Bakersfield College (BC) offers nearly 300 unique scholarships and award opportunities
totaling over $500,000 each year, thanks to the generous support of the Foundation
and private donors. There are scholarship opportunities available incoming, continuing,
and transfer students, and are based on merit, financial need, major, campus involvement,
and career goals.
Applying is easy and online through the KCCD Scholarship Portal. Just submit one application,
and you’ll be automatically matched to over 250 opportunities based on your eligibility.
Some scholarships may require additional steps, such as answering a few questions,
writing a short essay, or submitting a letter of recommendation.
To apply, please visit the KCCD Scholarship Portal and log in with your BC username
and password.
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act
application to be considered for more scholarships! Required for need-based scholarships only.
Log into the KCCD Scholarship Portal using your BC issued email address and password. This is provided after you have applied for admissions.
Complete the General Application and be matched with hundreds of potential scholarships!
Returning Students
Log into the KCCD Scholarship Portal using your BC issued email address and password.
Complete the General Application and be matched with hundreds of potential scholarships!
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act
application to be considered for more scholarships! Required for need-based scholarships only.
Be careful to protect your information when searching for scholarships. You never have to pay to find or apply for scholarships or financial aid. Read more about how to spot scams.
Scholarship FAQs
Applications are open from October 1st to February 1st each academic year. Apply at
the KCCD Academic Works website.
No! More than 70% of our scholarships are not need-based. That means, you don't need
to have completed a FAFSA or Dream Act application to qualify. However, to be selected for any need-based scholarships, you must have completed a financial aid application. To increase what scholarships can be made available to you, it is wise to complete
your FAFSA or Dream Act application before (or soon after) you apply for scholarships.
No! While some scholarships do have high GPA minimums, many of our scholarships require
just a 2.0 or higher. However, we do encourage you to make use of all services on campus to improve your grades and give yourself the best chance of receiving scholarships.
Tip: If your GPA is on the lower end, put more effort into your personal statement
and be sure to mention your commitment to improving your academics.
No! You are only required toenroll at least half-time (6 - 8.5 units) to receive full payment, unless the scholarship criteria specifically states that you must be in a certain
number of units (i.e., full-time:12 or more units). Please read the scholarship description
carefully for enrollment requirements.
YES! Up until the scholarship deadline, you can go back to academic works and make changes to your General Application or Recommended Scholarship applications.
Award notifications generally go out early April. If you were selected for a scholarship, you will be notified via email. At this
time, we do not notify students who didn't receive a scholarship. If you do not hear
from us before the end of the school year, unfortunately you were not selected for
a scholarship. We encourage you to apply again next year.
If you received a “scholarship” that money will be paid to you for the upcoming school
year in two installments (unless stated otherwise), half in Fall and half in Spring.
If you were selected for an “award”, those funds will be paid out during the Spring
semester of the current year.
First, make sure it's not too soon. Remember, the first payment for scholarships won't go out until the upcoming Fall semester.
Also know that if you owe money to the school, your scholarship will be applied to that bill first, before the rest is sent to you. If you still feel
that your scholarship was not received, please contact the financial aid office to
get help.
First, great job applying! Please know that scholarships are very competitive so even
great students don't get chosen. The key is to KEEP IMPROVING and KEEP APPLYING! Take
a closer look at your academics, community/campus engagement, and essays. If your
grades could use some improvement, make use of the services on campus to bring your grades up. If your grades are good but you aren't very involved on
campus or in your community, consider joining a club or look for other opportunities to get involved. If writing is not your strength, put more time into your personal statements to
make them shine. Visit the Writing Center to hone your skills.
First and foremost, use someone who knows you as a student! Don't leave your reference wondering who you are. Be sure to discuss your need for a reference before you add their email to your application. If you aren't sure who to use, start a conversation with your professor or favorite
student services provider and see if they would be willing to submit a reference for
you. Avoid asking family members or friends to provide references (Sorry, Grandma).
Outside scholarships can be found through our External Opportunities Listings. Other search options are mentioned under the Outside Scholarships section
on this page. Use caution when providing your personal information online and trust
your gut if something seems strange. You never have to pay to apply for a scholarship, nor should you be asked for private information
like Social Security numbers or Bank Account information. When in doubt, move on and
don't submit.
Be sure to let the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships know if you expect to
receive an outside scholarship as it must be factored into your total award package.
You can bring the check into the Financial Aid Office to be processed. Some outside
scholarship donors will send the check directly to BC. In that case, please have them
send it to: Bakersfield College Foundation, 1801 Panorama Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93305
