Senior Scholarships
The Senior Scholarship Program awards scholarships to exceptional seniors from CUSD who are furthering their education at an accredited U.S. university, college, technical, or vocational school in the 2025-26 academic year. Eligible seniors in the class of 2025 may apply to receive one of 13 college scholarships totaling up to $60,000!
Graduating Seniors!
Did an elementary music class, the trip to BizTown, or a high school science lab inspire the next step in continuing your education?
Tell us how and you could earn a scholarship to continue your education!
Carlsbad Educational Foundation’s senior scholarship awards are intended to encourage students to pursue a career in their selected field of study.
Thirteen (13) generous scholarships totaling up to $60,000 are available to high school seniors in the Carlsbad Unified School District who have been involved in a Foundation-funded or supported program and who meet the eligibility requirements. One-third of the scholarships will be awarded specifically to need-based applicants.
We are grateful to partner with the Judith Campbell Educational & Community Foundation, the Tom Laurence Music Scholarship Fund, James Brown Memorial Scholarship, and Viasat, Inc. to award the following scholarships to 2025 CUSD graduating seniors:
- $10,000 Judith Campbell Educational & Community Foundation
- $10,000 – $5,000 Tom Laurence Music Scholarship Fund
- $7,500 (x2) Judith Campbell Educational & Community Foundation
- $5,000 Carlsbad Educational Foundation
- $2,500 (x2) Viasat, Inc.
- $2,500 (x6) Carlsbad Educational Foundation
Applicants submit one application. The amount winners receive is determined by a scholarship committee.
Eligibility Requirements
High School Senior
High school senior graduating from a Carlsbad Unified School District high school.
Two Letters of Recommendation
One letter must be from a teacher/instructor and the second from a school counselor, supervisor, youth leader, or another adult.
Minimum 3.0 G.P.A.
Copy of unofficial transcript from AERIES is required.
One-Page Essay
Describe your educational plan and how participation in a program supported by Carlsbad Educational Foundation has impacted your educational goals.
Furthering Education
Will attend an accredited U.S. university, college, or technical/ vocational school in the 2025-26 academic year.
FASFA Results
Include in application (SAR required only if you would like to be considered for need-based assistance).
Applications Open Monday, February 24, 2025
Please check back at that time.
Essay Guidelines
Format: One-page, 12-point font, double-spaced, MLA format. Include name in upper left corner.
Essay Prompt: Describe your involvement in any STEAM, Music or Innovative program(s) funded by Carlsbad Educational Foundation and how your involvement influenced your long-term educational and professional goals (complete list of CEF funded programs is listed below).
Consider and include the following topics in your essay:
- What is your field of study and why did you choose it?
- Awards, honors, and/or merits received during high school.
- Why do you believe you deserve to receive this scholarship?
- Is there anything else you would like the committee to know?
Foundation-Funded Programs
Elementary Programs:
- Environmental Stewardship (Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation)
- Junior Achievement BizTown
- Music Programs
- Science Programs
- Elementary Robotics
- FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics
- 2nd Grade Robotics FIRST LEGO League Jr. (FLL Jr.)
- Science Days
Middle School Programs:
- Environmental Stewardship
- Music Programs
- Project Lead the Way (CHMS)
- Robotics
- FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
- Science Programs
- Science Days
- Science Olympiad
- Nordson’s Tech Time Challenge
High School Programs:
- Genius Project (SCHS)
- Music Programs
- Spring Musicals
- Project Lead the Way (SCHS)
- Robotics
- FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
- Science Programs
- Science Olympiad
- Student Leadership Council
Questions?
Contact Senior Scholarship Team
Email: seniorscholarships@carlsbaded.org
Phone: (760) 929 – 1555
2024 Scholarship Winners
Seventeen deserving students have been selected as our 2024 scholarship recipients, each demonstrating remarkable dedication and commitment to their education:
- Sofia Tamayo from Carlsbad High School – $10,000 scholarship
- Suchir Sambavaram from Sage Creek High School – $7,500 scholarship
- Matthew Mullaney from Carlsbad High School – $7,500 scholarship
- Chloe Norton from Carlsbad High School – $5,000 scholarship
- Luke NeSmith from Sage Creek High School – $3,500 scholarship
- Colin Rajabi from Sage Creek High School – $3,500 scholarship
- Samuel Vanetsky from Carlsbad High School – $3,500 scholarship
- Varun Venkatesh from Carlsbad High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Rohan Soni from Sage Creek High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Alden Brion from Sage Creek High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Ella Clancy from Sage Creek High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Lucas Smith from Sage Creek High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Leila Morrow from Sage Creek High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Aundreya Gonzalez from Carlsbad High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Abigail Gehris from Sage Creek High School – $2,500 scholarship
- James Rogers from Sage Creek High School – $2,500 scholarship
- Ryan Geraci from Carlsbad High School – $2,500 scholarship
These accomplished students have not only excelled academically but have found a field of study that they’re passionate about through their involvement in a CEF-funded program. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their education and future have set them apart, making them deserving recipients of these prestigious scholarships.
Thank you to Judith Campbell Educational and Community Foundation, Viasat, The Tom Laurence Music Scholarship, and the James Brown Memorial Scholarship for supporting our Senior Scholarship program and Carlsbad students.