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Scholarships & Emergency Aid Grants for Students

College of the Siskiyous Foundation

Ford Family Scholarships

McConnell Scholars Programs

Foundation Scholarship Program

The College of the Siskiyous (COS) Foundation is committed to providing financial assistance to Siskiyous students who demonstrate ongoing academic effort and/or financial need. Scholarship award amounts vary from $250 to $5,000.

A scholarship can provide not only necessary financial assistance, but often the encouragement a student needs to continue in school despite obstacles. It is our honor to serve the students of College of the Siskiyous and to help them find their path to a new future.

Applicants will not be judged based on residential status, academic standing, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Application Period - The application period opens January 1 of each year and closes March 31. If you have questions, please call (530) 938-5373.

Application Due Date - Completed applications should be returned to the COS Foundation Office, 800 College Avenue, Weed, CA 96094 by March 31.

Are You Interested in Establishing a COS Foundation Scholarship?

Start a Scholarship Brochure (PDF)

The College of the Siskiyous Foundation accepts all donations to the College intended for scholarships. The Foundation provides individuals, businesses, and organizations with a variety of options to choose from as they prepare to establish a scholarship. The Foundation is a Non-Profit, 501c3 Agency, Federal Tax Identification No. 94-3146801. All funds are monitored and supervised by the Foundation Board of Directors, and are annually audited by an independent firm. Scholarship funds are separately maintained from all other Foundation funds and are invested and annually disbursed to applicants in support of their educational pursuits.

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (HR 4) clarified and changed many of the guidelines for administering scholarships.

  • All scholarships are awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis using a procedure that has been approved in advance by the Board of Directors.
  • The Foundation appoints the Scholarship Selection Committee Members.
  • Donors and related persons may participate on the committee, but are prohibited from controlling the process of selecting scholarship recipients. Donors and related persons may not comprise a majority of the committee.
  • Selection of recipients is made solely at the discretion of the Foundation.

A Scholarship Committee, comprised of Foundation Board members, community volunteers, and current/former employees carefully review applications and select scholarship recipients using the criteria set by donors. Scholarships categories include:

  1. General Scholarship Fund - The general scholarship fund accepts all financial gifts. Scholarships in this category are used to provide annual scholarships to recent graduates of Siskiyou County high schools. These scholarships are funded by unrestricted charitable contributions and scholarship fundraising activities.
  2. One-Time Memorial Scholarships - One-time Memorial Scholarships are established to honor the memory of an individual or an event. When the donor establishes this memorial gift he/she may choose to distribute the entire gift to one or more recipients. Unused funds will be placed in the General Scholarship Fund. Annual Pass Through or One-Time Scholarship Form
  3. Endowed Memorial Scholarships - Many individuals choose to establish an Endowed Memorial Scholarship, as it is a perpetual fund that continues to provide an everlasting tribute to honor a loved one. For businesses and organizations it provides a legacy in memory of outstanding individuals or events. The minimum gift to establish an endowed scholarship is $10,000. These funds are invested and only the income from the principle is distributed as a scholarship. General Endowment Form
  4. Work Study Program - This Work Study Program, established by the Auxiliary Foundation, provides an avenue of support for students with financial needs. Many students fit into this area of need and without assistance are unable to pursue an education. Students have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week while attending college. Individuals, businesses, and organizations may help to support this program by making a donation to this fund.

Finish Line Scholars Program

Finish Line Scholarship Award - 2024/2025

Awards: College of the Siskiyous students may apply for a $2,000 Finish Line scholarship once per semester (based on funding available – awards not guaranteed).

Scholarship awards are not disbursed during Winter or Summer Sessions. Students cannot be dual-enrolled high school students.

Eligibility: To be considered for a Finish Line Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Student applicant was enrolled at College of the Siskiyous during the previous term/semester.
  • Receive a tuition fee waiver under the California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
  • Be enrolled in at least 12 units or maintain an alternate full-time equivalent status during all terms in which the scholarship is active.
  • Have completed no less than 24 units of college credit and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Make progress toward your goal as indicated by having completed approximately half of the credits required for your program and have a realistic plan to finish the remainder of your goal in under two (2) academic years.
  • Have a goal of completion of a certificate or degree program, or transfer to a four-year college or university.

Students in fields that are regional workforce priorities, such as Nursing and STEM, will be given preference. In addition, if you are pursuing a degree or transfer, you must also meet two of these three criteria:

  • Have completed a transfer level English course
  • Have completed a transfer level math course
  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

All student applicants must be in Good or Satisfactory Academic Standing. Students who have been placed on Academic Probation are not eligible to receive this scholarship.

Note - Applicants who have received four or more Finish Line scholarship awards are not eligible to receive funding.

Required Documents: Students must submit the following documents when applying for a COS Foundation Finish Line Scholarships (applications will not be considered complete if items are missing):

  • 2024/2025 Finish Line Scholars Program Scholarship Application
  • College of the Siskiyous Transcripts (unofficial copy is acceptable)

Finish Line Scholarship Application

Use of Awards: Scholarships may be used by the student (applicant) to cover necessary and reasonable education related costs, including but not limited to, books and other instructional materials, computer equipment, internet access, educational tools and uniforms. Other uses include food, healthcare, household items, clothing, child-care, housing, and transportation.

Since only students who receive a California College Promise Grant (CCPG) are eligible for this scholarship, scholarships should not cover the cost of tuition.

Finish Line Scholars Program Scholarship Awarding and Payment:

  • Awarding of scholarships will continue until all funds have been expended.
  • Students will be notified via email regarding approval or denial. Therefore, it is important that a current email address is included on the applications and the mailing address is also noted correctly.
  • Submitting an application does not guarantee awarding of scholarship.

Finish Line Student Emergency Aid Grant - 2024/2025

Awards: College of the Siskiyous students may apply for a $1,000 Finish Line Scholars Program Student Emergency Aid Grant. Student applicants may only receive one grant per semester of which the student is enrolled.

Grant awards are not disbursed during Winter or Summer Sessions. Students cannot be dual-enrolled high school students.

Eligibility:

  • Student applicant was enrolled at College of the Siskiyous during the previous term/semester.
  • Student applicant must be enrolled at College of the Siskiyous during the current academic term of application (fall or spring semester) as a full-time student – 12 units or more. (Late start classes are not considered "enrolled" until the start date.)
    • Students enrolled in less than 12 units may be considered on a case-by-case basis due to circumstances prohibiting full-time enrollment.
  • Receive a tuition fee waiver under the California College Promise Grant (CCPG).

Note - Applicants who have received four or more Finish Line Student Emergency Aid grants are not eligible to receive funding.

Required Documents: Students must submit the following documents when applying for a COS Foundation Finish Line Grant (applications will not be considered complete if items are missing):

  • 2024/2025 Finish Line Scholars Program Student Emergency Aid Grant Application
  • College of the Siskiyous Transcripts (unofficial copy is acceptable)
  • Provide evidence of hardship beyond the student's control (i.e. documentation of expense)

Finish Line Student Emergency Grant Aid Application

Applicants will not be judged based on residential status, academic standing, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

The College of the Siskiyous Foundation facilitates the awarding of Finish Line Student Emergency Aid Grant awards, and therefore the Foundation Director has final discretion over the approval of these grants.

Siskiyous Student Emergency Aid Grants

Emergency Aid Grants are awarded up to $200. Applicants will not be judged based on residential status, academic standing, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. College of the Siskiyous is committed to ensuring both the academic and personal success of each and every student.

The Foundation facilitates College of the Siskiyous Emergency Grant awards, and therefore the Foundation Director has final discretion over the approval of student emergency aid grants.

Emergency Aid Grant Process:

  • Submit the completed application.
    • Bring any additional documentation to the Foundation Office, located in Building 95 at the Weed Campus or email to foundation@siskiyous.edu.
  • The Foundation Director and/or the Student Equity Specialist from Basecamp will review the application and the process with the student. Students may be referred to other resources which may better address the student need(s).

Application Review - Applications submitted by 5:00 pm on a Monday will be reviewed and enrollment verified. If grant application is approved, funds will be disbursed to the student by mail the same week on a Friday afternoon.

  • Students may be eligible to apply for an Emergency Grant more than once under special circumstances, and shall be administered at the discretion of the Foundation Director.
  • Awarding of grants will continue until funds so long as funding is available.

Grant Awarding: Students will be notified via email regarding approval or denial. Therefore, it is important that a current email address is included on the applications and the mailing address is also noted correctly.

Emergency Loan/Grant Application

Ford Family Scholarships

The Ford Family Foundation offers several scholarships specifically focused on graduating high school seniors, transfer students, parents - especially those parenting alone, adult learners over 25 and children of employees of Roseburg Forest Products Co.

Scholarships include generous financial support for the entirety of one's undergraduate degree as well as academic, personal, and professional mentoring and support. Most scholarships are need-based and focused on Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, requiring students to attend an institution in their home state. To find the program that is right for you and apply, visit The Ford Family Founndation Scholarships web page or contact fordscholarships@tfff.org with questions.

McConnell Scholars Programs

The McConnell Scholars Program is available to students transferring from College of the Siskiyous. This program offers up to $30,000 for students entering qualified four-year universities. Upon completion of a bachelor's degree, unspent amounts may be used for the next higher degree.

Contact College of the Siskiyous Foundation

Located in Building 95 at the Weed Campus (next to the Science Building and Gym Parking Lot)
800 College Avenue
Weed, CA 96094
Email: foundation@siskiyous.edu
Phone: (530) 938-5373
Fax: (530) 938-5570