade school; proof of enrollment required instead)
• Reporting: Provide updated transcripts, grade reports, and other relevant enrollment information to the VMCF scholarship committee

What Funds Can Be Used For

The funds are not meant to cover all school expenses, but rather to supplement academic needs as they arise:

• Tuition
• School fees
• Laptops
• Other financial needs that arise over the school year

Award Details

• Award Amount: Most first-time applicants will receive between $1,500 - $2,500 in their first year in the program. Award amounts vary based on years in the program and years in school.
• Disbursement: Scholarships are disbursed in two halves: first half in August (after paperwork submission), second half in January (after fall semester completion and proof of GPA and spring schedule submission)
• Renewable: Yes, after the first year, scholarship recipients will be emailed a Returning Scholar application
• Duration: As long as you are enrolled in school, VMCF will support you. There is currently no age or time limit to apply.

Application Timeline

• Application deadline closes (specific date not provided)
• Scholars are contacted after the deadline closes
• Scholarship committee informs applicants if chosen for interview
• Interviews usually take place in May or June
• After interview process, scholars are contacted with award decision and amount

Interview Process

• Consists of 3 scholarship committee members
• Questions are asked to get to know applicants better
• Not meant to be intimidating, but an opportunity for VMCF to understand individual needs on a deeper level
• Interview Attire: Students encouraged to dress professionally as possible, but not to purchase anything new

Academic Requirements

• GPA Maintenance: If overall GPA is lower than 2.0 at the end of the semester or quarter, you will not receive the second half of your scholarship. However, the committee may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Scholars are encouraged to keep in contact with the board for better understanding of circumstances.

Ineligible Applicants

• Those who were only in kinship care (must have been part of Sonoma County's foster care system or of a different foster care system but currently residing in Sonoma County)

Named Scholarship Opportunities

A donation of $2,000 can establish a named scholarship. Individual donors, businesses, or groups of generous friends may give instructions/details as to what kind of scholar they would like to support as well as the specific name of the scholarship. Current named scholarships include: CHA's Charlotte Granderson, Chris and Carol Bauer, District One/Two/Three/Four Sonoma County and respective Supervisors, Earla Snow Trust, George C Forrester, John and Barb Vernon, John and Dianne M. Edwards, John F "Jack" DeMeo, John Jordan Foundation, Juanita Rivas Colin, Junior League Napa-Sonoma, Kevin and Karen Destruel, Laura Colgate and Ty Visscher, Music For Life, Phil Wyatt, The Sandy Torgerson Trust, Tom and Julie Atwood Halter Project, Tom and Julie Atwood Cypress Abbey, Vince and Sophie Taylor, Willette K. and Willette E. Stevenson Fund, The Judy Welsh Foster Youth Transition Fund (separate fund)

Application Process

1. Complete Online Application Form - Submit through the scholarship application portal
2. Application Deadline - Close date not specified on pages provided
3. Post-Application Steps:
   • After deadline closes, applicants will be contacted
   • Scholarship committee reviews applications
   • Selected applicants are invited for interviews
   • Interviews typically held in May or June
   • After interviews, applicants notified of award decision and amount

Required Materials

• Updated transcripts
• Grade reports
• Other relevant enrollment information
• Academic plan developed with school counselor (or proof of trade school enrollment)
• For renewal applications: Returning Scholar application form

Post-Award Requirements

• Paperwork submission for scholarship processing
• Proof of fall semester/quarter GPA completion
• Spring semester/quarter schedule
• Ongoing contact with board regarding academic progress and any challenges

Interview Preparation

• Dress professionally as possible (but do not purchase new clothing)
• Be prepared to discuss your background, goals, and individual needs
• Questions will help committee get to know you better