Scholarship application portal eases submissions, fuels opportunities
More than 30 scholarships are available to students for the 2024-25 academic year, thanks to the Common Application portal, which was recently launched by the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF). Eligible students can now be matched with a variety of scholarship opportunities with just one application.
The portal streamlines the application process while maximizing an individual’s chances to successfully land a scholarship. The initiative reflects IECF’s ongoing commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of youth through the generosity and long-term vision of its donors.
"We are incredibly proud to offer such a robust scholarship program that caters to the diverse needs of our students," says Denisha Shackelford, IECF programs manager. "With the rising cost of education, these scholarships can be life-changing for many students, allowing them to focus on their studies and achieve their dreams."
And save some time. The new Common Application portal eliminates the need for multiple applications, reducing the amount of time and effort experienced in a general scholarship application process. One of the most unique aspects is that the system can effectively match applicants with relevant scholarships across a variety of categories, based on their individual qualifications.
Those categories range from graduating high school seniors, current college students and adult re-entry students to students pursuing four-year universities, community colleges and career or technical colleges as well as those seeking financial assistance. Students pursuing specific fields of study are also part of the mix.
"Our donors understand the challenges students are facing today," Shackelford says. "Their generosity fuels our commitment to expanding educational access and fostering success for all."
The scholarships being offered should spark interest. Cardenas Markets Scholarship, for instance, is geared to “undocumented students dreamers” attending colleges and/or universities, who are graduating high school seniors.
Desert Outreach Foundation Scholarship gives students residing in the Coachella Valley who are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree a shot at new opportunities.
The Castro/Falk Scholarship Fund of the Coachella Valley provides scholarships to students who are current or former residents of Riverside County.
Several other scholarships lean into diversity, such as the Ruth Schroff Scholarship for outstanding Black or Hispanic/Latino students residing in Riverside or San Bernardino counties.
The deadline to apply for most IECF scholarships through the portal is 5 p.m. PST, April 15. Applicants will be notified by June 1.
Shackelford encourages all eligible students to begin the application process early. For those seeking support, IECF offers both internal and external resources. Team members are on hand to assist should any technical difficulties arise. Another perk is that a network of local organizations will provide free college guidance services. These partners include BLU Educational Foundation, Promise Scholars, Making Hope Happen Foundation, OneFuture Coachella Valley and Upward Bound through California State University, San Bernardino.
Scholarship opportunities are just one of the many diverse components making up IECF, which was established in 1941. Today, IECF is the oldest community foundation in Inland Southern California. Its mission remains rooted in “fostering racial, gender and economic equity,” and over the span of more than 80 years, the foundation has become a valuable regional ally if not a transformative force in local communities. Its collaboration with donors of all sizes funnels more than $35 million in gifts and distributes more than $24 million in grants and scholarships.
For a complete scholarship listing and to apply, visit iegives.org/students/overview. Students can also submit questions directly to scholarships@iegives.org.
For donors and businesses interested in launching a scholarship fund, contact Brie Griset Smith, senior vice president of charitable giving, at bgrisetsmith@iegives.org.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Scholarship application portal eases submissions, fuels opportunities
