Catalino Tapia Scholarship

The Catalino Tapia Scholarship provides financial assistance to underserved and underrepresented residents of the San Francisco Bay area pursuing a degree at a college or university. First-generation college students from low-income families are encouraged to apply. Special consideration is given to first-year university students, including rising freshmen or first-year community college transfer students. The Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation (CTSF) is a non-profit organization based in San Carlos, California. For the past 20 years, it has supported the higher education of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. CTSF empowers students to achieve their academic goals through scholarships, workshops, and mentorship programs. The CTSF scholarship application period will be open from early February 2026 to April 30, 2026. Eligibility: high school senior or GED recipient entering college in Fall 2026; undergraduate student in any year of study; community college student transferring to a four-year institution; graduate student, including Master's, PhD, or JD programs; vocational, technical, or trade school programs resulting in a certificate; veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Applicants must live in Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, or Alameda County (dependent students' parents must also reside in one of these counties). Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Maintain full-time enrollment throughout the scholarship cycle. Be accepted into an undergraduate or graduate program for the 2026–2027 academic year. First-Generation Status: neither parent has earned a four-year degree from a U.S. university. Financial Need: meet low-income requirements and provide financial documentation as requested. CTSF accepts students of all majors and ages. The award ranges from $2,500 to $3,000 for tuition expenses, plus a $250 stipend for technology or school supplies. Scholars whose parents are gardeners, farm workers (trabajadores del campo), landscapers, janitors, or housekeepers may be selected to receive an additional $1,000 under the Family Tapia Award of Excellence. Required documentation: Personal Essay; Letters of recommendations (2); official or unofficial transcripts; acceptance letter and proof of intent to enroll; proof of financial income tax filing (1040 form); proof of address (e.g., utility bill, school mail); Civic and Community Involvement. Scholarship recipients must participate in the CTSF Award Presentation, Seeds to Degrees Summit, and Mentorship Program, and complete a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service with the foundation throughout the year. CTSF affirms a non-discrimination commitment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, disability, and other protected classifications.