Ford Scholars
We see your potential
Our Ford Scholars Program is an undergraduate scholarship available to promising high school seniors or recent high school graduates who work hard, have significant financial need and face barriers to higher education. Up to 130 renewable scholarships are awarded each year to students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
Ford Scholars by the numbers
83% are first-generation college students
74% are from rural communities
Scholarships for our programs include a renewable financial award of up to $40,000 per year.
The actual award amount is calculated based on several factors, including the student's financial need, the Cost of Attendance at their college of choice and additional scholarships received.
Ford Scholars are more than their GPA
Academic potential
Show an academic ability to be successful in college; curious and motivated to learn
Community engagement and service to others
Contribute to school, family and/or community; think and care about how they impact the world around them and take action to get involved
Work ethic
Demonstrate responsibility and initiative in skill-building and learning through experiences such as paid or unpaid work
Motivation and mindset
Believe success comes from one’s ability to grow and learn; rise to challenges and persist despite obstacles; willing to ask for help and utilize resources
The Ford Scholars experience
For students seeking a college degree in their home state of Oregon or California, the Ford Scholars Program covers expenses such as tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Specifically, the Ford Scholars Program includes:
Financial support
Personal and professional support
Lifetime connection with the Ford Family alumni community
Academic guidance
Leadership development
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Resident of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California
- Graduating high school senior, recent graduate, or equivalent, and never enrolled full time in a two- or four-year college program
- Goal to earn a bachelor’s degree
- Fall enrollment of application year, attending full time, on campus at a federally financial aid-eligible public or private (nonprofit) college, based in their home state of Oregon or California*
- Face significant barriers – financial and otherwise – to attending college
- A completed financial aid application
*Residents of Siskiyou County may attend Oregon Institute of Technology, Southern Oregon University or Klamath Community College if they qualify for in-state tuition. Online college education programs do not qualify.
HOW TO APPLY
FAQS
RESOURCES
Who are Ford Scholars?
Avery
High School: Weed High School
Major: Environmental/environmental health engineering
College: Humboldt State University
“I am the first generation in my family to ever apply and be accepted into college. This achievement took every ounce of leadership, perseverance and self-determination I could muster, and although the struggle is far from over, I am confident that I can overcome any challenge in my future.”
Tiffany
Major: Chemical engineering
College: Oregon State University
“In high school, I was in charge of grocery errands, picking up my brother and often looking after my younger cousins for my aunt. Thanks to that experience, I have mastered the skills of time management and communication which have helped me transition to college.”
Marco
Major: Economics
College: Linfield University
“During high school I acquired a job so that I could help my family by providing additional funds. I also helped my community by being the director and overseer of a project for my school that involves fixing front lawns. These experiences helped me understand the importance of helping others.”
Connect with us
Want to receive the latest scholarship news and information? Do you have questions about our scholarship programs? We're here for you. Please feel free to get in touch through the form below and our team will get back to you.
Scholarships contact form
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