Mission College provides a wide range of scholarships, from $1,000 to several thousand dollars annually, to help students pursue their educational goals. Eligibility is flexible and may consider your field of study, community or college involvement, and financial need, giving many students the opportunity to benefit.
All Mission College students whether continuing, new, or transferring are welcome
and encouraged to apply.
With over $1.3 million in scholarships available and awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, we’ve got something for you! Check out our various scholarships and apply for them with a single application. Scholarships are given for many reasons, not just grades or financial need.
The Mission College Scholarship Application for the 2027-2028 academic year opens on November 16, 2026.
2027-2028 Scholarship Application Timeline
|
Event |
Date |
|
Application Opens |
November 16, 2026 |
|
Application Deadline |
February 21, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. |
|
Application Review and Scholarship Selection |
February-April 2027 |
|
Scholarship Award Notifications |
April 2027 |
|
Scholarship recipients and donors are invited to attend the Scholarship Celebration Luncheon |
May 2027 |
|
Scholarship funds are paid to recipients |
August-September 2027 |
Mission College scholarships are available to currently enrolled students who plan to continue their education during the 2027–2028 academic year.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Mission College scholarship, you must:
Current graduating high school students are not eligible to apply. High school graduates can apply for the Mission Promise Program, which serves first-year, degree-seeking students who want to graduate from Mission College within three years. The program provides academic counseling, free tuition & books, career exploration opportunities, and workshops to support your timely graduation. Learn more about applying for the Promise Program.
All MC students are encouraged to apply, including international students and undocumented students.
Additional Scholarship Requirements
Individual scholarships may have additional eligibility requirements, such as:
You do not need to meet every requirement listed above. Each scholarship has its own criteria, and AwardSpring will use the information in your application to help identify scholarship opportunities for which you may be eligible.
Applying for scholarships is completed online through AwardSpring.
There are several sections that make up the entire application. Complete all of them to submit your application.
Preview of Essay Questions
Essay Question #1
Describe Your Academic and Career Aspirations. Tell us about your major and why you chose it. Share your vision for the future and explain how your major will help you reach your academic and career goals. If applicable, include any jobs, internships, volunteer work, or activities that relate to your academic and career aspirations.
Essay Question #2
Tell us who you are beyond academics. We would like to know about your community involvement, leadership experience, activities, clubs, work, or community service that you do.
Essay Question #3
Share Your Story and Journey to Mission College. Help us get to know you better by sharing your background and what has brought you to this point in your education. Consider sharing current or past challenges you've experienced as well as the achievements or special strengths that have shaped you.
Essay Question #4
Explain How This Scholarship Will Support Your Goals. We want to know how this scholarship would impact your ability to stay in school and pursue your education. Please share any circumstances that make it hard for you to pay for your education, and why winning this scholarship would be meaningful to you.
You must submit one letter of recommendation as part of your scholarship application.
Who can write your letter?
You may request a letter of recommendation from any of the following:
Family members and friends cannot provide letters of recommendation due to a conflict of interest.
How to request your letter:
You cannot submit your scholarship application until your recommender has submitted their letter through AwardSpring. Plan ahead and send your request early to avoid missing the deadline.
Your application and letter of recommendation must be submitted by: February 21, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.
After you submit your application, AwardSpring will automatically identify scholarship opportunities that you qualify for. Log into AwardSpring to view your qualifying statuses for scholarships, click on the Scholarships tab and reference the Status column.
Awards will be paid to the recipients during the 2027-2028 academic year. Eligibility requirements are verified before scholarship funds are disbursed.
For students continuing at Mission College, scholarship disbursements are typically sent the first few weeks after fall classes start. Your scholarship will be processed through the Mission College Financial Aid Office. Funds will be applied toward any outstanding balance; any remaining amount will be refunded to you through BankMobile Disbursements.
Learn more about how to set up your refund selection through BankMobile.
For students transferring to another college or university, a scholarship check will be mailed directly to your transfer school. Scholarship checks are typically mailed by mid-August. After your transfer school receives and processes the scholarship check, they will disburse the scholarship funds to you. If you have questions about your school’s financial aid award disbursement process, please contact them directly.
We're here to help! If you have questions about the scholarship application process or need additional support, please use the resources below.
Scholarship Application & AwardSpring Support
Have questions about scholarship eligibility, application requirements, or using AwardSpring?
Contact:
Nicole Aguinaldo
Program Director, Advancement
West Valley-Mission Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (408) 741-4671
Financial Aid Questions
For questions about FAFSA, the California Dream Act Application, financial aid eligibility,
or your financial aid record, please contact the Mission College Financial Aid Office.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (408) 855-5007
Visit the Financial Aid Office Website
Additional Student Resources
Need help writing your scholarship essays?
Visit the Academic Support Center for academic support and writing assistance.
Need accommodations completing your application?
Students who need accommodations with their scholarship application are encouraged
to contact Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have more questions? Visit our Scholarship FAQs for answers to common questions about
eligibility, application requirements, letters of recommendation, and the scholarship
selection process.
Your generosity can help Mission College students achieve their educational goals!
If you are interested in creating a scholarship fund, please contact the West Valley-Mission Foundation or complete our Scholarship Inquiry Form.
Learn More About Establishing a Scholarship
Applying for Scholarships
Do I need a perfect GPA to receive a scholarship?
No! Scholarships have different GPA requirements. While some recognize academic achievement, others consider financial need, educational goals, major, community involvement, and other factors.
Many scholarships require a minimum GPA of 2.0, while others have higher GPA requirements.
Should I apply even if I don't think I'll qualify?
Absolutely! We encourage all eligible students to apply. There are many scholarships available, each with different eligibility requirements. You may qualify for scholarships you didn't know existed.
Do I need to apply separately for each scholarship?
Not necessarily! Start by completing the scholarship application in AwardSpring.
Based on your responses and college data, AwardSpring will automatically identify scholarships that may be a match for you. Some scholarships may require additional questions, essays, or other materials before your application is considered complete.
Can I apply if I'm transferring to a four-year college or university?
Yes! Many scholarships support students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Some scholarships are specifically for transferring students, while others are available only to students continuing at Mission College. Be sure to review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
Can I apply if I'm continuing at Mission College?
Yes! Many scholarships are available to students who plan to continue their education at Mission College during the 2027–2028 academic year.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)?
Not for every scholarship. However, if you want to be considered for scholarships based on financial need, you must have a valid 2026–2027 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application on file with Mission College.
Your financial aid information helps determine your eligibility for need-based scholarships.
Learn more about applying for FAFSA or CADAA.
Scholarship Selection and Notifications
How are scholarship recipients selected?
After the application deadline, eligible applications are reviewed by scholarship selection committees, which may include Mission College faculty, classified staff, administrators, and community members.
Depending on the scholarship, selection criteria may include:
Each scholarship has its own eligibility and selection criteria. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that you will receive a scholarship.
When will I find out if I received a scholarship?
Scholarship notifications are expected to be sent in April 2027.
Please regularly check:
Be sure to check your spam or junk folder so you don't miss important notifications.
What happens if I'm selected to receive a scholarship?
Congratulations! If you are selected, you will receive instructions through AwardSpring explaining how to accept your scholarship and complete any required follow-up steps.
You will be asked to:
Being selected for a scholarship does not guarantee payment. You must complete all required acceptance steps and continue to meet your scholarship's eligibility requirements before funds can be disbursed.
What happens if I am not selected for a scholarship?
We understand that not receiving a scholarship can be disappointing. Scholarship opportunities are competitive, and unfortunately, not every eligible applicant will receive an award. We encourage you to continue exploring other scholarship opportunities and apply again in future application cycles if you remain eligible.
Am I required to attend the Scholarship Celebration?
Yes! All scholarship recipients are required to attend the Scholarship Celebration. This special event is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch, and potentially meet the generous donor(s) who made your scholarship possible.
At the celebration, you will receive your scholarship certificate and award letter, which outlines important eligibility requirements and instructions for receiving your scholarship funds.
We understand that some students may have work, class commitments, or other family obligations that prevent them from attending. If you are unable to attend, please contact Nicole Aguinaldo as soon as possible at [email protected] or (408) 741-4671 to discuss alternative arrangements for receiving your award materials.
Don't worry! If you are unable to attend, your scholarship will not be affected. You will still receive your scholarship as long as you meet the award's eligibility requirements.
Scholarship Payments and Eligibility
When will I receive my scholarship funds?
Students are selected for scholarships in the spring, but funds are typically disbursed during the Fall term.
Before payment, the Foundation and College will verify that you continue to meet your scholarship's eligibility requirements. These may include enrollment status, number of units, major, and transfer status.
Some scholarships may have different payment schedules or additional requirements.
How will I receive my scholarship funds?
Scholarship funds are processed through the College's Financial Aid Office rather than paid directly by the Foundation to students.
If you are continuing at Mission College, your scholarship will be processed through Mission College. Scholarship disbursements will be sent the first week of the semester. Funds will be applied toward any outstanding balance; any remaining amount will be refunded to you through BankMobile Disbursements.
Learn more about how to set up your refund selection through BankMobile.
For students transferring to another college or university, a scholarship check will be mailed directly to your transfer school. Scholarship checks are typically mailed by mid-August. After your transfer school receives and processes the scholarship check, they will disburse the scholarship funds to you. If you have questions about your school’s financial aid award disbursement process, please contact them directly
What happens if my major, enrollment, or transfer plans change?
We understand that academic plans can change!
However, scholarships are awarded based on the information you provide in your application. Changes to your major, enrollment, number of units, or transfer plans could affect your eligibility.
For example, if you receive a scholarship specifically for transferring students but decide to continue at Mission College instead, you may no longer qualify for that scholarship.
If your academic plans or eligibility information changes, please contact Nicole Aguinaldo at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Depending on your circumstances and the scholarship's requirements, you may still be eligible to receive your award.
Will receiving a Foundation scholarship affect my financial aid?
Foundation scholarships are intended to provide additional financial support for your education.
In most cases, your scholarship can be added to your existing financial aid. However, your total financial assistance cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA), as determined by the Financial Aid Office.
If your scholarship causes your total financial aid to exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA), the Financial Aid Office may need to adjust other forms of aid, such as loans or Federal Work-Study. Alternatively, you can submit a request to increase your COA by completing the Cost of Attendance Adjustment Form. This form allows you to identify additional expenses not already covered, such as childcare, special licensing related to your major, study abroad costs, or the replacement of a broken laptop or computer. By doing this, you may be able to receive the full amount of your scholarship without having to reduce any other types of aid.
For questions about how scholarships may affect your financial aid, contact the Mission College Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships recognize outstanding student leadership and provide generous support for those transferring to four-year universities.
Designed to celebrate diversity and community impact, these awards support students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Explore these scholarships if you’re pursuing careers in STEM, technical fields, or specialized professional pathways.
These scholarships provide essential support and recognition for undocumented and DACA students pursuing higher education.
Use these resources to discover even more scholarship opportunities, including local, national, and specialized awards.