2027-2028 Scholarship Program

Awards scholarships to graduating seniors

Impact Coastal Alliance provides funding for scholarships to help cover tuition,books, fees, and other expenses.

The first year scholarship is $2,000.

WHO MAY APPLY

  • Students attending high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District that have a cumulative 2.0 GPA through the end of their senior year first semester.

  • High school seniors that are eligible to attend or enroll in a community college, a 4-year university or an accredited degree/certification program to extend their high school education.  Preference is given to those who plan to attend a community college or trade/technical school.

Relatives of the Impact Board and the Impact Scholarship Committee are not eligible to apply for any scholarship offered by Impact Coastal Alliance. 

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Scholarship funds are paid in two equal installments to the recipient’s account at the college or technical or trade organization.

  • First half paid upon proof of registration with full time status for the first semester/term/quarter or certificate program, and

  • Second half paid upon proof of registration showing full time student status for the second semester/term/quarter and either a transcript showing a minimum 2.0 GPA in the first period or documentation of successful progress or completion.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Submit the online application at https://www.impactcoastalalliance.org/ between January 4 and March 12, 2027

  • Attach a complete 9-12 high school transcript showing classes and a cumulative GPA.  An official certification program record from a recognized source is also acceptable

  • Provide contact information for two letters of recommendation from a teacher, school guidance counselor, employer, or coach

  • Attach a personal statement (350-500 words) that explains financial need and articulates how this scholarship will benefit educational objectives.  Include the following in this statement:

    • Expected family financial support

    • Number of siblings in the home, and any responsibilities for care of siblings

    • Special challenges or circumstances

    • Employment history

    • School and community involvement

    • Academic and career goals

    • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Financial Aid) application status

    • OPTIONAL: FAFSA page entitled “Your Student Aid Report” (SAR) showing your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CRITERIA

  • Scholarship Committee application packet review

  • Scholarship Committee online interview

  • The Scholarship Committee will rank and select award recipients based on evaluation of application materials and interview.

Before scholarship payments are made to the college or trade school, the recipient must provide proof of registration showing full time student status

INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM OPENS JANUARY 4, 2027

ONLINE APPLICATION FOR CLOSES MARCH 12, 2027

Please make copies of all materials submitted for your records.

Applications and other materials will not be returned.

All scholarship recipients will be notified by May 31, 2027


IMPACT COASTAL ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 

Personal Statement Outline


Your Personal Statement is an important part of the application process.  Your essay provides key information the Scholarship Committee needs when selecting a student for this scholarship.

Your Personal Statement must be typed, double-spaced with your name at the top of each page and included with the scholarship application.  

Use this Personal Statement Outline as a template to list your ideas when creating your Personal Statement.  Please include the following:

Information you would like to share about yourself.

  • Share information about your financial need; tell your story;

  • Who do you live with and what is your living situation?  

  • Are you first in your family to graduate from high school or attend  a vocational school or college?   

  • Describe hardships and how you are coping;

  • Describe your accomplishments and how each challenged you.  

What are your Education and Career Goals?

Briefly outline your education/career goals; 

If undecided, state what you hope to gain from vocational school or college experience.  

State your financial needs, and how a scholarship will help you. Provide employment details, including location and dates.

What you do in the classroom defines only a part of who you are.  

  • Do you have home responsibilities that impact your studying?

  • Discuss what you have gained in life from your activities outside of the classroom. What fills your free time?  

  • State hobbies or favorite relaxation activities;  

  • Relate your high school employment; 

  • Sports participation? Club activities? 

CERTIFICATION

I certify that all information in this application is true and correct.  I hereby authorize the release of this information to the members of Impact Coastal Alliance.   I understand that my application will be read and reviewed by the committee.  All information will remain confidential.

Applicant’s signature Date_________

If under 18, parent or guardian’s signature __________________________


Checklist: Completed application packets contain the following:

  • Completed Application Form  (Online ONLY)

  • Attached with your online application:

    • Personal Statement 

    • 2 Letters of Recommendation  or statement that they will be sent separately

    • Grades 9-12 High School Transcript which includes your cumulative GPS