California CAC Educational Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by California Association of Collectors Inc.

If you’re a current junior or senior at a California high school and you’ll be attending an accredited public or private college, university, or trade school within 12 months of graduation, you’re eligible to apply for the CACESF scholarship contest. What to write - Essay prompt: Write an original essay on this topic — The importance of establishing and maintaining good financial credit during your college years. - Length and format: 700–1,000 words, typed in 12‑point font, double spaced. Put the essay’s word count at the top of the document. - Important: Do NOT put your personal information anywhere on the essay pages. Deadline and awards - Application deadline: January 31, 2026 - Awards: 1st — $2,500; 2nd — $2,000; 3rd — $1,500 Permissions and rules you should know - By submitting, both the applicant and a parent or guardian agree to all scholarship rules in the contest materials. - All entries become the property of the California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation (CACESF) and may be distributed, posted, or published—whole or in part—at the Foundation’s discretion. - Photographs or video of applicants at CACESF meetings may be taken and used by CACESF; media outlets may also be invited to those meetings. Selection process - A panel of scholarship readers will select three semi-finalists and notify them. - Each semi-finalist must create a video of themselves reading their essay; judges will use those videos to determine final placing. - The judges’ decision is final. Questions or help - See your college counselor, or call the CAC Office at (916) 929-2125. Final note from a teacher: take this seriously — plan your essay, watch your tone and structure, and proofread carefully. This is an opportunity to show clear thinking about an important life skill and to demonstrate your strongest writing. Good luck!