College Scholarships FAQ

How many scholarships are awarded and what are the amounts?

  • The number of awards varies each year depending on the number of qualified applicants and the funds available.
  • While award amounts range from $1,000 to a student's full need, most awards are between $2,500 and $5,000.

What can scholarship funds be used for?

The scholarships can be applied to any expenses the applicant will owe to their college or university in the academic year of their scholarship.

Can I apply for more than one year?

Students may reapply each year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Renewal applicants must fill out a renewal application that demonstrates both continued merit and financial need and be approved by the Federation's College Scholarship Committee.

What happens to my scholarship if I transfer to a different school?

If you change schools mid-year, you should contact a Federation staff administrator immediately. Your original school will refund the remaining scholarship to the Federation, and the scholarship committee may consider transferring the funds to your new school if you still meet eligibility criteria. If you transfer between academic years, you must apply for a renewal with your new school information to be reconsidered for renewal funding. 

I have several potential school choices. Which one should I list on the application?

If you are applying to a school in the University of California (UC) system, please indicate one of those schools as your intended college. This will guarantee you are considered for the most scholarships. Otherwise, you should list your first choice on the application. If you are chosen to receive an award, you will be asked to complete a scholarship claim form to confirm your final school choice so that your check can be issued accordingly. 

When will I hear a decision regarding my scholarship application? 

All applicants will be notified by email by early August whether they have received a scholarship. 

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a recipient?

  • You must enroll as a full-time undergraduate or graduate in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded (12+ units per quarter/semester).
  • You must continue in school the entire academic year without interruption unless approved by the scholarship sponsor.

How and when are checks issued?

  • Checks will be mailed to the school's financial aid office using the mailing address entered by the awardee on their scholarship claim form.
  • Checks will be made payable to the institution only.
  • Checks will be issued by late August.
  • It is the awardee's responsibility to notify the scholarship administrator should the check not arrive in time to be counted towards fall expenses. 

Are scholarships taxable?

Tax laws vary by country. In the United States, scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or textbooks are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against your scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance.

Questions?

For all questions related to the online application and scholarship eligibility, please contact the Kaleidoscope Help team, the Federation's scholarship vendor. For other questions, please contact info@sfjcf.org.