Click on the links below to learn more about current scholarships available. Scholarship opportunities listed below are in order by application deadline. Be sure to read all instructions for each scholarship and make sure you qualify before you submit. If you need a letter of recommendation, it is advised you ask the person writing the letter at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Most applications are submitted online. Others may require to be mailed, so be sure you allow for mailing deadlines when applying. Scholarships are updated as received. This is a fraction of scholarships available to students. It is highly recommended you visit the Helpful Scholarship Information section posted below for additional scholarship opportunities.

• Going Merry Scholarship List March 31st-April 29th-click here for list
• Going Merry Scholarship List April 30th - May 30th-click here for list

• April 30, 2024 Deadline: Amigos Unidos Hispanics in Partnership Scholarship (LLNL)-$500 (multiple available)
• May 3, 2024 Deadline: Friedberger Educational Fund-Needs Based-One candidate will be selected to represent West High School-turn in completed packet to Career Center by 4pm on Friday, May 3, 2024 to be considered
• May 4, 2024 Deadline: Tracy School Management Association Scholarship-$500-parent/guardian must be a member of TSMA-due by 4pm 5/4/24-see app for details
• May 10, 2024 Deadline: StewardAG Foundation Scholarship
• May 15, 2024 Deadline: Comerciantes Unidos Scholarship $750

COLLEGE BOARD-PLANNING CHECKLIST FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR COUNSELOR FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FEE WAIVER OPPORTUNITIES:

If you want to play NCAA sports at a Division I or II school, or an NAIA school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center or the NAIA Eligibility Center.  
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) works with you and your high school to help you prepare for life as a student-athlete.  To register, go to the NCAA Eligibility Center website.  This is where you will find the tools and information you need to begin your college experience as a student-athlete. Allow at least 15 minutes to one hour to register completely. If you need to exit and come back at a later time, you can save and exit once your account has been created.

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by following these steps: 
1. Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org and enter as a college-bound student-athlete. 
2. Create an account by clicking on the “New Account” button at the top right corner of the screen.
3. On the Account Creation page, provide a valid email address to create an account and begin the registration process. Be sure you provide an email address that will be active even after you complete high school.
4. On the About Me page, enter some quick facts, including your name, address, date of birth and gender.

REGISTRATION FEE AND WAIVER  Your account will be eligible for processing once the registration fee is paid or waived. You must pay online by debit, credit card or e-check. The registration fee is $90 for students.
 
The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) is the governing  body of small athletic programs throughout the United States.  Register with the NAIA Eligibility Center by following these steps:
 
1. Visit www.playnaia.org to check out schools and to register.
2. Create a Student-Athlete Profile.
3. On the Student-Athlete Profile page, provide a valid email address to create an account and begin the registration process.  Be sure you provide an email address that will be active even after you complete high school.
4. Be sure to read all instructions regarding how to submit transcripts and required documents.

REGISTRATION FEE AND WAIVER  Your account will be eligible for processing once the registration fee is paid or waived.  You must pay online by debit or credit card.  The registration fee is $80 for students

FAFSA and California Dream Act (CADAA) application opens for the 2025-2026 application on December 1, 2024. 

An FSA ID is required for students and parents/guardians to electronically sign your applications. There is not a separate application to apply for Cal Grant. West High sends Cal Grant GPA verifications electronically to the State of California. The State of California pulls the information from FAFSA/CADAA to determine Cal Grant Status. Have your 2023 income tax information available to file and choose the year 2025-2026 FAFSA/CADAA. Priority deadline to file is March 2, 2025, after the December 1, 2024 application release. However, if you are attending a California Community College you may still apply until September 3, 2025. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible once the application opens to determine your financial aid status. It is recommended you apply for FAFSA/CADAA even if you feel you won't qualify. Colleges and universities use this information to determine eligibility for financial aid and scholarships available at their campuses. When you receive confirmation your FAFSA/CADAA was accepted, be sure to read and follow all the directions provided. Ask your counselor if you have questions. 

The following links provide additional information to assist with your financial aid applications:

• Class of 2025 Scholarship & Financial Aid Information Handout
• Start your FAFSA application here
• Cal Grant Program Income Ceilings 2025-2026 here 
• Middle Class Scholarship Income Ceilings 2025-2026 here
• CA Dream Act Application Here 
• California Student Aid Commission (Cal Grant) Information Here
• Create your Cal Grant account through Web Grants 4 Students Here
• Creating the FSA ID 
• Is My Parent a Contributor Handout for FAFSA
• California Student Whose Contributor does NOT have a SSN Handout