California State PTA Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by California State PTA
Your learning shouldn’t stop at high school graduation. To support students pursuing further education, California State PTA offers two scholarships for graduating seniors to continue their studies and reach their career goals.
Scholarships available
- Volunteer Service Scholarship
- Recognizes graduating seniors for volunteer work in schools and the community. Awardees may use the funds to register for classes at accredited colleges, universities, or trade and technical schools. Applicants must be PTA members and graduates of a California high school between January 1 and June 30 of the current academic year.
- Dr. Ralph E. White Graduating Senior Scholarship ($500)
- In honor of Dr. Ralph E. White and his wife, Eleanor, this award grants $500 each to two recipients of the Volunteer Service Scholarship who plan to pursue a career in the medical field.
Eligibility and timing
- The 2026 Graduating High School Senior Scholarship application window will reopen in the fall. Applicants must be PTA members and graduating from a California high school within the current academic year (between January 1 and June 30).
- All applicants will be informed of their status in March or early April. Scholarship recipients will receive a congratulatory letter, a California State PTA recognition certificate, and a check.
Application checklist — required materials
Be sure to include the following with your application:
- Proof of current PTA membership.
- A detailed essay that answers the application questions fully, describing your PTA involvement, volunteer service to other organizations or individuals, career objectives, work experience, and any additional information you believe the selection committee should consider.
- Two completed reference forms and accompanying letters written specifically for this application:
- Reference 1: a community volunteer leader who is not related to you and with whom you volunteered.
- Reference 2: a member of your high-school faculty.
If you have questions about the application or requirements, contact California State PTA for guidance before submitting.