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Social Justice Scholarship

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Kelly Younger started this scholarship in 2004 in honor of her Godmother, Julia Villarroel who is a Bolivian immigrant and dedicated her life to working hard and loving her children here in the United States. Kelly is passionate about supporting immigrants as a social justice effort. This scholarship benefits current graduating seniors of a school in the Sequoia Union High School District or East Side College Preparatory in East Palo Alto, CA. Graduates of Menlo-Atherton High School or Eastside College Preparatory are preferred. Students must have a demonstrated interest in and activities towards social justice causes, especially in support of immigrants. Demonstrated financial need is required.

Key Information

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age/Grade Level:
    Current graduating senior of a school in the Sequoia Union High School District or East Side College Preparatory in East Palo Alto, CA.
  • Minimum GPA:
    2.50
  • Financial Need:
    Required
  • Character Traits:
    Demonstrated interest in social justice issues and desire to continue to be involved in social justice efforts during college
  • Citizenship:
    Non-US citizens and undocumented students are eligible
  • School:
    Current graduating senior of a school in the Sequoia Union High School District or East Side College Preparatory in East Palo Alto, CA. Preference will be given to graduates of Menlo-Atherton High School or Eastside College Preparatory.
  • College:
    Planning to enroll in a two or four-year college or university
  • Extracurricular:
    Demonstrated interest in social justice issues and desire to continue to be involved in social justice efforts during college. Examples of demonstrated interest include community service, school activities, and leadership opportunities taken over their high school career
  • Miscellaneous:
    Preferred applicants will have a demonstrated interest in immigrant-oriented social justice and/or are an immigrant themselves and/or were raised in a first-generation immigrant family.

Application Details

  • Transcript:
    Required
  • Resume/Activity List:
    Required
  • Essay:
    (Sign and date your Personal Statement)Include a typed personal statement (approximately 2-3 pages, double-spaced). In the statement, you should describe:What social justice means to applicant and why it is important to youPersonal experience with challenges and social injustices that motivate your current interest in social justicePreviously demonstrated involvement in social justiceHow you plan to continue to advocate for social justice as a student and in the future If applicable, explain how your academic major or career field of study will be used toward social justice efforts.
  • Recommendation Letters:
    Provide at least one letter of reference.Letter must be from an adult in students life who can attest to their character qualities and likelihood to succeed in their future efforts toward social justice. For example, letter can be from: students teacher or academic advisor, a work or volunteer supervisor, a youth leader or personal acquaintance, and coaches. All letters must be signed and dated. Photocopies are acceptable.
  • Other Materials:
    A completed application form;Please describe any special circumstance that may affect you or your familys ability to pay for college (medical, divorce, unemployment, child support, remittances/supporting other family members financially, extensive debt, etc. other). Attach additional page if necessary;FAFSA or enclose a summary of information from your CA Dream ACT application that includes your EFC, or If you did not apply for federal financial aid or CA Dream ACT, enclose a copy of the first two pages of your parents or guardians most recent Tax Form 1040 (or your own if you are not a dependent) and a brief explanation of why you did not apply for government or CA Dream ACT financial aid.

Contact Information