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Visalia Education Foundation
Applications will be due on Friday, March 7, 2025, by 5:00 PM.
2025 Scholarship Applications Are Now Available
Student Scholarships
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Click on the following links for more information:
2025 Available Scholarship Descriptions and Information (PDF Document)
2025 Scholarship Application Form in a Fillable PDF Format
The Visalia Education Foundation awarded over $46,000 in scholarships to Visalia Unified School District high school seniors last year. Over 150 applications were received for this 2024 school year.
The following scholarships are available for 2025 VUSD Seniors:
1. Chan Asian-American Scholarship: 1 @ $500
For a student of Asian/American descent, strong academics, and contributions to school and/or community. Student must have a 3.0 grade point average or better.
2. Merele Chapman Leadership Scholarship: 1 @ $500
This scholarship is for a Redwood High School baseball or softball athlete with two years of baseball/softball participation including at least one year at the varsity level, who will be attending a California Community College, a California State University or the University of California. Scholarship requires a minimum 3.25 GPA and is based on good character, leadership, academic standings and athletic performance. Need may be considered.
3. Marguerite R. Sheklian Memorial Scholarship: 1 @ $500
This scholarship is in honor of former Visalia Unified teacher and assistant principal Marguerite Sheklian. The scholarship is for a student with at least a 3.5 GPA who is pursuing a career in education and has been active in school, faith, and community activities.
4. Visalia Education Foundation Alternative Education Scholarship: 4 @ $500
This scholarship is for an accomplished student enrolled in a Visalia Unified School District Alternative Education program (VTEC, VCIS, Sequoia) and who has been active in community service. Grade point average must be at least a 3.2.
5. Visalia Education Foundation Community Scholarship: 2 @ $250
One scholarship will be awarded at Sequoia High School for an outstanding and deserving student. Sequoia High School staff will select the recipient.
6. Visalia Education Foundation Scholarship: 8 @ $1000
For students who have been involved in performing or visual arts most of their high school years. Your letter of recommendation should come from a teacher in the arts. Grade point average must be at least a 3.5. One scholarship will be awarded to each of the four traditional high schools.
7. Visalia Women’s Civic Club: 2 @ $500
This student must have a 3.0 or better GPA. Students pursuing certificates of completion in a program, i.e., fire, police, medical. EMT from an accredited school will be considered.
8. Terryl Garrett Band Showcase Memorial Scholarship: 4 @ $500
One scholarship will be given to a student at each of the four traditional high schools (El Diamante, Golden West, Mt. Whitney, Redwood) who participated in one or more VEF Band Showcases as a member of band, color guard, dance team, or cheer team. Student must have at least a 3.0 GPA and should include in their essay how performing arts has impacted their life.
9. Roger Vogt Performance Scholarship 1 @ $1000
This scholarship is for a student with a strong work ethic and desire to succeed in their chosen field. Trade schools, beauty schools, as well as traditional schools are welcome. No minimum GPA is required.
10. Independent Pool & Spa Service Association Scholarship 1 @ $1000
This scholarship is for a student interested in entering the trades. Student should have excelled in vocational course work and desire a vocational career. A 2.00 GPA is required and student may attend any college or trade school.
11. Sierra View Endodontics Scholarship 1 @ $500
This scholarship is for a student who has studied the hard sciences and has a GPA of 3.5 or better and is seeking a science-based career. Student may attend any 4 year college, public or private.
12. * Cal Rossi Memorial Scholarship: 1 @ $3,000
This scholarship is for a Mt. Whitney student with a 3.0 GPA. Student must show activity in interscholastic athletics and be enrolled in an U.S. college full-time. Application/Essay must contain personal background, financial need, work experience/community service and anticipated goals of college study.
13. * Josh Perkins Foundation Scholarship: 16 @ $500
This scholarship is for a Visalia Unified student who has participated in their school’s respective golf program (two years on the team preferred). Student must have a 3.0 or better GPA and be continuing their education. Extra-curricular activities and community service will be considered. Financial needs will not be a determining factor.
14. * Kenneth Oliphant Tennis Scholarship: 1 @ $250
For a student who has played 2 or more years of Varsity tennis at Mt. Whitney HS. The student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college in Fall 2023. The applicant essay must include how playing tennis impacted his/her life and how it will play a role in the future.
15. * Line Family Scholarship: 1 @ $1000
One scholarship will be awarded to an accomplished, deserving Mt. Whitney student. Not limited to a student with financial need. The Line Family will review these applications. Student must have a 3.5 grade point average or better.
16. * PEO Chapter HF Scholarship: 1 @ $1500
PEO is an international philanthropic education organization for women. The local chapter HF is offering this scholarship. The recipient must be a graduate of a Visalia high school with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship is not based on financial need. Chapter members will review these applications.
17. * Susan Mathews Theater Arts Scholarship: 1 @ $600
This scholarship is for a student who has participated in the theater arts program at Redwood High School for four years. Please include other experiences and volunteer work in other theater programs as well. Student must have a 3.0 GPA or better.
18. * Enchanted Playhouse Amber Williams Memorial Scholarship: 2 @ $500
This scholarship is for a student who has participated at the Enchanted Playhouse as a member of the cast, crew or as a volunteer. This scholarship requires a passing GPA and an original essay plus a paragraph at the end answering these questions. How have you been involved at The Enchanted Playhouse? What has Enchanted Playhouse meant to you, and how did it benefit you?
19. * Enchanted Playhouse Theater Company Scholarship: 1 @ $500
This scholarship is for a student who has participated at the Enchanted Playhouse as a member of the cast, crew or as a volunteer. This scholarship requires a passing GPA and an original essay plus a paragraph at the end answering these questions. How have you been involved at The Enchanted Playhouse? What has Enchanted Playhouse meant to you, and how did it benefit you?
20. * Hope for Humanity Scholarship: 5 @ $500
This scholarship will be awarded to a first-generation high school senior that demonstrates a financial need in pursuing any form of higher education or trade school. Minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must include their personal goals and how they would like to help their local community by giving back.
21. * Ken Harris Memorial Scholarship: 1 @ $500
Ken Harris was a sixth grade teacher at Mountain View School for over 30 years. This scholarship is for a Mt. Whitney High School student with a 3.0 GPA or greater who will be attending an accredited college or vocational program. Need will be considered.
22. * Donna & Cliff Denham Memorial Scholarship 1 @ $750
This scholarship is for a student who will be attending a four year college and is planning a career in education. Application must include one letter of recommendation from a teacher, a statement of challenges and accomplishments in high school and future goals. A minimum 3.0 GPA or higher is required and potential candidates might be interviewed. Financial need will be considered.
23. * Kitaoka Promising STEM Student Scholarship: 1 @ $250
For a Golden West student who is majoring in a STEM subject. Not limited to a student with financial need. The Kitaoka-Brown Family will review these applications. Student must have an unweighted 3.5 GPA or better. The applicant essay must include 2-4 sentences answering 1) what inspired you to pursue STEM? and 2) what do you intend to do once you obtain your degree?
24. * Basil J. Perch Memorial Scholarship: 3 @ $500
This Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Basil Perch who strongly believed in building and giving back to the community that he loved. Over the years, he was a member of many community organizations including the Visalia Education Foundation. The scholarship is for a Redwood High School graduating senior with a minimum 3.5 GPA who will attend a junior college or four-year college/university and has been actively involved in school and community activities.
25. * Golden West Trailblazer Spirit Scholarship: 3 @ $500
This $500 scholarship is sponsored by retired Golden West High School teachers, and a committee representing these instructors will review the applications. Graduating Golden West seniors must meet a 3.0 minimum G.P.A. requirement and plan to attend a community college or four-year college/university. Applicants must exemplify the T.R.A.I.L. principle: Teamwork, Respect, Achievement, Integrity, and Leadership. Consideration is given toward involvement in school academic programs, activities, and athletics. Applicants must also demonstrate service within their school community as well as the community in which they live. Financial need is not a factor.
26. * Hurley PTA Scholarship: 2 @ $500
For a graduate who attended Hurley Elementary for at least 4 full years. Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college for the upcoming Fall semester. Application/essay should incorporate Hurley Elementary background, PTA involvement, extra-curricular/community involvement and goals in college. Financial need is not a factor.
27. * Oak Grove PTA Scholarship: 3 @ $500
For a graduating senior who attended Oak Grove Elementary for at least 4 full years. Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college for the upcoming Fall semester. Application/essay should incorporate extra-curricular/community involvement and goals in college. Financial need is not a factor.
28. * Willow Glen PTA Julie Reed Memorial Scholarship: 2 @ $250
This Memorial Scholarship is in honor of past Willow Glen PTA President, Julie Reed. The scholarship is geared toward a student who attended Willow Glen between grades 4 to 6. The student must have a 3.0 GPA or better, involved in various community service programs and active in student body activities.
29. * Ridgeview PTSA Scholarship: 2 @ $500
For a graduating senior who attended Ridgeview Middle School for two years. Must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and be enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college for the upcoming Fall semester. Application/essay should incorporate extracurricular (PTSA)/community involvement and goals in college. Financial need is not a factor.
30. * Valley Oak PTSA Scholarship: 4 @ $250
For a graduating senior who attended Valley Oak Middle School for two years. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be enrolled in any form of higher education including a trade school or vocational program for the upcoming Fall semester. Application/essay should incorporate extracurricular (PTSA)/community involvement and future goals and how their time at Valley Oak impacted them. Financial need is not a factor.
* Scholarships may be reviewed by the donating family or chapter.
Return completed application to:
Visalia Education Foundation
c/o Visalia Unified School District
5000 W. Cypress Ave.
Visalia, CA 93277
Please call Laura Pace at (559) 972-6976 or email scholarships@visaliaedfoundation.org with any questions.
Applications will be due on Friday, March 7, 2025, by 5:00 PM.