Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions

The majority of our scholarship programs are housed on the Scholarship America website, our partners in disbursing funds and provide students access to a wider range of scholarship opportunities. Our Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) scholarship program and the Black Student Scholarship for Cal State University, Fullerton Students program can be accessed separately when the application window opens. Check back for more updates soon.

Notifications will be sent via email when the selection process is complete. Generally, you will be notified within 6-8 weeks after the scholarship closes. If selected, you will receive an award notification.

The majority of our scholarship awards are disbursed early to mid-August by Scholarship America. If your financial institution requires it sooner, please inform Scholarship America.

Yes. The award check is mailed directly to your home address you provide in the name of your educational institution. You will then bring that to your educational institution.

Scholarships from the Orange County Community Foundation are to be used for educational expenses only. If any portion of the scholarship is applied to expenses other than tuition, fees, books, required supplies (e.g. room and board in some cases, transportation, etc.), it is the student’s responsibility to declare it as income on their tax return. It is also the student’s responsibility to maintain appropriate financial documentation regarding their scholarship award and educational expenses; the Foundation does not provide any tax documents.

If you have received a renewable award, that award total will be disbursed evenly over four years. Scholarship America will reach out each summer to verify eligibility.

If you are not enrolled in enough units to be considered a full-time student, but you are wait-listed for classes, we ask that you wait until you meet “full-time” enrollment status. You may submit a proof of enrollment form as long as you meet the required units to be considered full-time.

Checks are sent via U.S. mail. You should receive the check within one to ten business days.

OCCF uses the email address provided by the student on their initial application. Please note that you must check this email address for the duration of your award.

Students with renewable scholarships are notified with their initial award via email. It is also stated on your award agreement.

You may request a deferral for up to one year.

Scholarship funds are not intended to replace need-based funding opportunities (such as a CAL grant, PELL grant or private school grant). Rather, scholarship funds should help reduce the amount a student needs to borrow and offset their cost of attendance.

If you change the educational institution, it is your responsibility to contact Scholarship America immediately. In some cases, a student may be able to maintain their scholarship. It is possible that the scholarship may be rescinded.