Scholarships

Scholarships are a form of financial aid and do not have to be repaid. 

Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria, such as academics, achievements, hobbies, talents, affiliations with various groups or career aspirations.

Many organizations offer scholarships, again based on a variety of criteria.  Students must apply directly to these organizations to be considered for their scholarships. Possible scholarship sources include the Boy Scouts, Elks, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, Lions, Knights of Columbus, unions, churches, corporations and places of employment.  

Check for additional scholarship opportunities with your high school guidance counselor. Extensive information about scholarships also is available through scholarship-focused websites.

Please be aware that there are financial aid consultants and scholarship search services that charge very high fees and do little more than provide the information that is readily available for free. See below for more information about scholarship search services, or check with our Financial Aid Office for help and more information.   

As part of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, PennWest California and its Foundation for PennWest California offer scholarships that are made available through gifts from individuals or corporations. Often, these scholarships are targeted to students who meet certain donor conditions, such as academic performance, program of study, hometown, and so on.  Check the information below for details.

Apply for Financial Aid

Scholarships are just one of the types of financial aid available to help with college costs. If you follow the steps outlined to help you apply for financial aid and also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you'll be able to receive the best possible package to meet your financial aid needs. 

The Financial Aid Office is available to help you understand loans and all types of financial aid available to PennWest California students.

Keystone Extraordinary Emergency Program (KEEP)

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, working with the State System Foundation, has launched the Keystone Extraordinary Emergency Program (KEEP), which provides grants of $50 to $1,000 to struggling university students with unexpected financial need. The pilot program is available to students at California, Clarion and Edinboro universities.

Unexpected financial burden such as a large medical expense or change in family circumstances can make it difficult to pay bills while you attend school; the KEEP grant helps students through financial crises. The application is simple and takes just a few minutes to complete. The funds are not merit based; you need only to be a full-time undergraduate student and have a 2.0 GPA.

KEEP funds are grants. There is no need to repay them. Payment will be made directly to the provider or providers named on the application. With a KEEP grant, you can stay in school and stay focused on your education. Click here to apply.

On-Campus Undergraduate Scholarships

APSCUF Student Scholarships


Local APSCUF Student Scholarships

Eligibility:   All PennWest California students of sophomore or higher current academic rank and transfer students (of sophomore or higher current academic rank) who have completed at least one semester of academic work at CALU are eligible for scholarships awarded by the local chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF). There will be two $1000 scholarships awarded at the end of the spring 2022 semester for use in the 2022-23 academic year.  One scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Burrell Brown, distinguished faculty in Business Administration.

Ineligibility:  Students who received prior APSCUF and/or Burrell Scholarships

Guidelines:    Applications must be completed as described below.

  1. Packet should be submitted as one file
  2. Pay attention to order of the items listed and order them accordingly
  3. File name should be formatted with first name, last name, and 2022-2023
    • Example= Jason Kight 2022-2023
  4. Submit file electronically to kight@pennwest.edu

Application packets must include:

  1. Cover sheet with
    • Applicant's name
    • Address
    • Phone number
    • Email address
    • Major(s) and any Minor(s)
    • Current academic rank (i.e. sophomore, )
  1. Application form filled out in its entirety.
  2. Essay one, which should be word processed with 12 point font, 1 inch margins, double spaced and no more than 2 Essay one must contain all of the following:
    • An autobiographical paragraph telling about yourself
    • A paragraph demonstrating your financial need for the scholarship
    • A paragraph describing your service to the university and your local community
    • A paragraph describing any special honors or awards that you received such as previous scholarships, induction into academic fraternities or sororities, participation in the honors program, winning college competitive sporting events,
  1. Essay two, which should be word processed with 12 point font, inch margins, double spaced and no more than 1 Essay two should address one of the topics listed below (Choose only one).
    • How has the union movement benefitted or influenced the rights and working conditions of American workers?
    • What are your views on public service in the context of your professional future?
  2. A copy of official Graduate students must supply an official copy of undergraduate transcripts in addition to official transcripts from graduate work if you have completed at least one semester of graduate work.  Transfer students must supply an official transcript of work from their previous institution in addition to official CALU transcript.
  3. Two professional letters of Examples include letters from professors, employers, coaches and others who have known you in a professional sense.  The letters should attest to your academic or professional work within the last two years.

All applications are evaluated by a committee comprised of faculty and coaches who are members of APSCUF. Applications are evaluated based on GPA, financial need, letters of recommendation, essays one and two, and following all guidelines/requirements.

Submit applications to:

Dr. Jason S. Kight

kight@pennwest.edu

ASPCUF VP

Chair of Scholarship Committee

The deadline for this application to be received is Friday, April 15th by 5:00 pm

No exceptions!

PennWest California Institutional Scholarships

 

Board of Governor’s Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students to enhance diversity on our campus. The BOG scholarship is awarded to PA residents only. This award is renewable for up to eight consecutive semester for full time degree seeking students with at least a 3.0 GPA and a SAT test score of a 1000 or higher.  Since this award is full tuition, it will replace all other previously awarded institutional academic scholarships and grants.  

 

Board of Governor’s Talent Scholarship

This merit scholarship is highly competitive and is based on your involvement in specific activities while in high school. You must be a PA resident to receive this award. Qualified candidates must enter with a 3.25 high school GPA and a combined SAT of 1100 or higher. This type of award is renewable for up to eight consecutive semester for full time degree seeking students. Since this award is full tuition, it will replace all other previously awarded institutional academic scholarships and grants.  

 

PennWest California Scholarship of Excellence

This award recognizes high school students that demonstrate academic achievement and success. The Scholarship of Excellence award is offered to selected candidates that have a 1000 or higher SAT score combined with at least a 3.00 GPA. This distinguished award is competitive and can be renewed for up to eight consecutive semesters. Since this award is full tuition, it will replace all other previously awarded institutional academic scholarships and grants.  

 

The Vulcan Merit Scholarship

The Vulcan Merit Scholarship is applicable to students enrolled in a face-to-face program. Scholarship renewal is available to students who are enrolled full-time and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA. 

Some scholarships are not stackable, if you receive an award that replaces the Vulcan Merit scholarship you will receive an updated Financial Award Package, which will be available to view through VIP.

VULCAN MERIT SCHOLARSHIP MATRIX

Academic Year 2021-2022

GPA
3.00 - 3.49
3.50 - 3.99
4.00+
Scholarship
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000


This scholarship is not available to online or transfer students.
 


TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS

GPA
2.50-2.99
3.0-3.49
3.5 & above
Award
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000

 

 

 

 


Eberly Family Scholarship

On behalf of the Eberly family, five students from Fayette County are selected to receive this full tuition award. Candidates must reside in Fayette County and have a 3.0 GPA with a minimum test score of 1080.

Note: Students that submit SAT scores that taken prior to March 1, 2016 will be considered on a conversion test scale. SAT requirements listed above is for the new SAT offered after March 1st.  Letters of recommendation may be required for full tuition awards. Full tuition awards are limited.

PennWest California Endowed Scholarships (No application required)
PennWest Californiais fortunate to offer scholarships that have been so generously provided by many alumni and friends of our university. Most of our scholarships require no separate application. 

Our scholarship donors establish criteria for their awards and based on those criteria, we select the most deserving recipient. Criteria typically include such things as Undergraduate Students, Grade Point Average, SAT/ACT score, financial need, certain academic majors, etc.

In most cases you must also: 

  • Be registered for at least 12 credit hours for each semester during the academic year for which you receive a scholarship
  • Make Satisfactory Academic Progress (not on financial aid suspension) as defined by the Financial Aid Office.

Review of these applications will begin in early Spring of each year with most awards being made by May 1.

  • All incoming students wishing to be considered for scholarships MUST have applied and been accepted to the University by March 1.
  • All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 each year, but no later than March 1, in order to ensure full consideration.

If your financial aid award includes scholarship(s) from PennWest California or the PennWest California Foundation, the University may on occasion, furnish this information to the donor(s) of the award or to other entities for publication or recognition. If you do not wish to have your information available, you must OPT-OUT by contacting the Office of Development at (724) 938-1653.

The listing below represents those awards that are either made by the Financial Aid Office or another department on campus that require no additional application or involvement from the student. This list represents scholarships awarded in the previous academic year and are subjected to change as per the donor agreements. Please understand during any given year some of these scholarships may or may not be awarded depending on funding availability.

  • Honorable Fred & Katy Adams Scholarship
  • African American Alumni Society Scholarship Fund
  • AFSCME Local 2322/Student Association, Inc. Scholarship
  • Alumni Scholarship
  • American Legion Charleroi Post 22 Scholarship
  • Angelo Armenti Jr. Endowed Leadership Scholarship
  • Angelo and Barbara Armenti Scholarship
  • Angelo Sr. and Adele Tavani Armenti Memorial Scholarship
  • Athletic Training Scholarship
  • AVI Foodsystems, Inc/Payiavlas Family Endowed Scholarship
  • Alan Ayoub Scholarship
  • Auberle Good Kids Endowed Scholarship
  • The Scholarship Fund of C. William Baker
  • Colonel Arthur L. Bakewell Veterans Scholarship
  • Balsano Family Scholarship
  • Barcelona Scholarship Fund
  • Bruce D. '83 and Mary Jo Barnhart Scholarship
  • James J. Baron Scholarship
  • The Ronald M. Barshick Memorial Scholarship
  • Lillian Bassi Education Scholarship
  • John and Helen Bewarick Scholarship Fund
  • Gabriel P. Betz Geography Scholarship 
  • Blizman Memorial Scholarship
  • John Bitonti Memorial Award
  • Marcy Rye Blout and Patrick Miller Scholarship
  • Boise Office Solutions Scholarship
  • Carole and Myron Boncarosky Scholarship Fund
  • Ann Willets Boyd Memorial Scholarship
  • Charles J. Boyle Jr. Science & Technology Scholars Fund
  • Arthur J. Brickley, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
  • Susan Brooks Scholarship in
  • PennWest California

    Southpointe Scholarship
  • California Area Chamber Of Commerce Scholars Fund
  • California Dreamin' Endowed Scholarship
  • PennWest California Band Scholarship
  • PennWest California Endowed Scholarship
  • California Mens Roosterhead Rugby
  • California PTA Scholarship
  • PennWest California Of Pennsylvania Faculty Scholarship
  • Carmichaels Area High School Scholarship
  • Jennie Adams Carter Scholarship
  • John and Andrea Cencich Scholarship
  • Richard E. Cerullo Memorial Scholarship
  • Charleroi American Legion Post 22
  • Citynet Endowed Scholarship
  • William H. Clark, Jr. '55 Scholarship
  • The Class of 1955 Scholarship
  • C. Cluss Lumber Student-Athlete Scholarship
  • Charles S. & Mary Coen Scholarship
  • Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Student Scholarship Fund
  • Commercial Music Technology Scholarship Fund
  • Consol Energy School District Scholarships
  • Cow Parade
  • Robert Craig Scholarship
  • Jonathan Alexander Currie Memorial Scholarship
  • James T. & Martha E. Davis
  • Richard Dishong Memorial Scholarship
  • Linda K. Dixon Scholarship
  • Joseph Dochinez Scholarship
  • Michael "Ki" Duda Memorial Scholarship
  • Catherine Dunn Memorial
  • Emelson Theatre and Dance Scholarship
  • Emeriti Faculty Association Academic Scholarship
  • First Lady Scholarship
  • William R. Finn II Scholarship
  • Calvin Fleming Scholarship
  • Jean Fleming Memorial Scholarship
  • Foundation & Alumni 2004 Scholarship
  • Foundation for PennWest California Endowed Scholarship
  • Ruth F. Freeman & Clara O. Freeman Scholarship Fund
  • Mildred Swift Funk Scholarship
  • Arthur & Millicent Gabriel Computer Science/Information Technology Scholarship
  • President's Gala Scholarship
  • and Mrs. Floyd Ganassi Scholarship
  • Anette D. Ganassi Scholarship
  • Olga and Albert Gazalie Scholarship
  • Alberta Grace George Memorial Scholarship
  • Charles A. Gismondi Baseball Scholarship
  • Olga Yetsconish Grazzini
  • Coach J. Budd Grebb Award
  • Kenny Hager Memorial Scholarship
  • Carol Hallam Scholarship
  • Bill & David W. Hambacher Memorial Scholarship
  • Debra F. Hardy Scholarship
  • Debra & Joseph Hardy Scholarship Fund for Excellence in the Study of Political Science
  • Debra & Joseph Hardy Scholarship
  • Frank Harhay Football Scholarship
  • Norman & Ellen Hasbrouck Family Honors Scholarship
  • Ellen and Norman Hasbrouck Family Bethlehem Center School District Scholarship Fund
  • Norman and Ellen Hasbrouck Family California School District Scholarship Fund
  • Blance Rebecca Heath Elementary Education Scholarship Fund
  • Jay D. Helsel '59 Applied Engineering and Technology Endowed Scholarship
  • Helsel Applied Engineering and Technology Scholarship
  • Helsel Family Scholarship
  • Joan L. Helsel University Band Endowed Scholarship
  • Joy M. Helsel Social Fraternity/Sorority Scholarship
  • Marjorie Henshaw Holman Award
  • Bill Hepner Scholarship
  • Jesse G. Hereda Honors Scholarship
  • Francis J. Herron Endowed Scholarship
  • The Marjorie Henshaw Holman Award
  • Highmark Health Sciences Scholarship Fund
  • Eleanore C. Hibbs '38 Scholarship
  • Byron Holman '40 Honors
  • The Oren Holman Scholarship
  • Professor Merrell E. Holman '42 Honors Scholarship
  • William J. & Mary Homer Scholarship
  • Coach Joe Howard Memorial Scholarship
  • James A. Hughes Memorial Scholarship
  • The Norval E. Hutchinson and Mildred Hutchinson Memorial Fund
  • Huth Technologies Scholarship
  • Industrial Arts and Technology Education Alumni Society Scholarship
  • Delila C. Jenkins Scholarship
  • Ronald "Bunny" Johns Memorial Scholarship
  • Michael Kara Scholarship
  • Karnash/Mandell Scholarship Fund
  • Gary And Midge Kennedy Scholarship
  • Paul J. Killius, Jr. Special Education Scholarship
  • Stan and Michelle Komacek Scholarship
  • Andrew Kovach Scholarship
  • The John E. and Barbara Krivda Memorial Scholarship
  • Donnella & Dan R. Kraft Scholarship
  • Lazzaro Family Scholarship Fund
  • Gaston Lebois Graduate Scholarship
  • Mark C. Lewis Memorial Scholarship
  • Lippencott Family Scholarship
  • John H. Lucy and Dorothy (Valla) Lucy Scholarship
  • Larry Maggi Endowed Scholarship
  • Dick Majernik/Lloyd Gilmore Scholarship
  • Annie "MAC" (Master Any Challenge") Malkowiak Scholarship
  • Donald Maley Technology Education Scholarship
  • Alexander & Florence Malinowski Memorial Scholarship
  • Albina R. Malpezzi Memorial Scholarship
  • Terry Martina University Choir Scholarship
  • John C. McCrory Memorial Technology Education Scholarship
  • Professor Anthony P. McGrew Scholarship Fund
  • Phyllis McManus, Class of 1970 Scholarship
  • Michelle McMillen Memorial Scholarship
  • Edward McNall Burns Scholarship
  • McVey Family Memorial Scholarship
  • Lawrence C. Miller Technology Education Scholarship
  • Minor Major Memorial Award
  • Minor/Walton Scholarship
  • Armand and Edna Molinaro Scholarship
  • Monongahela Valley Hospital Registered Nurse Scholarship
  • Mon Valley Naacp Scholarship
  • William T. Morris Scholarships
  • Lawrence L. Moses Meteorology Scholarship
  • Paul W. Mudry Memorial Scholarship
  • Music Minor Scholarship
  • Naacp Scholarship
  • Elmo Natali Endowment Fund
  • Doris Nevin Scholarship
  • Sandra Nicklas Scholarship
  • Kurt Nordstrom Memorial Scholarship
  • Mary Noss Freshman Scholarships
  • Mary A. O'Connor Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Leadership Scholarship
  • O'Leary Scholars Fund
  • Angelo J. Orlandi, Phi Delta Presidential Scholarship
  • Pennsylvania America Water Scholarship
  • Stephen E. Pavlak Scholarship
  • Perry Family Scholarship
  • Phi Delta Kappa Education Scholarship
  • & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Scholarship
  • The Eleyett & Lelar Picket Family Endowed Scholarship
  • The Dr. Nancy J. Moon Pinardi Scholarship
  • PSECU Student Activity Scholarship 
  • Theodore H. Reich Memorial Scholarship
  • Gary W. Reighard Award For Outstanding Leadership
  • Laverne Bazilwich Richey Scholarship
  • Robena No. 3 Scholarship
  • David W. Robey and Family Scholarship Endowment Fund
  • Lawrence D. and Mrs. Joanne K. Romboski Scholarship
  • The Rudez-Pezo Scholarship Fund
  • Alex S. & Elizabeth Sabo Memorial Scholarship
  • Saludis Family Endowment
  • Joe Sarra Scholarship School District Scholarships
  • Scholarship for the Future
  • Andy Sepsi Scholarship
  • The Dr. Michael & Mrs. Clara H. Serene Scholarships
  • Bernard J. & Marguerite S. Singer
  • Canon-Mac School District Scholarship
  • Bernard J. And Marguerite S. Singer Technology Education Scholarship
  • The Charles W. Slick Scholarship
  • The Curtis & Ann Smith Honors Scholarship
  • The Hazel Smith Slabaugh Memorial Scholarship
  • Steven and Lynne Stout Legacy Scholarship
  • Joseph "Moe" And Rita Susick Belle Vernon Area Scholarship
  • Joseph P. Smyth '38 Memorial Scholarship
  • Southpointe Adult Student Book
  • Billy Ray & Mildred Stalvey-Pasquale & Concetta
  • Rocchio Family Scholarship
  • Saundra L. Stout '72 Endowed Scholarship
  • Grace Barnhart Stout & Thomas B. Stout Scholarship
  • Steven and Lynne Stout Legacy Scholarship
  • Philip Stout Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund
  • William B. & Mary Watkins Stout Scholarship
  • Robert Sumara Honors Program Scholarship And Fund 
  • Joseph "Moe" & Rita Susick Belle Vernon Area Scholarship
  • Teacher Excellence Center Graduate Scholarship Fund
  • Technology Education Department Faculty Scholarship
  • The Freshman Technology Student Association Scholarship Fund
  • Skip Tencer Memorial Scholarship
  • Theatre & Dance Service Scholarship
  • Donald & Ardith Thompson Scholarship
  • Tselepis Football Scholarship
  • United States Steel Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
  • Urbanik Family Scholarship
  • Thomas J. Usiadek '66 Scholarship
  • Vadella/Simyak Trojan Scholarship
  • George J. Van Nosdeln & Madeline T. Van Nosdeln '46 Memorial Scholarship
  • Robert A. Vargo Earth Science Scholarship Fund
  • Linda R. Vecchitto Memorial Scholarship
  • Dean L. Wahl Memorial Scholarship
  • Lorin & Susan Waitkus Scholarship
  • Gwendolyn Pierce Watkins and John B. Watkins Memorial Scholarship
  • Washington Federal Savings Bank Endowed Scholarship
  • John P. & Carole Watkins Women's Tennis Scholarship
  • Richard H. & Barbara Moluski Webb Scholarship Fund
  • The Joseph A. Main Afge/Umwa Scholarship
  • Allen G. & Mary C. Sesler Welsh Scholarship
  • World Kitchen, Llc Scholarship
  • Ralph W. Young Family Education Scholarship
  • Jay & Cissy Zeffiro Scholarship
  • Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Zeta Scholarship Fund
  • Beatrice Uphold Anderson '29 Scholarship
  • ANSYS Scholarship
  • PennWest California

    Southpointe Scholarship
  • Chester and Yvonne Vance Chichin Endowed Scholarship
  • Anna Deane Ducar '42 Memorial Scholarship
  • Abigail A. Grant Scholarship
  • William and Stephanie Harris Scholarship
  • Jeff and Gerri Jones Family Scholarship
  • John Michaels Business & Economics Scholarship
  • Raymond J. '71 and Sharon Milchovich Scholarship
  • Walter '64 and Mara Jo Sigut Scholarship Fund
  • Mario V. Tiberi Scholarship
  • Wesley Spectrum Scholarship
  • The Class of 1961 Scholarship
PennWest California Endowed Scholarship (Application required)
 

There are a few scholarships at PennWest California that require interested students to submit an application, essay or some other information to be considered for selection.  Those scholarships are listed below. This list represents scholarships awarded in the previous academic year and are subjected to change as per the donor agreements. Please understand during any given year some of these scholarships may or may not be awarded depending on funding availability. We encourage you to browse this listing and make application to any of the awards you feel you may be eligible to receive. Please submit application and all required materials to the Financial Aid Office. Please note any specific deadlines so as to not miss out on any opportunities.

If your financial aid award includes scholarship(s) from PennWest California or the PennWest California Foundation, the University may on occasion, furnish this information to the donor(s) of the award or to other entities for publication or recognition. If you do not wish to have your information available, you must OPT-OUT by contacting the Office of Development at (724) 938-1653.

PennWest California Need Grant
 

PennWest California Need Grant may be awarded to first-time freshman or undergraduate transfer students who are enrolled full time in an on-campus major and who demonstrate financial need as determined by the results of a completed and verified FAFSA application.

The grant will be applied as a "last dollar" award and will be reduced by the amount of any other federal, state or University grants or scholarships if received after the PennWest California Need Grant has been awarded. Some military members may be eligible for the PennWest California Need Grant depending on other military benefits. Student-athletes and students who participate in Employee Tuition Remission or Tuition Exchange programs are not eligible for PennWest California Need Grants. Outside scholarships or third-party awards will not reduce the PennWest California Need Grant. However, outside scholarships, in conjunction with all other aid, cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance as established by the University.

Students may receive the PennWest California Need Grant for a maximum of eight (8) semesters, excluding summer and winter terms. Students must maintain the minimum Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress standards (2.00 QPA/complete 67% of attempted credits) in order to retain eligibility

PASSHE Foundation
 

 

Scholarship Opportunities

The foundation contributes to the success of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and its 14 Universities and students. Click here to search for available scholarships through the PASSHE Foundation.

If your financial aid award includes scholarship(s) from PennWest California or the PennWest California Foundation, the University may, on occasion, furnish this information to the donor(s) of the award or to other entities for publication or recognition. If you do not wish to have your information available, you must OPT-OUT by contacting the PennWest California Office of Development at 724)-938-1653.

State Scholarship Programs
 

 

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) offer scholarships for qualified students, including the following:

Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program

The Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program was established to assist the children of Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, rescue and ambulance squad members, correction employees, and National Guard members who died in the line of duty. The program recognizes and honors those individuals who lost their lives protecting the citizens of this Commonwealth by providing their children with a waiver of tuition, fees, and room and board charges.

Eligible students receive waivers that cover tuition, fees, and room and board charged by the institution, less awarded scholarships and Federal and State Grants. This benefit is available for a maximum of five academic years, depending upon program of study.

Eligibility criteria:

The student must:

  • Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Be a child by birth or adoption of a deceased police officer, firefighter, rescue or ambulance squad member, correction employee, or an active National Guard member who died as a direct result of performing his or her official duties.
  • Be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application for the program.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list PennWest California as one of his/her school choices
  • Be enrolled full time leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.

In submitting an application, the student must include a certified copy of his or her birth certificate or adoption record as well as a copy of the letter of admission to an eligible school. The program is available to students whose parents have died in the line of duty since Jan. 1, 1976.

The Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). PHEAA will send an application to the family once it receives notification of the parent's death.

Individuals who believe they qualify and have not received an application should contact PHEAA directly. To request an application or to receive additional information, contact PHEAA at:

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL GRATUITY PROGRAM

PHEAA Grant Division
1200 N. Seventh St.
Harrisburg, PA 17102-1444
1-800-692-7392

Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program (ETG)

PHEAA administers the Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. This program is authorized under the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 as amended by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001.

The Chafee Education and Training Grant Program offers grant assistance to Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who are attending a postsecondary institution approved for the Federal Title IV student financial assistance programs.

Pennsylvania National Guard Members

Together with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), PHEAA administers the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. This program provides tuition assistance for students who enter into a service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, typically for a period of six years.

To be eligible, a student must:

  • Be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania.
  • Be enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting program of study at an approved Pennsylvania institution.

Maximum award values:

  • Full-time: 100% of tuition charged at a state-owned university
  • Part-time: either one-half the tuition for the part-time course of study or one-third of the full-time tuition charged to a Pennsylvania resident at a state-owned university, whichever is less.

If you fail to honor the service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, you must repay all EAP funds you receive, plus interest.

For additional information on award amounts, eligible campuses, or other details call 1-800-GO GUARD or visit www.PAGUARD.com.
Scholarship Search Services

 

Looking for ways to finance your PennWest California education? The Financial Aid Office staff is frequently asked how to find a list of scholarships that students may be qualified to receive.

There are financial aid consultants and scholarship search services that charge very high fees and do little more than provide information that is readily available for free. These tips will help you avoid these unscrupulous individuals.

We trust that the links below will assist you in your Scholarship Search.

FastWEB is the largest and most complete scholarship search on the Internet. It provides access to a searchable database of more than 400,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants and student loans available to students.

The College Board in an online tool to help you locate scholarships, internships, grants, and loans that match your education level, talents, and background. The search will find potential opportunities from more than 2,300 sources totaling nearly $3 Billion in available aid.

MACH 25 is a simple and fast scholarship resource locator. Students develop a profile of themselves to locate scholarships that best match their qualifications.

Scholarships.com actively seeks out valuable information and meticulously updates it on a daily basis, providing a diverse and valuable service at no charge to its users.

Scholarship Search by Sallie Mae is an award database that contains more than 2.4 million scholarships worth more than $15 billion, and is expanded and updated daily by our partner Scholarship Experts. 

We also encourage you to visit the University's Financial Aid Office

Global Online

PASSHE Foundation

 

Scholarship Opportunities

The foundation contributes to the success of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and its 14 Universities and students. Click here to search for available scholarships through the PASSHE Foundation.

If your financial aid award includes scholarship(s) from PennWest California or the PennWest California Foundation, the University may on occasion, furnish this information to the donor(s) of the award or to other entities for publication or recognition. If you do not wish to have your information available, you must OPT-OUT by contacting the Office of Development at (724) 938-1653.

State Scholarships Programs

 

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) offer scholarships for qualified students, including the following:

Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program

The Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program was established to assist the children of Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, rescue and ambulance squad members, correction employees, and National Guard members who died in the line of duty. The program recognizes and honors those individuals who lost their lives protecting the citizens of this Commonwealth by providing their children with a waiver of tuition, fees, and room and board charges.

Eligible students receive waivers that cover tuition, fees, and room and board charged by the institution, less awarded scholarships and Federal and State Grants. This benefit is available for a maximum of five academic years, depending upon program of study.

Eligibility criteria:

The student must:

  • Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Be a child by birth or adoption of a deceased police officer, firefighter, rescue or ambulance squad member, correction employee, or an active National Guard member who died as a direct result of performing his or her official duties.
  • Be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application for the program.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list PennWest California as one of his/her school choices.
  • Be enrolled full time leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.

In submitting an application, the student must include a certified copy of his or her birth certificate or adoption record as well as a copy of the letter of admission to an eligible school. The program is available to students whose parents have died in the line of duty since Jan. 1, 1976.

The Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). PHEAA will send an application to the family once it receives notification of the parent's death.

Individuals who believe they qualify and have not received an application should contact PHEAA directly. To request an application or to receive additional information, contact PHEAA at:

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL GRATUITY PROGRAM

PHEAA Grant Division
1200 N. Seventh St.
Harrisburg, PA 17102-1444
1-800-692-7392

Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program (ETG)

PHEAA administers the Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. This program is authorized under the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 as amended by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001.

The Chafee Education and Training Grant Program offers grant assistance to Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who are attending a postsecondary institution approved for the Federal Title IV student financial assistance programs.

Pennsylvania National Guard Members

Together with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), PHEAA administers the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. This program provides tuition assistance for students who enter into a service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, typically for a period of six years.

To be eligible, a student must:

  • Be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania.
  • Be enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting program of study at an approved Pennsylvania institution.

Maximum award values:

  • Full-time: 100% of tuition charged at a state-owned university
  • Part-time: either one-half the tuition for the part-time course of study or one-third of the full-time tuition charged to a Pennsylvania resident at a state-owned university, whichever is less.

If you fail to honor the service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, you must repay all EAP funds you receive, plus interest.

For additional information on award amounts, eligible campuses, or other details call 1-800-GO GUARD or visit www.PAGUARD.com.
Scholarship Search Services
 

Looking for ways to finance your PennWest California education? The Financial Aid Office staff is frequently asked how to find a list of scholarships that students may be qualified to receive.

There are financial aid consultants and scholarship search services that charge very high fees and do little more than provide information that is readily available for free. These tips will help you avoid these unscrupulous individuals.

We trust that the links below will assist you in your Scholarship Search.

FastWEB is the largest and most complete scholarship search on the Internet. It provides access to a searchable database of more than 400,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants and student loans available to students.

The College Board in an online tool to help you locate scholarships, internships, grants, and loans that match your education level, talents, and background. The search will find potential opportunities from more than 2,300 sources totaling nearly $3 Billion in available aid.

MACH 25 is a simple and fast scholarship resource locator. Students develop a profile of themselves to locate scholarships that best match their qualifications.

Scholarships.com actively seeks out valuable information and meticulously updates it on a daily basis, providing a diverse and valuable service at no charge to its users.

Scholarship Search by Sallie Mae is an award database that contains more than 2.4 million scholarships worth more than $15 billion, and is expanded and updated daily by our partner Scholarship Experts. 

We also encourage you to visit the University's Financial Aid Office.

All Graduate and Doctoral (Including Global Online)

APSCUF Student Scholarships

Local APSCUF Student Scholarships

Eligibility:   All PennWest California students of sophomore or higher current academic rank and transfer students (of sophomore or higher current academic rank) who have completed at least one semester of academic work at CALU are eligible for scholarships awarded by the local chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF). There will be two $1000 scholarships awarded at the end of the spring 2022 semester for use in the 2022-23 academic year.  One scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Burrell Brown, distinguished faculty in Business Administration.

Ineligibility:  Students who received prior APSCUF and/or Burrell Scholarships

Guidelines:    Applications must be completed as described below.

  1. Packet should be submitted as one file
  2. Pay attention to order of the items listed and order them accordingly
  3. File name should be formatted with first name, last name, and 2022-2023
    • Example= Jason Kight 2022-2023
  4. Submit file electronically to kight@pennwest.edu

Application packets must include:

  1. Cover sheet with
    • Applicant's name
    • Address
    • Phone number
    • Email address
    • Major(s) and any Minor(s)
    • Current academic rank (i.e. sophomore, )
  1. Application form filled out in its entirety.
  2. Essay one, which should be word processed with 12 point font, 1 inch margins, double spaced and no more than 2 Essay one must contain all of the following:
    • An autobiographical paragraph telling about yourself
    • A paragraph demonstrating your financial need for the scholarship
    • A paragraph describing your service to the university and your local community
    • A paragraph describing any special honors or awards that you received such as previous scholarships, induction into academic fraternities or sororities, participation in the honors program, winning college competitive sporting events,
  1. Essay two, which should be word processed with 12 point font, inch margins, double spaced and no more than 1 Essay two should address one of the topics listed below (Choose only one).
    • How has the union movement benefitted or influenced the rights and working conditions of American workers?
    • What are your views on public service in the context of your professional future?
  2. A copy of official Graduate students must supply an official copy of undergraduate transcripts in addition to official transcripts from graduate work if you have completed at least one semester of graduate work.  Transfer students must supply an official transcript of work from their previous institution in addition to official CALU transcript.
  3. Two professional letters of Examples include letters from professors, employers, coaches and others who have known you in a professional sense.  The letters should attest to your academic or professional work within the last two years.

All applications are evaluated by a committee comprised of faculty and coaches who are members of APSCUF. Applications are evaluated based on GPA, financial need, letters of recommendation, essays one and two, and following all guidelines/requirements.

Submit applications to:

Dr. Jason S. Kight

kight@pennwest.edu

ASPCUF VP

Chair of Scholarship Committee

The deadline for this application to be received is Friday, April 15th by 5:00 pm

No exceptions!

PennWest California Endowed Scholarships (No Separate Application)

 

The list below represents those awards that are made either by the Financial Aid Office or another campus department and require no additional application. (Note: This list is subject to change as per donor agreements/funding availability.)

If your financial aid award includes scholarship(s) from PennWest California or the PennWest California Foundation, the University may on occasion, furnish this information to the donor(s) of the award or to other entities for publication or recognition. If you do not wish to have your information available, you must OPT-OUT by contacting the Office of Development at (724) 938-1653.

Booker Leadership Scholarship

Charles Slick Football Scholarship

Dishong Graduate Scholarship

G. Ralph Smith II Scholarship

Lebois Graduate Scholarship

Linda Vecchitto Memorial Scholarship

Mary Lonigro Scholarship

Oren Holman Endowment Fund

Perry Family Scholarship

Teacher Excellence Center Scholarship

The Dr.’s John R. and Andrea V. Cencich Scholarship

The Robert “Roy” Hazelwood Applied Criminology Scholarship

Zeta Epsilon of DZ Scholarship

PASSHE Foundation
 

 

Scholarship Opportunities

The foundation contributes to the success of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and its 14 Universities and students. Click here to search for available scholarships through the PASSHE Foundation.

If your financial aid award includes scholarship(s) from PennWest California or the PennWest California Foundation, the University may on occasion, furnish this information to the donor(s) of the award or to other entities for publication or recognition. If you do not wish to have your information available, you must OPT-OUT by contacting the Office of Development at (724) 938-1653.

Scholarship Search Services
 

 

Looking for ways to finance your PennWest California education? The Financial Aid Office staff is frequently asked how to find a list of scholarships that students may be qualified to receive.

There are financial aid consultants and scholarship search services that charge very high fees and do little more than provide information that is readily available for free. These tips will help you avoid these unscrupulous individuals.

We trust that the links below will assist you in your Scholarship Search.

FastWEB is the largest and most complete scholarship search on the Internet. It provides access to a searchable database of more than 400,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants and student loans available to students.

The College Board in an online tool to help you locate scholarships, internships, grants, and loans that match your education level, talents, and background. The search will find potential opportunities from more than 2,300 sources totaling nearly $3 Billion in available aid.

MACH 25 is a simple and fast scholarship resource locator. Students develop a profile of themselves to locate scholarships that best match their qualifications.

Scholarships.com actively seeks out valuable information and meticulously updates it on a daily basis, providing a diverse and valuable service at no charge to its users.

Scholarship Search by Sallie Mae is an award database that contains more than 2.4 million scholarships worth more than $15 billion, and is expanded and updated daily by our partner Scholarship Experts. 

We also encourage you to visit the University's Financial Aid Office.