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Crain Educational Grants Program

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Through Mrs. Crain's will, this scholarship was started in 1987 in memory of Dr. R. Carter Crain and Mildred E. Crain. This scholarship was intended to benefit high school graduates who wish to further their study but have limited financial means. Students must demonstrate academic promise, perseverance, honesty, good judgment and commitment to serving the community. Applicants must be planning to enroll or enrolled in a four-year college or university as a full-time student.

Key Information

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age/Grade Level:
    Graduating high school senior or graduate of a public or private high school.
  • Minimum GPA:
    3.50
  • Financial Need:
    Required
  • Character Traits:
    The selection committee looks for academic promise, documented perseverance in activities outside the classroom, characteristics such as honesty, good judgment and commitment to serving the community.
  • Citizenship:
    United States citizen.
  • School:
    Graduating high school senior or graduate of a public or private high school in San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
  • College:
    Planning to enroll or enrolled in a four-year college or university as a full-time student
  • Extracurricular:
    Commitment to serving the community.

Application Details

  • Judging Criteria:
    Award selection will be based on the applicant's academic promise, documented perseverance in activities outside the classroom, the quality of the personal statement and personal characteristics such as honesty, good judgment and commitment to serving the community.
  • Transcript:
    Required
  • Resume/Activity List:
    Required
  • Essay:
    Signed and Dated Personal StatementUpload a typed Word doc or PDF personal statement of at least 500 words, but no longer than 850 words (approximately 2-3 pages, double-spaced). Title the statement with your last name, first name and middle initial. In the statement, you must address the following prompts:Describe your short- and long-range goals and how furthering your education will assist you in reaching those goals.Comment on the personal characteristics, educational and extracurricular activities that have helped prepare you for college. For college students: Comment on the personal characteristics, your college courses and current extracurricular activities that you are involved in which will help you prepare for your intended career. Reflect on your personal journey (significant accomplishments, challenges and/or hardships) and any life lessons that you think will or have help(ed) you succeed in college.Indicate why you believe you are a good candidate for the specific scholarship(s) for which you are applying.
  • Recommendation Letters:
    Letters of ReferenceInclude the name and email address of two recommenders. Ask the recommender before providing their information. Your two letters of reference must be signed and dated. You must obtain a recommendation from both a:Teacher or academic advisor on school letterhead.Volunteer or work supervisor, community leader or personal acquaintance. (Letters from work or volunteer supervisors must be on the organizations letterhead. Personal acquaintance letters cannot come from parents or relatives.)
  • Other Materials:
    A completed online application;Financial Need Documentation: Upload a PDF of your 2017-2018 Student Aid Report (SAR). This must include the summary of your answers to the FAFSA and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Updated information regarding the FAFSA application can be found online at https://fafsa.ed.gov/.

Contact Information