1. What percentage of college expenses are covered by a $16,000 Great Expectations Award?

2. Which colleges can East Bay College Fund Scholars attend?

3. How do I sponsor a scholarship? When are the amounts due?

4. How can I financially support East Bay College Fund if I cannot afford a full scholarship?

5. How are the the scholarships disbursed to students?

6. Can any high school student apply for a scholarship?

7. How does the mentoring program work?

8. How are East Bay College Fund Scholars chosen?

1. What percentage of college expenses are covered by a $16,000 Great Expectations Award?

Average annual costs for a public university are approximately $20,000. This figure includes tuition (est. $2,500 - $6,000), room and board, books, supplies, and other student expenses. East Bay College Fund-targeted students typically receive a variety of financial aid (grants, etc.) that covers approximately 60% of these costs. The $16,000 Great Expectations Award ($4,000 annually) covers a substantial portion of the remaining gap. As a result, students can reduce required loans and/or reduce their work schedules.

2. Which colleges can East Bay College Fund Scholars attend?

Students can attend the four-year college/university of their choice in the US. Current scholars attend a range of schools including: UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, Loyola Marymount, Mills College, UC Berkeley, Smith College, and Stanford University.

3. How do I sponsor a scholarship? When are the amounts due?

You can fund a $16,000 scholarship individually; you can form a group of family members, friends or colleagues to fund a scholarship; or you can enlist a business, social or other organization to support the scholarship. The full $16,000 may be funded up-front or donated over a four-year period. 100% of scholarship-designated contributions are disbursed to Scholars. Administrative funds are raised separately. East Bay College Fund is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donate

4. How can I financially support East Bay College Fund if I cannot afford a full scholarship?

Consider forming a group to fund a full scholarship (see item 3 above). Or, you can donate any amount to our General Fund that supports our scholarship programs, mentoring, and covers administrative costs. Donate

5. How are the scholarships disbursed to students?

Scholarship checks are distributed directly to Scholars at the beginning of each semester ($2,000 disbursed twice a year for four years). Students use their scholarship only for education-related expenses, and East Bay College Fund verifies student need for on-going financial support. To preserve annual scholarship eligibility, students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 grade point average, attend college full time, and maintain regular contact with their East Bay College Fund mentors and donors.

6. Can any high school student apply for a scholarship?

East Bay College Fund currently awards scholarships to students who will be graduating from public high schools in the Oakland Unified or Emeryville School Districts. In the future, eligible high schools may be expanded to include other East Bay communities. See scholar selection criteria for more details.

7. How does the mentoring program work?

Volunteer mentors are selected from the community to help Scholars succeed in college. Mentors are trained and supported by East Bay College Fund and spend 3-5 hours a month communicating and working with their Scholars. We endeavor to match mentors with Scholars based on a variety of factors, including academic and career interests, and background. Learn more

8. How are East Bay College Fund Scholars chosen?

See scholar selection process for more information.