Scholarship Program

Promoting Higher Education, Economic Resilience and Stronger Communities​

The Sacramento County scholarship is a financial award for a student to further their education and is not required to be repaid. It is funded by employees and participating community members. ​

The African American Caucus in the Department of Human Assistance began providing opportunities for students in low-income families since 1998 and Sacramento County continues to give scholarships each year. Employees of Sacramento County raise funds annually to award college scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in Sacramento County. This collaborative college scholarship program is available to encourage graduating seniors from low-income families to pursue an education at an accredited college, university, or technical/trade school.

Begin applying: Monday, January 19, 2026

​Deadline: Friday, March 06, 2026​

2025 Scholarship Awardees

2025 Scholarship Awardees

Eligibility 

In order to be eligible for a DHA Scholarship, students must:

  • Currently live in Sacramento County.
  • Be a graduating high school senior from the class of 2026, entering a two-year or four-year accredited college, university, or technical/trade school.
  • Have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5.
  • Be on public assistance or meet DHA Scholarship Program income limits.
    • 2 of Persons and $80,518.00 Income Limits
    • 3 of Persons and $84,846.00 Income Limits
    • 4 of Persons and $89,174.00 Income Limits
    • 5 of Persons and $93,502.00 Income Limits
    • 6 of Persons and $97,830.00 Income Limits
    • 7 of Persons and $102,158.00 Income Limits
    • 8 of Persons and $106,486.00 Income Limits
    • 9 of Persons and $110,814.00 Income Limits
    • 10 of Persons and $115,142.00 Income Limits
    • Additional Person +$4,328.00 Income Limits

Income limits are based on Census Bureau Median Family Income and Earned Income Tax Credit Limits.

All criteria are subject to verification/proof of eligibility.

Eligibility for scholarships is without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

Note: Employees of Sacramento County and their families are not eligible.

 

How To Apply

The Sacramento County Scholarship shall be applied toward educational expenses in any field of study at an accredited college, university, or technical, or trade school.
​
You may inquire at your local high school resource center/counselor's office for help obtaining information.

Download the Department Human Assistance Scholarship Application 

Complete the application and 

  1. All applications must include the following: 
    • ​Official stamped high school transcript(s). Copies will not be accepted.
    • Two letters of recommendation from references who can comment on student's leadership/academic abilities (at least one must be from a teacher).
    • Acceptance letter or proof of enrollment. Scholarship check will not be issued until proof of acceptance is provided.
    • ​​Verification of income. Submit current verification of public assistance. If not on public assistance, submit IRS tax form 1040 for 2025.
    • Essays must be typed and have at least 800 words.
  2. Students must title their essay and indicate the essay question they are answering.
  3. Applicant and parent/guardian must sign the application.
  4. Application must be submitted by Friday, March 06, 2026.

 

Where to submit the application package?

Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Please answer all questions and provide all requested documentation.

All information will remain confidential and will not affect the household's financial assistance.​

Submit the application package here.

 

FAQs

​You do not need to be enrolled in college to apply; however, you will need to provide proof of application and acceptance letter in order for your application to be complete. Furthermore, if you are chosen to receive a scholarship, you must provide proof of enrollment before the funds are issued.​

  • ​You may ask for help printing a hard copy of the application at your local school resource center or counselor's office.
  • You can email DHA-Scholarship-Applications​. Be sure to leave your full name, phone number, mailing address and preferred email address.
  • You can also print at your local library for a reasonable price.

No, as part of the scholarship procedure, we require that students apply for themselves, using their own words and experience. ​

Yes, there are other resources that can be applied for in addition to the Sacramento County scholarship. You can view some of these resources on the Resources ​tab of the Sacramento County Scholarship website.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at DHA-Scholarship-Applications. Be sure to leave your full name, phone number, mailing address and preferred email address and someone can get back to you within 5 business days.

Additional Resources

Donations 

We thank everyone for their contributions. They do not go without notice.

If you would like to donate, you can email:

Your donation today will help us achieve our goal of creating opportunities of higher education for students in low-income families.​