**This information was updated on 11/25/2025**
SV's SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH TIPS
A scholarship is financial support awarded to a student for the purpose of schooling. There are various types of scholarships – the two most common being merit-based and need-based. Scholarships do not have to be repaid and there should be no fee to apply for ANY scholarships. Scholarships award students for their academics, athletic talents, artistic talents, heritage and often consider one's financial need. Most students who receive large scholarships earn them from the institution they end up attending. There are, however, thousands of outside scholarships that range from very small amounts ($25) to very substantial ($10,000). Here are some ideas for researching scholarships:
- If your parents work for a large company, see if scholarships are offered to children of employees.
- If you belong to an ethnic group with an active club, they likely will offer scholarships.
- Local chapters of civic organizations such as the Optomists/Soroptomists, Rotarians, Eagles, Elks, etc. all offer some type of scholarship.
- Watch for announcements and advertisements in the local newspaper. It is amazing how many organizations decide to offer a scholarship and simply tell the local press.
- There are many scholarship search websites. A few of the most popular are listed below. Be aware that these sites do share your data.
GOING MERRY SEARCH ENGINE
Going Merry.com is a scholarship search site that SVHS is using to filter nationals and regional scholarships. These scholarships are for students in grades 9-12. Going Merry is like the Common App for Scholarships. There is one profile to fill out which will autofill all your scholarship applications done through Going Merry. The scholarships on Going Merry have all been screened and are legitimate. Based on your profile, you will get matched to scholarships you are eligible for. You can filter by Best Value, Competitiveness, Award Amount, Completion Time, Deadline and Number of Recipients. Unlike many other scholarship search engines, all student information is stored securely, and never sold to third parties. It is only shared with scholarship providers when a student submits an application.
GOINGMERRY.COM (SVHS link) - sign up with any active email
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL GRADES
Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12)
This application is an "audio-essay". It provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.
Award: $1000 - $35,000
Deadline: October 31
This application is an "audio-essay". It provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.
Award: $1000 - $35,000
Deadline: October 31
Young Men's Institute Essay Contest (Grades 9-12)
Applicant must be a Catholic high school student and must be sponsored by a Young Men's Institute member (see Mrs. Kropelnicki for details)
Award: $200 - $2000
Deadline: January 16
Applicant must be a Catholic high school student and must be sponsored by a Young Men's Institute member (see Mrs. Kropelnicki for details)
Award: $200 - $2000
Deadline: January 16
Horatio Alger Association National and State Scholarhips (Grades 11-12)
The Horatio Alger Association supports deserving young people who are overcoming significant challenges and are committed to pursuing higher education.
Award: $10,000 - $25,000
Deadline (Seniors): February 15
Deadline (Juniors): March 1
The Horatio Alger Association supports deserving young people who are overcoming significant challenges and are committed to pursuing higher education.
Award: $10,000 - $25,000
Deadline (Seniors): February 15
Deadline (Juniors): March 1
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS ONLY
Petaluma educational Foundation Scholarships
FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ONLY
The PEF Scholarship program provides financial awards to high school seniors graduating from all seven Petaluma area high schools. Scholarships are given to those attending 4-year colleges, community colleges, and vocational programs.
Bay Area / sonoma County scholarships
Please note that some of the scholarship links land on a previous years' application. Many organizations update their scholarship applications in January so continue to check back. The deadlines and awards listed are subject to change. Please see the scholarship application for complete details.
DECEMBER DEADLINE
Violet Richardson Award (HS senior female - must live or go to school in Novato)
This scholarship is awarded to a young woman aged 14-18 who volunteers in their community to improve the world. Their volunteer efforts might be fighting drugs, crime, and violence, cleaning the environment, or ending discrimination and poverty. They must demonstrate initiative in identifying a problem and trying to solve it.
Award: $1000
Deadline: December 15, 2025
This scholarship is awarded to a young woman aged 14-18 who volunteers in their community to improve the world. Their volunteer efforts might be fighting drugs, crime, and violence, cleaning the environment, or ending discrimination and poverty. They must demonstrate initiative in identifying a problem and trying to solve it.
Award: $1000
Deadline: December 15, 2025
JANUARY & FEBRUARY DEADLINES
Petaluma Women's Scholarship (HS senior)
This year PWC is offering five $1000 scholarships to young women who will graduate from Petaluma High School, Casa Grande High School, St. Vincent de Paul College Prep, San Antonio, Carpe Diem, Sonoma Mountain, Valley Oaks or Headwaters Academy.
Award: $1000
Deadline: January 30, 2026
This year PWC is offering five $1000 scholarships to young women who will graduate from Petaluma High School, Casa Grande High School, St. Vincent de Paul College Prep, San Antonio, Carpe Diem, Sonoma Mountain, Valley Oaks or Headwaters Academy.
Award: $1000
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Petaluma Rotary Club - Harold Alexander Scholarships (HS senior - 3 scholarships available)
Each year our club provides 3 or more graduating seniors from Petaluma high schools needed scholarship monies. The scholarships are awarded to students who show both academic achievement and service to their community.
Awards: $2000
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Each year our club provides 3 or more graduating seniors from Petaluma high schools needed scholarship monies. The scholarships are awarded to students who show both academic achievement and service to their community.
Awards: $2000
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Ritko Vocational and Education Scholarship (HS senior)
This Petaluma Valley Rotary scholarship is intended to provide a helping hand for young people who face special challenges in achieving educational or career advancement or in obtaining conventional educational scholarships.
Award: $3000
Deadline: February 1, 2026
This Petaluma Valley Rotary scholarship is intended to provide a helping hand for young people who face special challenges in achieving educational or career advancement or in obtaining conventional educational scholarships.
Award: $3000
Deadline: February 1, 2026
The Cardinal Newman Society Essay Scholarship (HS senior)
The winner of this scholarship must plan to attend one of the institutions recommended in The Newman Guide in the fall of 2024. Additionally, there is the opportunity for the winner to be awarded $20,000 over the course of four years. Several of the Newman Guide colleges have agreed to supplement the Newman Society’s scholarship with additional $5,000 grants over three additional years.
Award: $5000
Deadline: February 17, 2026
The winner of this scholarship must plan to attend one of the institutions recommended in The Newman Guide in the fall of 2024. Additionally, there is the opportunity for the winner to be awarded $20,000 over the course of four years. Several of the Newman Guide colleges have agreed to supplement the Newman Society’s scholarship with additional $5,000 grants over three additional years.
Award: $5000
Deadline: February 17, 2026
California Winegrape Growers Foundation Scholarship (HS senior)
The scholarship is awarded to a HS seniors whose parents are employees of a California Winegrape grower. For use at any campus within the UC, Cal State or CA Community College system. (3) four year and (3) two year college scholarships available.
Award: $2000 - $8000 (renewable)
Deadline: February 27, 2026
The scholarship is awarded to a HS seniors whose parents are employees of a California Winegrape grower. For use at any campus within the UC, Cal State or CA Community College system. (3) four year and (3) two year college scholarships available.
Award: $2000 - $8000 (renewable)
Deadline: February 27, 2026
MARCH DEADLINE
Sons and Daughters of Italy Scholarships (HS senior - 3 scholarships available)
These scholarships are awarded to students who are wholly or partially of Italian decent. Three types of scholarships are offered - (1) Career Education (2) Academic Awards (3) Italian Language Study Grant
Award: $500 - $5000
Deadline: March 1, 2026
These scholarships are awarded to students who are wholly or partially of Italian decent. Three types of scholarships are offered - (1) Career Education (2) Academic Awards (3) Italian Language Study Grant
Award: $500 - $5000
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Liberty Elementary Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student who attended Liberty Elementary School. Must complete an essay: A description of the volunteer services you have provided since leaving Liberty School including any service at Liberty School.
Award: $750
Deadline: March 1, 2025- check back for updated 25-26 form
This scholarship is awarded to a student who attended Liberty Elementary School. Must complete an essay: A description of the volunteer services you have provided since leaving Liberty School including any service at Liberty School.
Award: $750
Deadline: March 1, 2025- check back for updated 25-26 form
10,000 Degrees (HS senior)
Scholarships are available to HS seniors in Sonoma, Marin and SF counties with significant financial need.
Award: up to $2500
Deadline: March 2, 2026
Scholarships are available to HS seniors in Sonoma, Marin and SF counties with significant financial need.
Award: up to $2500
Deadline: March 2, 2026
Dr. Wayne Cannon Medical Scholarship (VOM Lions Club) (HS senior)
Dr. Wayne Cannon was a member of VOM Lions Club. He started the Lions In Sight Foundation, which has become a worldwide with Lions International Organization. The Foundation collects used eyeglasses and Lions Club members travel to foreign countries to distribute the prescription glasses at no charge. The memorial scholarship is in his honor.
Requirements: Science, Biology and study medicine in college, attend a 2-year or a 4-year school,
GPA 3.2 +
Award: $1000
Deadline: March 14, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 form
Dr. Wayne Cannon was a member of VOM Lions Club. He started the Lions In Sight Foundation, which has become a worldwide with Lions International Organization. The Foundation collects used eyeglasses and Lions Club members travel to foreign countries to distribute the prescription glasses at no charge. The memorial scholarship is in his honor.
Requirements: Science, Biology and study medicine in college, attend a 2-year or a 4-year school,
GPA 3.2 +
Award: $1000
Deadline: March 14, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 form
PG&E Better Together STEM Scholarship (HS senior)
PG&E Corporation Foundation is awarding scholarships to help further the undergraduate studies of local students interested in being a part of California’s clean energy future. Applicant must reside in a PG&E service territory, or be a dependent of a resident in PG&E’s service territory. Applicant must be pursuing a degree in a specific STEM disciplines. See application.
Award: $2500 - $10,000
Deadline: March 19, 2026
PG&E Corporation Foundation is awarding scholarships to help further the undergraduate studies of local students interested in being a part of California’s clean energy future. Applicant must reside in a PG&E service territory, or be a dependent of a resident in PG&E’s service territory. Applicant must be pursuing a degree in a specific STEM disciplines. See application.
Award: $2500 - $10,000
Deadline: March 19, 2026
North Bay Association of Realtors Charity (HS senior)
Twenty-five $1000 scholarships will be awarded for students continuing their education after high school at an accredited college or trade school. Essay and LOR required
Award: $1000
Deadline: March - check back for updated information if available
Twenty-five $1000 scholarships will be awarded for students continuing their education after high school at an accredited college or trade school. Essay and LOR required
Award: $1000
Deadline: March - check back for updated information if available
North Bay Officials Organization (HS senior)
The Tom Savage memorial scholarship is for high school varsity football players seeking to continue their education in a college, junior college, trade or vocational school.
Award: $500
Deadline: March 20, 2026
The Tom Savage memorial scholarship is for high school varsity football players seeking to continue their education in a college, junior college, trade or vocational school.
Award: $500
Deadline: March 20, 2026
Redwood Empire Chinese Association (HS senior)
The scholarships are awarded to a students who lives in Sonoma county and is of Asian decent.
Award: $500
Deadline: March 31, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 form
The scholarships are awarded to a students who lives in Sonoma county and is of Asian decent.
Award: $500
Deadline: March 31, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 form
APRIL DEADLINE
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship (HS senior)
The scholarship is awarded to a student who has at least a 3.2 GPA and is Catholic and of Italian Descent
Award: $500 (renewable)
Deadline: April 10, 2026
The scholarship is awarded to a student who has at least a 3.2 GPA and is Catholic and of Italian Descent
Award: $500 (renewable)
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Druid Scholarship (HS senior)
Applicants must be a current high school senior graduating with at least a 2.75 Cumulative GPA. Application requires a letter of recommendation, a short personal statement, resume, transcript and future proof of full-time enrollment in university, junior college or trade school.
Award: $1000
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 form
Applicants must be a current high school senior graduating with at least a 2.75 Cumulative GPA. Application requires a letter of recommendation, a short personal statement, resume, transcript and future proof of full-time enrollment in university, junior college or trade school.
Award: $1000
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 form
Petaluma Riding and Driving Club Scholarship (HS senior)
The students applying for this scholarship must be a member of 4-H, FFA, Petaluma Junior Riders or District 2 Junior Rodeo.
Award: $1000
Deadline: April 25, 2025 - check back for updated information
The students applying for this scholarship must be a member of 4-H, FFA, Petaluma Junior Riders or District 2 Junior Rodeo.
Award: $1000
Deadline: April 25, 2025 - check back for updated information
Growing Up Asian in America (K-12)
Hosted by AACI and in partnership with NBC Bay Area, Growing Up Asian in America (GUAA) is an annual art contest, including video and essay for students grades K-12 in the Bay Area
Award: $1000 grand - $500 for nine runner ups
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 information
Hosted by AACI and in partnership with NBC Bay Area, Growing Up Asian in America (GUAA) is an annual art contest, including video and essay for students grades K-12 in the Bay Area
Award: $1000 grand - $500 for nine runner ups
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 information
California Women for Agriculture Scholarship (HS senior)
This scholarship is awarded to a female high school student wishing to pursue a career in Agriculture by continuing her education at a 4-year college.
Award: $500
Deadline: April 4, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 form
This scholarship is awarded to a female high school student wishing to pursue a career in Agriculture by continuing her education at a 4-year college.
Award: $500
Deadline: April 4, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 form
Petaluma Knights of Columbus Scholarship (HS senior from Petaluma)
Scholarship will be awarded to a senior in good standing with plans to attend college or university
Requirements: Member of Catholic community, academic C average or better, participates in school activities, athletics, student government, debate or similar activities.
Awards: $1000 (2 available)
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 form
Scholarship will be awarded to a senior in good standing with plans to attend college or university
Requirements: Member of Catholic community, academic C average or better, participates in school activities, athletics, student government, debate or similar activities.
Awards: $1000 (2 available)
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 form
Society of Women Engineers (HS senior)
The scholarship is awarded to a young Bay Area woman graduating from high school and going on to pursue a degree in engineering or computer science.
Award: $1000-$2000
Deadline: April 3, 2026
The scholarship is awarded to a young Bay Area woman graduating from high school and going on to pursue a degree in engineering or computer science.
Award: $1000-$2000
Deadline: April 3, 2026
Sonoma County Farm Bureau Scholarships (HS senior - 65 scholarships available)
These scholarships are awarded to high school seniors interested in studying agriculture in college. There is one common application that applies to all the scholarships. See application for more details.
Award: Varies
Deadline: April 18, 2025 - check back for updated application
These scholarships are awarded to high school seniors interested in studying agriculture in college. There is one common application that applies to all the scholarships. See application for more details.
Award: Varies
Deadline: April 18, 2025 - check back for updated application
Upstreet Music Patrons Scholarship (HS senior)
Created to celebrate and support the continued education of Sonoma County High School seniors or SRJC students who will pursue a four-year degree in a music discipline at an accredited college or university. Applicants must currently be in 12th grade, attending a High School within Sonoma County or enrolled at SRJC. Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Must have applied to, and been accepted, and plan to attend an accredited college or university under a music major
Award: $300 - $1000
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 information
Created to celebrate and support the continued education of Sonoma County High School seniors or SRJC students who will pursue a four-year degree in a music discipline at an accredited college or university. Applicants must currently be in 12th grade, attending a High School within Sonoma County or enrolled at SRJC. Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Must have applied to, and been accepted, and plan to attend an accredited college or university under a music major
Award: $300 - $1000
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 information
The Empire Runners Club Student Grant Fund (HS senior)
The scholarship is awarded to a student who has participated in track or cross county at any Sonoma County high school and be planning to run on a college team after graduating from high school
Award: $750
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 information
The scholarship is awarded to a student who has participated in track or cross county at any Sonoma County high school and be planning to run on a college team after graduating from high school
Award: $750
Deadline: April - check back for updated 25-26 information
Marin Builders Association (HS senior)
Marin Builders offers an opportunity for all students pursuing a college, university or trade school education to apply for a financial scholarship award. They emphasize the need for trained professionals in the construction industry (construction management, engineering, architecture +) . However, scholarship applicants may choose to pursue any advanced course of education in any field.
Awards: $500 - $5000
Deadline: April - check back in early 2026 for updated 25-26 information
Marin Builders offers an opportunity for all students pursuing a college, university or trade school education to apply for a financial scholarship award. They emphasize the need for trained professionals in the construction industry (construction management, engineering, architecture +) . However, scholarship applicants may choose to pursue any advanced course of education in any field.
Awards: $500 - $5000
Deadline: April - check back in early 2026 for updated 25-26 information
The Girl Effect Scholarship (HS senior girl)
We are looking for Sonoma County high school senior girls who are doers, thinkers and go-getters - girls who possess an entrepreneurial spirit, have become leaders, have a great idea and have started a community program and/or business.
Award: $2500
Deadline: April 1, 2026
We are looking for Sonoma County high school senior girls who are doers, thinkers and go-getters - girls who possess an entrepreneurial spirit, have become leaders, have a great idea and have started a community program and/or business.
Award: $2500
Deadline: April 1, 2026
MAY DEADLINE
Dipsea Race Foundation Scholarship (HS senior)
The Dipsea Race Foundation offers 5 scholarships annually to outstanding young men and women who have participated (as runners or volunteers) in the Dipsea Race.
Award: $5000
Deadline: May 10, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 information
The Dipsea Race Foundation offers 5 scholarships annually to outstanding young men and women who have participated (as runners or volunteers) in the Dipsea Race.
Award: $5000
Deadline: May 10, 2025 - check back for updated 25-26 information
other scholarships
Elks Lodge Scholarships (HS senior)
Any child or grandchild (or step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the Order on or before April 1, 2023 (see more specifics on their website.)
Award: $4000
Deadlines: Noon on February 2, 2026
Any child or grandchild (or step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the Order on or before April 1, 2023 (see more specifics on their website.)
Award: $4000
Deadlines: Noon on February 2, 2026
Jackie Robinson Minority Scholarships (HS senior)
To be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must be a graduating, minority high school senior, be a US citizen, present evidence of financial need, demonstrate a record of academic excellence, demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service, plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within the US or affiliated with a US-based college or university, have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college.
Award: up to $35,000 over 4 years
Deadline: January 7, 2026
To be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must be a graduating, minority high school senior, be a US citizen, present evidence of financial need, demonstrate a record of academic excellence, demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service, plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within the US or affiliated with a US-based college or university, have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college.
Award: up to $35,000 over 4 years
Deadline: January 7, 2026
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) Scholarships (HS senior)
Applicants must be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity. Scholarships target underserved APIA students with a special focus on those who are of low socioeconomic status, are the first in their families to attend college or have placed a strong emphasis on community service and leadership as well as solid academic achievement.
Award: one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Applicants must be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity. Scholarships target underserved APIA students with a special focus on those who are of low socioeconomic status, are the first in their families to attend college or have placed a strong emphasis on community service and leadership as well as solid academic achievement.
Award: one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Professional Business Women of California Scholarship (HS senior)
Applicants must be a FEMALE high school senior.
Award: up to $15,000
Deadline: January 2025, check back for updated 25-26 information
Applicants must be a FEMALE high school senior.
Award: up to $15,000
Deadline: January 2025, check back for updated 25-26 information
eQuality Scholarship (HS senior)
Applicants for all scholarships must have demonstrated service to the LGBT+ community. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
Award: $6000
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Applicants for all scholarships must have demonstrated service to the LGBT+ community. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
Award: $6000
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Professional Athlete Foundation Scholarship (HS senior athlete)
The PAF Student Scholarship is designed for high school athletes with intention to attend a 2-year or 4-year college or university. The scholarship rewards high school athletes for their non-athletic achievements and assist them in achieving their academic career goals.
Award: $3000
Deadline: February 12, 2026
The PAF Student Scholarship is designed for high school athletes with intention to attend a 2-year or 4-year college or university. The scholarship rewards high school athletes for their non-athletic achievements and assist them in achieving their academic career goals.
Award: $3000
Deadline: February 12, 2026
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HS Seniors)
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is designed for high school seniors of hispanic heritage with intention to attend a 4-year college or university. Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
Award: $500 to $5000
Deadline: February 2025, check back early January 2026 for updated 25-26 information
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is designed for high school seniors of hispanic heritage with intention to attend a 4-year college or university. Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
Award: $500 to $5000
Deadline: February 2025, check back early January 2026 for updated 25-26 information
Hagan Scholarship (HS senior)
This is a nationwide need based scholarship for students regardless of nationality with the opportunity to receive a college education, debt free
Award: up to $7500 each semester plus additional benefits
Deadline: December 1, 2025
This is a nationwide need based scholarship for students regardless of nationality with the opportunity to receive a college education, debt free
Award: up to $7500 each semester plus additional benefits
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Kid's Chance California Scholarship (HS senior)
To be eligible for a scholarship grant, applicants must have a parent who has been killed or seriously injured as a result of a work related accident that meets the criteria of the California Workers’ Compensation Act and that has resulted in demonstrated financial need.
Award: up to $15,000 (about 40 awarded)
Deadline: May - check back for updated 25-26 information
To be eligible for a scholarship grant, applicants must have a parent who has been killed or seriously injured as a result of a work related accident that meets the criteria of the California Workers’ Compensation Act and that has resulted in demonstrated financial need.
Award: up to $15,000 (about 40 awarded)
Deadline: May - check back for updated 25-26 information
CA Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship (HS junior or senior)
This scholarship contest is open to current high school juniors and seniors who are enrolled in a California high school and will be attending any accredited public or private college, university, or trade school within 12 months of graduation.
Award: $1500 - $2500
Deadline: January 31, 2026
This scholarship contest is open to current high school juniors and seniors who are enrolled in a California high school and will be attending any accredited public or private college, university, or trade school within 12 months of graduation.
Award: $1500 - $2500
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Men's College Scholarship (HS Senior)
This scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. The scholarship is available to any male, graduating high school senior who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall. The scholarship is awarded through the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, a registered 501(c)3 organization.
Award: $500 - $1000
Deadline: April 1, 2026
This scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. The scholarship is available to any male, graduating high school senior who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall. The scholarship is awarded through the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, a registered 501(c)3 organization.
Award: $500 - $1000
Deadline: April 1, 2026
