SCAG Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Southern California Association of Governments

Eligibility Criteria for the Program

Residential Status

Applicants must be residents of the SCAG region, which includes Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura counties, or Tribal Lands within the SCAG region. Additionally, they must be eligible to work in the United States. If an applicant progresses to the semi-finalist stage, they may be required to provide proof of their work eligibility in the United States.

Educational Status

Applicants should either be graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in a two-year community college within the SCAG region. It is mandatory for graduating high school seniors to enroll in higher education, either a two- or four-year college or university, immediately after their high school graduation. A gap year is not permissible.

Academic Performance

Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, based on a 4.0 unweighted scale.

Application Process

Interested students must submit an online application for the SCAG Scholarship Program. The application should include the following:

• A minimum 500-word essay outlining their interest in urban planning, public policy and/or public service, and their future career goals.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals (not related to the applicant) who can vouch for their leadership skills and interest in public service.
• Current academic transcripts. For community college students, both high school and community college transcripts are required.

Applications that demonstrate a keen interest in urban planning, public policy, public service, or related majors such as environmental planning, engineering, and political science will be given priority.

Additional Opportunities

While not a requirement, interested applicants have the opportunity to intern or visit the SCAG offices in Los Angeles to attend a Regional Council meeting. For more information, students can reach out to the SCAG Scholarship Program Coordinator.