Scholarship Program

Overview

SCAG Scholarship Program Banner Image

SCAG’s annual Scholarship Program supports students working toward long-term career goals in planning or public service. The program provides a $4,000 scholarship for up to eleven high school or community college students from the SCAG region interested in pursuing planning or public service‐related careers, two scholarship awards are supported by the California Transportation Foundation. Recipients may also have an opportunity to meet with their local government representatives and practicing planners to discuss the importance of urban planning and a future career in public service.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, comments, or need more information, please contact:
Rachel Wagner
Scholarship Program Coordinator
Telephone: (213) 236-1960
Email: wagner@scag.ca.gov

2024 Scholarship Program

Program Requirements

  • Residency: Must be a resident within the SCAG region (i.e., Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura counties, or on Tribal Lands within the SCAG region) and be eligible to work in the United States. Students may be asked to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States if selected as a semi-finalist. 
  • School Enrollment: Must be a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled in a two-year community college in the SCAG region. Graduating high school seniors must enroll in higher education (two- or four-year college or university) immediately following graduation from high school (i.e., no gap year).
  • GPA Minimum: Candidates must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher (based on a 4.0, unweighted scale).

Application Materials

  • Minimum 500-word essay describing your interest in urban planning, public policy and/or public service and future career goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation from (unrelated) individuals who can attest to your leadership ability and interest in public service.
  • Transcript(s) from the school where you are currently enrolled. Community college students must provide both high school and community college transcripts.
  • Completed online application.

Things to Consider When Applying

  • Application packages that demonstrate an interest in urban planning, public policy and/or public service and/or intended majors such as urban planning, environmental planning, engineering and/or political science will be prioritized over application packages that do not.
  • Internship opportunity and visit to SCAG: An internship or visit to SCAG offices in Los Angeles to attend a Regional Council meeting are not required. Interested candidates can contact SCAG’s Scholarship Program Coordinator for more information.

APPLY HERE

Applications are due electronically Friday, March 22.

Know an eligible student? Please share the 2024 Scholarship Program fact sheet with eligible students.