Our 2024-2025 scholarship application opens on January 15, 2025 at 9pm. Please click on the box below to open the application. The application closes on March 2, 2025 at midnight. Please mark your calendars!
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM RESULTS
- Spring of 2024: 76 scholarships, totaling $121,000
- Spring of 2023: 68 scholarships, totaling $120,000
- Spring of 2022: 56 scholarships, totaling $115,000
- Spring of 2021: 56 scholarships, totaling $108,500
HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS
To make it easy for the students, Castro Valley Educational Foundation provides ONE application on our website with all the available scholarships available to CVUSD Seniors. In January or February of each year, we have a Scholarship Night for all seniors to learn about what scholarships we are offering that year, and how to apply. Students can apply for one or many scholarships. Some scholarships require a short essay response (2000 characters or approximately 350 words maximum) to tell the sponsor why they qualify for that scholarship, or to answer the sponsor’s question. Seniors will have a window to complete their applications, typically one month. The sponsors or CVEF Scholarship Committee members will review the applications, and choose a winner for each scholarship. The award winners will be announced at Senior Awards night in May. Winners will be given a check or the money will be mailed to their college. The details will depend on the sponsor or scholarship requirements.
SUMMARY OF CVEF SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO CASTRO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADUATING SENIORS:
| NAME OF SCHOLARSHIP | AWARD | QUALIFICATIONS |
| Barb and Gene Gerwe Memorial Scholarship | $1,500 | For a first-generation college student who values earning a college education and will be attending a 2 or 4-year college. In memory of Barb and Gene Gerwe, who were passionate about supporting first-generation and foster students and those who needed extra help in school. You will be asked why a college education is important to you. |
| Body by Pam/Kenneth and Amelia Ey Scholarship | $1,000 (2) | Open to all students pursuing a two year or technical certificate/training program of any type. Please explain how you would use the money to further your career of choice. |
| Castro Valley Arts Foundation (CVAF) Scholarships | $500 (4) | (2) $500 for The Melissa and James Phillips Scholarship and (2) $500 for the Aufdermauer Scholarship. For a student who has made significant contributions to performing arts/visual arts in the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. The student must have participated in various productions/events held at the Center in drama/performance, choral or instrumental music/performance, artist/exhibit, or technical theater support. You will be asked to list the performances or exhibits that you participated in the Castro Valley Center of the Arts. |
| Castro Valley Democratic Club (CVDC) Scholarship | $500 | For a student who is in an accredited vocational or CTE program. No minimum GPA. High school graduating seniors only. Sponsor would like winner to attend at least one CVDC meeting. Contact cvdemsclub@gmail.com |
| Castro Valley Sports Foundation (CVSF) College Scholarship | $1000 (2) | For a CVHS senior student-athlete who has participated on a CVHS varsity team for at least 1 year and a minimum of 3 years on a CVHS sports team. You will be asked “What was your most memorable moment on a CVHS team?” and to provide the name and phone number or email of a current or former CVHS coach. |
| Castro Valley Women’s Club Scholarships | $1,250 (2) | The first scholarship is for a woman or woman identifying student who has participated in community service, student government and/or extra-curricular activities and who plans to attend a four-year college, community college or accredited vocational school. Minimum GPA 3.5. If you would like to qualify for the CV Women’s Club Scholarship, you will be asked to write a short essay about any obstacles you have overcome in order to be at this point in your life. What or who has inspired you to succeed and pursue your academic dream? How do you see your academic dream positively affecting your community and/or the world at large? The second scholarship is for a student in the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. |
| Charles Duerig Memorial Scholarship | $500 | For an outstanding student who has interests in engineering, band, running sports, Boy Scouts, mountaineering, or attending Cornell University and who has a passion for math, science, and adventure. |
| CVEF Teaching Scholarship | $1,000 | For an outstanding student seeking a career in teaching. |
| CVEF Science Scholarship | $1,000 | For an outstanding student who has demonstrated strength in the sciences. |
| CVHS Athletic Boosters Scholarships | $500 (4) | For a student athlete who has participated in varsity sports at CVHS and has used athletics to enrich their lives or the lives of others. Letter of recommendation required from current or former CVHS or club team coach. You will be asked to describe how participating in high school sports has build community, and the impact it has had on you and those around you. |
| CVHS Class of 91 Public Service Scholarship | $1,000 | For a student who intends to pursue a career in public service or the not-for-profit sector. You will be asked to describe how you intend to contribute to the public good in your professional career. |
| CVHS PTSA Scholarship | $500 | For a student who is a member of the PTSA (before 3/5/23) and has demonstrated outstanding community service. To sign up for PTSA, go here. |
| CV Science Scholarship | $750 (3) | For students who have demonstrated excellence in science and engineering, with preference towards those demonstrating excellence in Science Olympiad competition. These scholarships are available for any graduating senior from Castro Valley High School planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college or university. Minimum GPA of 3.0. You will be asked “What’s the most interesting technology that you think will be developed in your lifetime, and how will you contribute towards it?” |
| Diego Perri Agron Memorial Scholarship | $1,500 (2) | For CVUSD graduating seniors going to a 2 or 4 year college. Students must be an athlete in the sports of swimming and/or water polo. No minimum GPA required. Students will be asked to respond to the following questions: “What are your academic and/or career goals? And describe how your participation on the swim and/or water polo team(s) helped you prepare for your future plans”. |
| Donald L. “Dobie” Gelles Memorial Scholarship | $500 | For a student who will be attending Las Positas College or Chabot College and who intends to pursue a career in primary, secondary or post-secondary education. This includes teaching, counseling, school administration, special education or other education-related profession. |
| Douglas K. Rogers Memorial Scholarship | $1000 | For a student graduating from Castro Valley High pursuing a post-high school degree who can show how the monetary award will support his or her interest in teaching and/or creating art. Special consideration will be shown to applicants who demonstrate a clear interest in teaching English, pursuing creative writing, or making pottery. This scholarship honors the life and work of Douglas K. Rogers, who taught English, Ceramics, and, at times, coached basketball at Canyon High School and Castro Valley High School for over forty-seven years. He passed away on November 30, 2012 at the age of 80, having inspired tens of thousands of students. This scholarship celebrates this remarkable educator, artist, writer, scholar, friend, and family man. |
| Dr. Mary Jane Stamm Memorial Scholarship | $22,000 (2) | To a meritorious student who demonstrates financial need, is a resident of Castro Valley, and has a high school GPA of 3.0. Scholarships are renewable for $5,500 per year for a maximum of 4 years for a total of $22,000, and dependent on 3.2 GPA freshman year, and 3.0 GPA subsequent years. The Dr. Mary Jane Stamm scholarship funds can only be used for college tuition, and secondarily be used for board and books. Final award of the scholarship is dependent on the award recipient providing the financial aid letter for the school they enroll. If a student receives a full ride scholarship or financial aid package that covers all of their tuition, they may not be eligible for the Dr. Mary Jane Stamm Memorial Scholarship. You will be asked to write an essay which states both your future college and career plans and how receiving this scholarship would make a difference in your college plans. The awardees are chosen by the CVHS Scholarship Committee and CVEF administers the funds. |
| Dr. Neal Fong Memorial Scholarship | $500 | For a student who has demonstrated academic excellence, compassion and respect for others, and integrity in personal belief. |
| The Elliott Charnow Music Award | TBD | For graduating instrumental music students. This award has been created and is supported by the Charnow Family, their friends and CVHS Alumni Musicians to honor the legacy of Elliott Charnow, CVHS instrumental music teacher and director from 1964 through 1972. Elliott Charnow established – through his love of teaching and his personal example – an atmosphere of musical excellence. More importantly he taught his students cooperation and respect. He provided each student musician the tools to succeed as a team and encouraged the character building and bonding that comes from performing together. Graduating seniors who have participated in at least one of the various instrumental music performance ensembles – band, marching band, jazz band, string ensemble, orchestra – are encouraged to apply. Applicants must not only exhibit a level of musical talent and proficiency but must demonstrate their participation as a team player and positive role model. Applicants, please write a short essay describing how your involvement in the instrumental music program at CVHS has impacted your life and describe how your participation inspired your contribution to the program and to your fellow musicians. In addition, please record a short video (2 to 6 minutes) of you playing a piece or excerpt, of your choice, displaying your skill on your primary ensemble musical instrument. |
| Elsie Austin Scholarship | $500 | For an African American student who is planning to attend college and is interested in pursuing a career in law or human rights. This scholarship is in honor of Helen Elsie Austin (1908-2004), a lawyer, civil rights activist, assistant attorney general, foreign service officer, and member of the Baha’i Faith who tirelessly worked for truth, justice, and equality across multiple continents. Applicants are requested to answer the following question: “What is the role of justice in building a better world?” |
| Grace DeForest Niemcziek Scholarship | $5,000 | For a student who has demonstrated strength of character and a desire to make a difference. You will be asked, “How do you want to make a difference in your community and/or the world at large?” |
| Go-Safe and Go-Green Award | $1,000 | Students must have attended the Go-Green Driving school, maintained zero points on their DMV record within the last year, participated in an activity that improves the environment, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. |
| Joe and Elaine Pasqual Family Scholarship | $1,500 (2) | For a student who desires a career as an elementary or secondary educator. You will be asked why you want to become a teacher. The sponsor may require a video interview with finalists, to be considered for this scholarship. |
| Jenny Lin and Ramona Hung Memorial Scholarship | $1,500 | For a meritorious student of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage who can demonstrate financial need and plans to attend a four-year college, community college, or accredited vocational school. No minimum GPA. |
| Joseph Matteucci Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | For a student who is interested in a career in law enforcement, criminal justice or any career that promotes violence prevention. |
| Kara Wong AAPI Scholarship | $500 (2) | For a hardworking, first-generation Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) student. Eligible applicants must be 100% AAPI. Minimum 3.0 GPA is required as well as demonstrated financial need. Plans to attend a four-year college, community college or accredited vocational school. Applicants will be asked to please describe any obstacles you have overcome in order to be at this point in your life and what it means to you to be AAPI. |
| The Karen Gelender Social Changemaker Award | $5,000 | The Karen Gelender Social Changemaker Award is a community effort to honor the legacy of Karen Lou Gelender, who passed away in 2020. This award of $5,000 is for a graduating CVUSD senior who is committed to the pursuit of racial and social justice. Students with all post-graduation plans are welcome to apply. Students will be asked to answer the following essay question: What drives you to make social change and how do you want to forge a path toward justice in your life? |
| Kathryn L. Ragg Memorial Scholarship | $2,500 (2) | For a student interested in the following careers: teacher, medicine, nursing, or healthcare. Student applicants must have been accepted into at least a 2-year program at the time of graduating from a CVUSD High School. Students must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. |
| The Kiwanis Key Club Scholarship | $1,000 | The Hayward-Castro Valley Kiwanis Key Club Scholarship is offered to college-bound students who are active members of the CVHS Key Club, who have been involved in extra-curricular activities and who exhibit a passion for community service. Consideration is given to special family circumstances that cause financial hardship. Applicants are asked to submit an essay describing (1) extra-curricular activities (2) Involvement in Community Service Projects (3) Any work experience gained while attending CVHS (4) Participation in Key Club activities (projects, hours, conventions, offices held, etc) and 5) What impact Key Club has had on the applicant’s life. Please note that the Kiwanis Club will be using their own scholarship application, so contact your Key Club officers for details on how to apply. |
| Leslie Rothwell Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | For a student attending a 2-year college or vocational school and who has overcome obstacles in their life to achieve their education. No minimum GPA. Leslie Rothwell dedicated her career to helping young people as a special education teacher, Principal of Vannoy Grammar School and principal of CV High School. She was kind, generous, a great listener and always fun to be around. Her life was cut way too short when she got cancer and died on June 15, 2017, at the age of 64. You will be asked to tell us about any obstacles or challenges you overcame to achieve your education. |
| Lauren C. Poon, M.D. Memorial Scholarships | $1,000 (2) | For an outstanding student desiring a career in medicine, public health, or the allied health professions. You will be asked to describe why you desire a career in medicine, public health or other allied health profession. |
| The Margaret Kidd Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | For a student who is planning on studying Education in college to become a teacher. This scholarship remembers Margaret Kidd, a teacher at Palomares School who was an elementary reading specialist for many years and later became a highly respected Director of Special Education. You will be asked why becoming a teacher is important to you. |
| The Mary Jubb Memorial Scholarship | $1,500 | In honor of Mary Jubb, who died too young of cancer in 2014. Mary is remembered for her friendly attitude and compassion and for always wearing her heart on her sleeve. This scholarship is for someone who demonstrated above-and-beyond compassion, humor and sincerity for others in a time of need. Extra consideration given to those looking to be nurses, doctors, or other medical careers. Students will be asked to tell us a short story of how you helped someone in a time of need. |
| The Nancy Blumberg Memorial Culinary Scholarship | $500 | In memory of Nancy Blumberg for a student who is pursuing culinary school. You will be asked why you want to go to culinary school. |
| The Nancy Blumberg Memorial Medical Services Scholarship | $500 | In memory of Nancy Blumberg for a student who is pursuing EMT or any medical services field. You will be asked why you want to study medical services. |
| The Nancy Blumberg Memorial Automotive Scholarship | $500 | In memory of Nancy Blumberg for a student who is pursuing automotive school. You will be asked why you want to study the automotive field. |
| The Nancy Blumberg Memorial Entrepreneur Scholarship | $500 | In memory of Nancy Blumberg for a student who wants to be an entrepreneur or create their own business. You will be asked why you want to create your own business. |
| Nicholas “Dubb” Whitaker Memorial Scholarship | $5,000 | For a high school senior who is currently part of the Leadership program at one of the CVUSD high schools. Students will be asked to tell us how they exhibit positive leadership traits to uplift others. Sponsors may request a video interview with the finalists. |
| Oh the Places You’ll Go! Scholarship — In Honor of Amanda Korbas | $500 | For an outstanding hard-working student who has the desire to go places. This award recognizes the Korbas Family’s love of travel. Minimum GPA 3.5. You will be asked “If you could visit anywhere in the world for fun, where would you go and why?” |
| Owen Smith Scholarship – Rotary Club of Castro Valley | $3500 | For an outstanding scholar who the Rotary Club believes will be an asset to our community in the future. Mr. Smith was a major contributor to the Endowment and has been honored at the highest levels of Rotary locally, nationally, and internationally. This scholarship is looking for applicants who exhibit entrepreneurial spirit in their life goals. |
| The Phyllis L. Whayne Vocal Music Award | $1,000 | For graduating choral/vocal music students and to honor Phyllis L. Whayne, choral director at Castro Valley High School from 1956 – 1977, as well as 1970 – 1977 at Canyon High School. Graduating seniors who have participated in at least one of the choral/vocal ensembles (Vocal Ensemble, La Cavatina, A cappella Choir, and/or Madrigals) are encouraged to apply with: • An essay that describes your participation, the skills you’ve learned and developed, and how working collaboratively and taking leadership responsibilities have enhanced your high school life experience with the rewards of what it takes to create the art of making music; and • A brief (3 to 4 minutes) video recording that showcases your skill and musicality – essentially, you singing the showiest verse, chorus, or measures of a song of your choice, to show your love of singing. This may be either a cappella or with accompaniment. |
| The Robert “Bob” Waberski Scholarship | $3,500 | For a college-bound student who is committed to serving others. Membership in the InterAct Club is a guideline, but not a requirement for the scholarship. The Robert Waberski Vocational Scholarship was established in 2013. Robert (Bob as he preferred to be called) Waberski championed the establishment of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley Endowment in 1988 when he was Club President and was a founding member of its Board of Directors. Bob always enjoyed working with his hands, especially with wood. His neighbors knew him as the go-to-guy for any project with which they needed help. Bob joined the Castro Valley Fire Department in 1959 and worked his way up the ranks until his retirement in 1993 when he was serving as Fire Chief. He was one of the key members responsible for its merge into the Alameda County Fire Department. When Bob passed away in 2016, he left a rich legacy of community service. Bob traveled to many countries promoting Rotary ideals and service. Bob was well known for his sense of humor, his infectious smile, and practical jokes. He believed in and was committed to providing students who wished to have a vocation in the trades or other employment not requiring a four-year degree, the opportunity to receive a vocational scholarship. |
| The Rotary Club of Castro Valley Endowment Scholarship | $3,500 | For demonstrating a strong commitment (1) to the Rotary Mission to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty; and (2) of putting the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, into daily practice. Priority will be given to students involved with InterAct and with a financial need to continue their education. The Rotary Club of Castro Valley was established in 1988 to recognize, honor, and financially assist young scholars to continue their education. |
| The Sunrise Rotary Scholarship | $3,500 | In recognition of the former Castro Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. During its existence, the members of the Sunrise Club formed their own endowment and provided scholarships to academically worthy students, who model the spirit exhibited by the Sunrise Rotary Club, their commitment to the community of Castro Valley, and local, national and international service to others. Applicants should be active in InterAct, campus leadership, and/or service within the community, and have a financial need to continue their post-secondary education. In 2013, the Sunrise Rotary Club Endowment merged with the Castro Valley Rotary Club Endowment, and the Sunrise Rotary Club is honored to have a scholarship named in recognition of the historical work of the Club. |
| Supriya Bhat Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 (2) | For a student who has demonstrated experience and is pursuing a career in social impact/justice, with special interest in helping disadvantaged communities. This scholarship is available for any graduating senior from Castro Valley High School planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university. Minimum GPA of 3.0. After graduating from UCLA and Santa Clara Law School, Supriya Bhat served as a Public Defender and was dedicated to helping people from all walks of life and ensuring they received fair and just treatment. You will be asked “How have you helped disadvantaged communities and what type of social justice career do you envision pursuing after college?” |
| Teri Jokerst Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | For a student in the special education program who wants to continue their education. This scholarship was established in 2015 by Ed Jokerst and the Castro Valley Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma to honor the late Teri Jokerst. Teri was a dedicated special education teacher at Castro Valley High and a tireless advocate for students with special needs. You will be asked to describe strategies you have learned in your special education classes that will help you meet your educational goals. |