Scholarships
CMC Scholarships
APPLY NOW! CMC’s 2023-2024 Scholarship Application is due June 30, 2023
This year’s application for school year 2023-24 will be completely online through a new scholarship portal. Both new and returning Copper Mountain College students are invited to apply for more than 20 scholarships with one application!
Scholarship Application Hints & FAQs
Apply Only if You Qualify This is critical! Many students are disqualified for a scholarship because they do not meet the minimum requirements for that scholarship. If a scholarship requires an applicant to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. If you have a cumulative GPA of 2.8, don’t bother applying – you will be disqualified. You will also be disqualified if you are new to the college and have not established a GPA, i.e. your CMC GPA is 0.0. Review all of the scholarships and their requirements. Mark all scholarships that you qualify for on the application. The committee tries to award scholarships to as many students as possible. Do not select one or two scholarships. Select as many scholarships as you are eligible to win. Your chances of being awarded a scholarship you qualify for are greater, than if you select one or two. Begin Early, Finish Early Once you determine which scholarships to apply for, begin completing your application immediately. Set a self-imposed deadline of two weeks prior to the official deadline. This safeguard will assist you in submitting your application on time. By beginning your application early, your application will be a better quality submission: You will have time to polish your application, and not throwing it together at the last possible minute. Proofread Your Application It is always a great idea to proofread your application. You may want to “lay down” your application for a day and come back to it another day – you may find errors you otherwise would not have caught when you were tired. Correct spelling and grammar errors, and if you’re not sure, ask someone else to proofread it for you. Neatness Counts The committee does not want to read a scholarship application that is crumpled, has coffee stains or food stuck on it, streaked pen or pencil, and is impossible to read. Type your application. It makes it easier for the committee to review. Scholarship award selection is competitive. Treat your scholarship application materials as if you are applying for a job. You want to make the best impression possible. Neat and well organized applications are more professional than sloppily prepared applications and are viewed more favorably by the Committee.
General Questions/Notes Why do I need two reference letters? CMC would like to hear more about you, academically and personally, from two different people. The purpose of a reference letter from your current instructor is that it gives the committee insight into you as a student. The purpose of a reference letter from an employer or pastor is that it gives CMC insight into you as an employee or a community member. Selecting References Think carefully about who knows you best when selecting your recommenders and give each of them plenty of time to write you a strong letter of recommendation. Inform your recommenders of the requirements of the scholarship and ask them to address how you match the selection criteria. Check in with your recommenders at least a week before a deadline and make sure they are aware of all deadlines. Send a thank you note! Writing a good letter of recommendation is hard work! Can students outside of Copper Mountain College apply? CMC scholarships are awarded only to students who attend CMC. We are a community college and this is one way we can support our students. Successful Scholarship Applications What can I do to make sure I receive high scores on my application? In order to ensure your application receives the highest scores possible: First, read the application in its entirety. Next, be sure to follow the directions closely. And finally, answer all of the questions as completely and clearly as possible. Following directions is critical. Clear, Concise Essay or Answering Questions When answering application questions or writing an essay, make sure your answers and essay are well-thought out, clearly written and be sure to incorporate your life experiences. You should include work experience. Clearly make a statement in your answers, and be sure that your answer directly addresses the questions posed. Follow Instructions Carefully All scholarships do not have the same requirements. Some require essays. Many have a minimum GPA. Others require minimum unit completion in the current and previous semester. Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications for that scholarship are disqualified. Make sure you answer all questions on the application thoroughly. You are more likely to receive a high score if you follow directions precisely. If you do not follow the application directions, your application will be disqualified. Pay Attention to Details When you apply for several scholarships at once, it is easy to confuse the requirements and overlook critical details. It is important to follow scholarship guidelines exactly and precisely. If the deadline is the 12th, do not submit it on the 13th. If you miss a deadline, there is no second chance. Note approaching deadlines and give yourself plenty of time to complete the application. Scholarship committees strictly adhere to published deadlines. All blanks must be filled in. Do not include a resume. Attaching a resume in place of filling in blanks is not acceptable. If it says to type the application, put down the pen or pencil.
- Read each scholarship’s specific qualifications thoroughly. You must meet ALL qualifications for each scholarship you select. If you do not meet even one of the qualifications, you do not qualify for that scholarship.
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- Make sure you have the absolute minimum cumulative GPA for each scholarship selected.
- Make sure the number of units needed for each scholarship is the number you completed in the fall or you will complete in the spring.
- Ask more than two people to provide you with letters of recommendation. This ensures at least two references will submit recommendations on your behalf. Professional references only; no relatives or friends! At least one must be a former or current instructor or teacher.
- There are five (5) discussion points; make sure all five are answered.
- If a specific scholarship requires additional information or a separate essay, make sure you complete that requirement and submit it with your application.
- Make sure your application is completely filled out, including your signature. Unsigned and/or incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
- Type your application. It makes it easier for the committee to review. If you cannot type your application, print carefully and legibly.
What Not To Do
- Do not wait until the last day or week to complete your application.
- Do not write too much or too little.
- Do not write a “cheerleading” statement. Focus on your specific strengths and achievements with examples of what you have done rather than vague references to yourself.
- Do not write negative comments or criticism; although being honest about yourself is important, reviewers take negative comments very seriously. This could impact the overall ranking of your essay.
- Do not rely on spell check for grammar and spelling. Work with an editor on every aspect of the content and structure of your essay.
- Do not lie or exaggerate.
Notification of Winners How and when are the winners notified? You will receive either an award letter or a letter of regret in the mail by June 30th. If your address changes before letters are mailed, please let Admissions & Records know, so they can notify the committee. How is the scholarship award applied? The scholarship recipients must be enrolled in classes at CMC by fall of the upcoming school year. The scholarship is only applied to the academic year it is awarded. If you do not attend in the fall or spring, that portion of your scholarship is forfeit. If you do not attend in the fall and spring, your entire scholarship is forfeit. Should you receive an award letter, there will be directions on how your scholarship award is disbursed. Thank You Notes If you receive a scholarship, be sure to write a thank you note. Copper Mountain College alumni and friends provide scholarships to help pay for your education because they believe students like you can make a difference in the World. It is important to give credit and thanks where it is due. This ensures that generous alumnae and donors are acknowledged for all they do to promote their Alma Mater’s future. Mail your thank you note within 14 days of receiving your scholarship award letter to: Sandy Smith, Executive Director Copper Mountain College Foundation PO Box 1398, 6162 Rotary Way Joshua Tree, CA 92252 If your scholarship award is from The Community Foundation, Serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, please mail your thank you note within 14 days of receiving your scholarship award letter : Penny Beaulieu Manager, Grant Programs The Community Foundation 3700 Sixth Street, Suite 200 Riverside, CA 92501 Donors ask for nothing in return, however, receiving a well written thank you letter from a student is always special and lets the donor know that his or her scholarship was greatly appreciated. Your letter reminds them why they gave in the first place and often help secure continuing gifts for future students.
Available Scholarships at CMC
The Scholarships listed below are representative. Scholarships may be added or deleted from the list each year according to availability, and a list will be made available during the spring semester (Mid-January to April). All CMC scholarships applied for through this application process require a completed application along with two letters of recommendation, at least one from a current/former instructor/teacher. Professional references only; no relatives or friends.
Academic Merit Scholarship
- I completed a minimum of 12 degree-applicable/transferable units at CMC
- I am currently enrolled in 12 or more units at CMC
- I will complete 12 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- My current cumulative CMC GPA is 3.5 or higher for degree-applicable/transferable units
- Attached is a one-page essay on the topic: How do I personally demonstrate the value of education and learning?
- Attached is a separate page listing my activities, programs and organizations I have been active in on campus and/or in the community
- Attached is a separate page discussing why I should be chosen as the Academic Merit Scholarship winner.
Cathy Allen Artist Scholarship
- I completed at least 6 units at CMC
- I am pursuing an Associate degree in Art History or Studio Arts at CMC
- My current CMC GPA is 3.00 or higher
- I will complete 6 units per semester during AY 2022-2023
- Attached is a short essay explaining my journey on how I overcame challenges so I could study Art.
Art Mitz Social Sciences Scholarship
- I am currently enrolled in 6 or more units at CMC
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- I am pursuing an Associate degree in Social Sciences (Anthropology, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science)
- My current GPA is 3.00 or higher
Byerrum Business and Accounting Scholarship
- I am a current student enrolled in 6 units at CMC.
- My cumulative GPA (from all colleges attended) is 3.0.
- My CMC major is Business Administration or Accounting.
- Attached is a paragraph explaining my career goals
- I have unmet financial need.
Classified Senate Scholarship
- I am a current CMC student enrolled in a minimum of 6 units
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- My current CMC GPA is 2.50 or higher
CMC Faculty Scholarship, part of the Osher Initiative for California Community College Students
- I am currently enrolled in 6 or more units at CMC
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- Current GPA is 2.00 or higher
- I have completed a minimum of 24 degree-applicable cumulative units – student must attach unofficial transcripts for units completed outside of CMC
- My course completion rate at CMC is at least 50% or higher
- I am pursuing an Associate in Science (AS) or Arts (AA) degree
- I qualified for the Board of Governor’s Waiver
- I have unmet financial need
The Inland Empire Community Foundation Pooled Scholarship Master Fund
- I am currently enrolled in at least 6 units at CMC
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- I am permanent resident of Riverside or San Bernardino County
- My current CMC GPA is 3.0 or higher, or 2.75 if enrolled in technical training
- I have unmet financial need
The George Floyd Scholarship Fund
- I am a current student enrolled in 12 units at CMC.
- I am a Person of Color.
- Attached is a separate page discussing:
- What motivated you to apply for the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship?
- What are your dreams and goals for the future after you complete your degree?
- What would help you to complete your college education?
- What are your goals for your family?
Glenda and Jay Haislip Memorial Scholarship
- I am currently enrolled in 6 units at CMC.
- My cumulative GPA (from all colleges attended) is 3.0.
- I receive services from ACCESS.
Trisha Laubenstein Elementary School Teacher Scholarship
- I am currently student in 6 units at CMC.
- I completed at least 12 units at CMC.
- My cumulative GPA (from all colleges attended) is 3.0.
- My CMC major is Elementary Teacher Education
- Attached is a one-page essay on “Why I want to be an elementary school teacher.”
Lena T. Pond Fund Scholarship (through The Inland Empire Community Foundation)
- I am currently enrolled in at least 6 units at CMC
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- I am enrolled in CMC’s VN or RN program
- I am a permanent resident of Riverside or San Bernardino County
- My current CMC GPA is 2.75 or higher
- I have unmet financial need
Molly Adams Endowed Scholarship (through Inland Empire Community Foundation)
- I am currently enrolled in at least 6 units at CMC
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- I receive services from ACCESS
- I am a permanent resident of Riverside or San Bernardino County
Rene Willard Memorial Scholarship
- I am currently enrolled in 6 or more units at CMC
- I completed a minimum of 6 units at CMC
- I am a Student Worker at CMC
- My current CMC GPA is 3.00 or higher
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- I am pursuing an Associate degree in Business Administration or an IS-related field (CIS, CS, CP)
- I have unmet financial need
Southern California Edison Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Full-time Scholarship
- I am currently enrolled in 12 or more units at CMC
- I will complete 12 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- My current CMC GPA is 2.50 or higher
- I am pursuing an Associate degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Environmental Studies or Mathematics.
Southern California Edison Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Part-time Scholarship
- I am currently enrolled in 6 or more units at CMC
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- My current CMC GPA is 2.50 or higher
- I am pursuing an Associate degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, or Mathematics.
Jeff Tabor Memorial EMT Scholarship
- I am enrolled in the EMT Program at CMC
- My cumulative GPA is 3.0
- I have unmet financial need
- Attached is a paragraph explaining my career goals.
Trustees Gilbert and Lombardo Scholarship
- I will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year
- I am a non-traditional student, i.e. 25 years of age or older
- Attached is a one-page essay on the topic: How do you envision your life five years from now and how could this scholarship contribute to you achieving your goals?
Sergeant Dominic Vaca Memorial Scholarship
- I am currently enrolled in 12 or more units at CMC
- I will complete 12 units per semester during AY 2022-2023
- My current CMC GPA is 3.0 or higher
- My CMC major is Criminal Justice or Administration of Justice
- I answered the following questions (please attach separate page(s)):
- What motivated you to apply for the Sergeant Dominic Vaca Memorial Scholarship?
- What are your goals for the future after you complete your degree?
Additional CMC-Related Scholarships
High School Scholarships
CMC Alumni Scholarships are to attend Copper Mountain College. Graduating high school students are eligible. CMC Foundation Members choose the deserving students.
Greenleaf Scholarship CMC’s Foundation distributes applications in December and makes the selection in February/March. Click here for additional information.
Future Scholarships If you are interested in setting up a scholarship for Copper Mountain College, please contact CMC’s Foundation. Scholarship Donor Worksheet
Other Scholarship Links
The external scholarship list and links were compiled by CMC as a service to help students locate external funding.
The list should not be construed as any type of endorsement or support of any particular organization, individual, points of view, products, or services offered by these external organizations.
CMC does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of the external information.
The Academic Business Scholarship awards a $1,000 scholarship provided by DegreeDirectory.org, a higher education website dedicated to helping students make informed choices about their academic future. The scholarship is for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing bachelor level degrees related to business management, information systems management, marketing, finance, accounting, human resource management, and entrepreneurship. Click here for the application.
AES Engineering is pleased to be able to continue offering scholarships to motivated students to help in the furthering of their education. Our belief is that achieving a high grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped. For that reason we are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluated the essays that are submitted. Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility. You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible.
The Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests
Ayn Rand’s novels are inspiring and intellectually challenging. But they can also be financially rewarding for high school and college students. The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors annual essay contests that offer 600 prizes and $100,000 in prize money every year.
California-Hawaii Elks Association Scholarship
The California-Hawaii Elks Association is offering $1,000 scholarships to eligible students. Please see Financial Aid for an application and additional information; or click the link above. Click here for the application.
Fisher House Foundation Scholarships
Find funding for your educational goals! You and your family’s service for our country qualifies you for unique funding opportunities. We’ll help you find the best matches for your educational goals.
Double D Trailers – $500 Scholarship
If you have an interest in horses or are involved in equine activities this is the scholarship for you!
The Double D Trailers annual $500 scholarship is available to students in attendance at a high school, college or university within the United States and Canada, who are following a curriculum path leading to a degree of study as an undergraduate and graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree. Eligible students should demonstrate an interest in horses either through ownership or involvement in equine organizations and activities. Interested students are asked to write about their career objectives and how they relate to the equine industry. Submissions are due by each May 1st and the winner will be announced on May 15th.
Edison is awarding $40,000 in scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high school students planning to major in STEM fields at four-year colleges and universities. As Edison Scholars, the students may also be eligible for summer internships at Edison after completing their second year in college.
Applications are accepted online from December 1 to February 1. You must meet all eligibility requirements to qualify. Scholarships are paid for by our shareholders, and not by customers of our utility, Southern California Edison (SCE).
Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation
The ESA Foundation awards numerous scholarships annually, you do not have to be an ESA member to apply for a scholarship, and our application process is online.
Foster Youth Grant (Chafee Foster Youth Grant)
Must be a current or former foster youth and not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year.The court must have established your dependency when you were between the ages of 16 and 18. Must have financial need. Must be enrolled at least ½ time (6 units). Program of study must be at least one academic year long. Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 67% Completion Rate and GPA of 2.0 or better. Up to $5000 a year for career and technical training or college. Does not have to be repaid. Submit application on line at www.chafee.csac.ca.gov Set up a Student Account through: www.csac.ca.gov under WebGrants for Students to check on the status of your application. WebGrants for Students is also used to monitor your CalGrant award.
Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship
The Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Fred Rogers, the creator and long-time host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The scholarship provides three $10,000 scholarships to students looking to pursue careers in Children’s Media in the fields of either Production of Original Content or Research. Click here to find out how to apply.
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program – No Longer Available
At that time the Program will accomplish the objective of selecting 20,000 students as Gates Millennium Scholars. The Scholars selected will benefit from the Program’s resources through 2028. We encourage you to continue to explore scholarship resources by visiting the following websites: UNCF-United Negro College Fund – www.uncf.org, American Indian Graduate Center Scholars – www.aigcs.org, Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – www.apiasf.org, Hispanic Scholarship Fund – www.hsf.net, Fast Web- www.fastweb.com, Scholarships.com- www.scholarships.com, The information at these sites may give you (additional or alternate) scholarship options and resources to support your academic goals.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IEEE offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and fellowships for IEEE Student members. Submit a project or paper for consideration and have the opportunity to win and gain peer recognition for your effort. Terms and conditions may apply.
Insurance Providers: Look Twice, Save A Life Scholarship
InsuranceProviders.com is proud to introduce a new scholarship promoting motorcycle safety among students.
The Look Twice, Save A Life Scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to any student who is currently attending or planning to attend college or some form of higher education.
The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis for the Spring semester. The deadline to apply is December, 1st.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
This scholarship honors excellence by supporting outstanding community college students with financial need to transfer to and complete their bachelor’s degrees at the nation’s top four-year colleges and universities. The Foundation provides up to $30,000 per year to each of approximately 75 deserving students selected annually, making it the largest private scholarship for two-year and community college transfer students in the country.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund provides low-income women, age 35 or older, pursuing a technical or vocational education, an associate’s degree, or a first bachelor’s degree, with scholarships. Since 1976, Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 750 women. Application deadline is March 1st.
The L-Fund recognizes education as an important tool through which to advance personal goals, professional goals, and to improve life outcomes generally.
LEAP provides education grants of up to $2,500 per year for cis and trans lesbians in need to attend continuing education, certification classes, trade or vocational schools, community colleges and universities. LEAP grants may be used for tuition, computers, books, school fees, ESL classes, health insurance and living expenses.
Applicants must reside in the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas.
The LEAP Grant Committee and The L-Fund is particularly interested in supporting a diverse range of lesbians in achieving their educational goals.
Taco Bell Foundation is awarding $1 million in scholarships to young adults. They are looking for innovators, creators and dreamers who have the passion to pursue their unique dreams. If chosen, Taco Bell Foundation will help pay for your post-high school educational pursuit.
Fill out the form on their webpage and upload a video explaining why you deserve a Live Más Scholarship based on the questions above and the Application Guidelines in the Terms & Conditions. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF)
The MCSF offers scholarships to children of active, deceased, or honorably discharged Marines. More information is available on the MCSF website.
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a new program beginning in the 2014-15 academic year that provides undergraduate students with family incomes up to $150,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.
Owen Locke Memorial Scholarship
The Owen Locke Memorial Foundation also provides scholarships to eligible students in need. Apply here.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Opportunities
Phi Theta Kappa offers members opportunities to apply for over $87 million in scholarships opportunities from Phi Theta Kappa, partnering senior colleges, universities and foundations – a benefit unmatched by other honor societies.
In 1958, an optometrist in Fall River, Mass., had a simple but profound idea—if everyone in his community gave just a dollar to an educational fund, it would be enough to help nearly every student in the community attend college. Dr. Irving Fradkin called his plan “Dollars for Scholars,” and it has expanded into what today is the nation’s largest non-profit, private-sector scholarship and educational support organization—Scholarship America.
Since its founding, Scholarship America has distributed more than $3 billion to 2 million students across the country through various programs including Dollars for Scholars, Dreamkeepers, and Scholarship Management Services.
Scholarships for Military Children
The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created to recognize the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community.
SWE Scholarships support women pursuing ABET-accredited baccalaureate or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science in the United States and Mexico. In 2014, SWE disbursed over 230 new and renewed scholarships valued at more than $700,000.
Southern California Association of Governors (SCAG) Scholarship
The SCAG Scholarship Program is designed to offer local government and planning experience that students can use to develop long-term career goals. The Scholarship will provide a $4,000 scholarship award for seven high school or community college students from the SCAG region (and potentially an additional eighth scholarship award that is not tied to a specific county, but could be awarded at the Committee’s discretion) and a two-week internship with a local planning agency, council of governments, or SCAG. Recipients will also have an opportunity to meet with their local government representatives and practicing planners to discuss the importance of urban planning and a future career in public service.
ThanksUSA offers over 1,000 scholarships for military spouses and children totaling over $3.5 million. More information is available on the ThanksUSA website.
Available to high school seniors and college undergraduates. Forty $1,000 scholarships awarded in a random drawing. Applications will be accepted starting late January until May 31st.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will provide service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. Must be a retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve. Must have a military rank of E-5 or below and have completed basic training and follow-on training. Must participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited post-secondary institution. Must demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
To assist military service members and their families by awarding scholarships to help pay for tuition and books. Must fall into at least one of the following categories: current active-duty service member, veteran of the US Armed Forces, spouse of a service member or veteran, surviving spouse or child of a fallen service member, child of a service member or veteran. Must be currently pursuing a post-secondary degree (associates, bachelors, masters or doctorate) at an accredited college or university or plan to attend a college or university the following academic year. Must demonstrate financial need. Award can only be used toward tuition and books.
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) in Washington, DC, offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times annually. This is not a scholarship.The student must be able to work as an intern for 12-15 weeks in the Washington, DC, office of the Aspen Institute during the academic semester in which the fellowship is awarded.
Scholarships for Military Families
The following websites match students to scholarships for which they are eligible to apply:
studentaid.ed.gov — Dept. of Education Site for Students
Tips to help you plan and pay for college: CA Student Aid Commission
Please watch out for scholarship scams. If you have to pay money to get money, it’s probably a scam.
Every year there are a few scholarship search “scams” that imitate legitimate search companies, foundations and sponsors. These companies may request money for their services, advertise that they “guarantee” results or ask for inappropriate personal information such as your bank or Social Security number. Beware of anyone who requests money for scholarship search services.