Scholarships
Save San Francisco Cyclists Scholarship
This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are Bay Area residents (San Francisco or city within 50 miles thereof). Applicants must submit an essay describing a new and creative way to reduce bicycle accidents or improve cyclists safety in San Francisco.
The deadline is May 31st.
Macy's Emergency Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is open to deserving students facing economic hardship and immediate monetary need that, if not met, could result in an inability to complete classes or a degree program. Emergency financial need resulting from the following will qualify students from funding: change in family income/support, loss of job, death of an immediate family member, natural disaster, pending eviction or home foreclosure, burglary, or fire.
Applicants must be a resident of California, or New York, and must be enrolled full-time with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The deadline is rolling.
Science Ambassador Scholarship
The Science Ambassador Scholarship is a full–tuition scholarship for a woman in science, technology, engineering, or math funded by Cards Against Humanity.
Applications for the 2024 academic year open this fall. To apply, film a three–minute educational video of yourself explaining a STEM topic you’re passionate about.
To apply, you must be a high school senior or an undergraduate college student. To be notified when applications open, sign up here.
CEW IV Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support underrepresented students so they can pursue higher education, regardless of financial status. Any BIPOC high school senior or undergraduate student may apply for this scholarship. An essay is required. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Deadline July 15th 2023
Trever David Clark Memorial Scholarship
High school seniors, undergraduates, trade school students, and graduate students are eligible to apply if they have experience with mental illness either directly or indirectly, such as a family member.
To apply, write about how your experience with mental health has influenced your beliefs, relationships, and career goals.
Deadline November 15th 2023
I Can Do Anything Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to support confident students who believe in their goals and won’t stop until they succeed. Any high school junior or senior, undergraduate, or graduate student may apply for this scholarship opportunity.
To apply, write one sentence telling us about your dream version of your future self.
Deadline is October 1st 2023
Joshua A. Vaughn Memorial Scholarship
BIPOC undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they are pursuing a career in criminal justice, social work, or community studies. Preference will be given to students who’ve spent time in juvenile justice programs or have been incarcerated. To apply, write about why you decided to pursue the career path you chose, and explain how you plan to improve your community after graduation.
Deadline is September 15th 2023
Boundless Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support a student who has defied the odds by graduating at the top of their class while battling poverty and/or homelessness.
Any low-income high school senior with a 3.0 or higher GPA who is hardworking, curious, resilient, and has overcome adversity may apply for this scholarship.
To apply, tell us how your experience with poverty and/or homelessness has impacted your mindset of overcoming adversity
Deadline July 1st 2023
Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship
Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one student with Neurofibromatosis (NF) and/or a learning disability of any variety. High school, undergraduate, and graduate school students are eligible to apply.
To apply, either submit a video or write an essay that tells about your experience with NF or your learning disability, your motivation for pursuing higher education, and why you feel you are a good candidate for this scholarship. Deadline is March 21st 2024
Cody Cochlin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to honor the life of Cody Cochlin by supporting students who share his love for skateboarding and similar hobbies. Any low-income undergraduate student who rollerblades, rollerskates, skateboards, or snowboards may apply for this scholarship.The deadline to apply is June 1st. To apply, submit a video of you performing a trick you’re proud of. The video can be any length, and can be submitted alongside any essays or other media you feel may boost your odds of success.
Alma J. Grubbs Education Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Alma J. Grubbs by supporting students who are pursuing careers in education or teaching. Any African American high school senior, undergraduate or graduate who is interested in studying education or teaching may apply for this scholarship. The deadline to apply is June 29th. An essay is required.
Dema Dimbaya Humanitarianism and Disaster Relief Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about engaging in community service and/or disaster relief. Any African American high school junior or senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student who has community service experience may apply for this scholarship. The deadline to apply is May 19th. An essay is required.
Pablo M. Ortiz Scholarship Fund
This scholarship seeks to honor Pablo M. Ortiz’s legacy by supporting underrepresented students who are interested in software engineering or computer science. Any BIPOC undergraduate student who is pursuing a two or four-year degree in software engineering, IT, or computer science may apply for this scholarship. However, students who have volunteering or internship experience are preferred. The deadline is June 20th. Applicants must submit a front-end or back-end developer portfolio.
I Can and I Will Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support students who have overcome challenges in order to pursue higher education. Any BIPOC high school senior or undergraduate student who is first-generation, has at least a 3.5 GPA, is involved in community or extracurricular activities, and is directly or indirectly impacted by a mental or physical disability (themselves or a family member) may apply for this scholarship, but students from single-parent households are preferred. The deadline is August 1st. An essay is required.
Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
The Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship offers $4,000-$7,500 and seeks to reduce student loan costs for African American or Hispanic/Latino first generation students who are currently in college or have graduated with student loans. Workers who are no longer students but are still working to pay off student loans are eligible. An essay is required to apply and the deadline is May 30th.
Up Together Fund
Did you participate in BUILD for at least one year? If so, you are qualified to receive $300 in funds through the UpTogether Grant.
To request the grant, email Cindy Pineda at cpineda@build.org with your name and region.
Suzanne McKechnie Klahr (SMK) Scholarship
The Suzanne McKechnie Klahr, Esq. Scholarship was created to honor Suzanne, BUILD’s Founder and CEO for almost two decades. The award grants between $1,000 and $3,000 each year for up to three high school seniors who embody the traits Suzanne brought to her work with BUILD.
Award Amount: between $1000 and $3000 each year
Number of Scholarships Awarded: up to 3
Students must have been in BUILD for all four years of our four-year program
Students may be two-or-four-year college-bound (HS Senior planning to attend an accredited two-or-four-year institution)
Application coming in January 2023.
Up to three finalists will be selected and invited to interview with a selection committee, which includes Ms. Suzanne McKechnie Klahr.
The scholarship winner will be announced by April 1st, 2023.
Congratulations to our Class of 2021 SMK Scholars!
BUILD Emergency Relief Fund
Any BUILD student who meets the criteria can apply for emergency relief funds, up to $2,000/year while enrolled in college, for unforeseen expenses e.g. closing gaps in financial aid, books for school, emergency travel, and other real-life needs.
Award Amount: up to $2000
Students must have been in BUILD for 2-3 years of our four-year program
Students must be matriculated at an accredited two-or-four-year institution
Application coming in January 2023.
Within 2-4 days, BUILD staff will contact you with next steps in the application process
