Students can apply for scholarships online at the Cosumnes River College website, under Los Rios Scholarships until March 7.
Once a general application is filled out, students will be matched with the scholarships they qualify for and that are related to their needs and area of study.
More than 70 scholarships are open and currently offered to students, each with its own specific requirements. According to the Los Rios Colleges Foundation, to qualify for a scholarship at CRC, students must have completed at least six units and have a GPA of 2.5.
Student Support Assistant Pong Lor said, if students do meet the requirements, he recommends that they apply.
Lor encouraged students to utilize scholarship opportunities, because not enough students apply.
“Sometimes you might get lucky and be the only student who does apply for it,” Lor said.
The Scholarships that are offered range from $250 to up to $6,400.
Lor said the money is there to help students achieve their educational goals, and he urges students to apply now, while it is still early in the scholarship season.
Many scholarships require an essay written by the applicant, or a letter of recommendation.
The Veterans scholarship awards $2,000 to students and requires a provided veterans status and a letter of recommendation from a previous teacher or academic counselor.
Lor said he has already helped a few students apply for scholarships that required references.
“It does make a difference on your education,” Lor said.
Allahna Green, a 20-year-old undeclared major, said she is considering applying for scholarships, but is still exploring her options.
There is a wide variety of scholarships available on the Los Rios Colleges Foundation, each tailored to meet the specific needs of students and help with educational costs.
The Trailblazer scholarship awards $500 for students in non-traditional majors and asks that students describe why they chose their major and why it is not a traditional area of study.
Green said scholarships are a good option for students to receive assistance while also being able to build the skills necessary for one’s academic success.
Kaitlin Ngo, a 21-year-old early childhood education major, said scholarships are a good way for students to start setting academic goals for themselves.
The Hawk Scholars scholarship awards $500 for formerly incarcerated students in the re-emerging scholars program and aims to help students reach their goals while earning their degrees.