Seeds for Success

College is an important investment, but funding it can be challenging. SeedCore Foundation understands that. We develop relationships with and provide scholarships to qualifying students to assist them during their college careers.

If you are a senior graduating from North High or South High in Kern County, applications are open until April 14, 2024, for the 2024-25 academic year.

 

About Our Program

College Guidance

You’ll be paired with a mentor who will guide you through your college journey, offering valuable tips and best practices. Your mentor will be your reliable advisor and friend, providing tailored support not only for academic pursuits but also for nurturing your personal development along the way.

Scholarship

We offer a scholarship for a maximum of 6 years, provided you meet the eligibility criteria outlined below.

We provide an annual scholarship in the amount of $2,000 for students enrolled in a community college and a $4,000 annual scholarship for those enrolled in a four-year college or university.

Career Support

Your dedicated mentor will play a role in supporting your career ambitions. Through personalized guidance and connections, they will actively facilitate opportunities that align with your goals, ensuring you have various possibilities within Kern County's professional landscape.

 

What we look for

We don’t require you to know what your life will look like 10 years from now. But we would like you to spend time thinking about what you want from life, at least in the near term.

At SeedCore Foundation, we value:

  • An openness to receiving support from others, coupled with a willingness to acknowledge and learn from mistakes, both personally and professionally.

  • Enthusiasm for learning, both on a personal and academic level. Applicants possess the capability to excel in their chosen field of study when provided with the appropriate guidance and support.

  • Aspirations to develop strong leadership skills that will, in turn, enable the individual to make a meaningful impact on our community.

  • A comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of obtaining a college degree at their preferred institution.

 

How to Apply

Requirements:

  • Graduating senior from North High School or South High School (Bakersfield, CA)

  • Minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA (official transcripts are required with the application)

  • Attending a community college or a 4-year college or university

  • Write a personal statement outlining the following:

    • What role do you think leaders play in building and sustaining thriving communities?

    • Share a significant mistake you have made and the lessons it taught you. Can making mistakes shape your character, values, or perspective?

Recommended:

  • Submit a budget worksheet to ensure you understand the common expenses associated with attending higher education.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’m graduating from a high school in Kern County. Do I qualify?

At this time, we are only offering scholarships to graduating seniors from North High School and South High School in Bakersfield.

Can students planning on attending vocational school apply?

We are only accepting applications from students who will attend a community college or 4-year college or university.

How do I submit an application, and what is the deadline?

Click the “Apply Now!” button above to view the application form online. You will submit your high school transcript, information about your post-secondary institution, answers to 2 essay questions, and a recommended college budgeting spreadsheet. Our deadline is April 14, but do not wait to apply! We will accept and conduct on-campus interviews with only the first 10 applicants from each school. Be on the lookout for an email from us regarding the next steps after you apply.

How much do you award to scholarship recipients?

We award $2,000 for community college and $4,000 for 4-year university or college, for up to 6 years (renewal required).

What does the Seeds for Success scholarship and mentorship program look like for recipients?

Seeds for Success is designed to help you personally, academically, and professionally. That's why we offer a comprehensive program for scholarship recipients. Scholarship awards will be sent directly to your college to cover tuition. You will also be assigned a mentor, who will offer you guidance for your college journey and personal development. You are strongly encouraged to meet with your mentor for a minimum of 45-60 minutes per month, which will be one of the expectations recommended in a mentorship acknowledgment form given to recipients. We want to help you make the most of college and prepare you for your career, so staying actively involved with your mentor will get you closer to achieving your goals!

What is the college budgeting spreadsheet for?

We encourage you to fill out the spreadsheet to ensure you are aware of the costs associated with college as well as how you will cover those costs. Scholarship recipients who do not submit the spreadsheet with their application will work on it with their assigned mentor. Note that the gray cells are locked, so you only need to input numbers into the empty white cells. (If you aren't familiar with spreadsheets, a "cell" refers to each of the boxes where you can add information.)

I have a question regarding the program and/or the application. Who can I get in touch with?

If you have any questions about the Seeds for Success program, please contact us by emailing contactus@seedcorefoundation.org or by calling our office at (661) 374-8064.