You might not know that the Oscar Grant Foundation emerged from tragedy—a BART police officer’s fatal shooting of an unarmed 22-year-old in 2009. Oscar Grant’s mother transformed her grief into action, establishing an annual gala that raises scholarship funds for East Bay students. If you’re an Alameda or Contra Costa County high school student with a 2.5 GPA or higher, you’re eligible to apply by the May 1 deadline. But there’s more to this foundation than financial aid alone.
Key Takeaways
- The Oscar Grant Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to Alameda and Contra Costa county residents pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Scholarship applications open April 1, 2025, and close June 1, 2025, requiring an essay submission.
- Award amounts vary and are not based on financial need or academic merit but are distributed after application review.
- The foundation honors Oscar Grant’s legacy by empowering local youth and supporting access to higher education through scholarships.
- Community impact includes grief support, youth services, tutoring, and fundraising galas to sustain scholarship funding.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
To qualify for the Oscar Grant Foundation Scholarship, you’ll need to meet several key criteria that establish both your residency and educational status.
You must be a resident of Alameda or Contra Costa counties and a high school senior or current college student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, regardless of financial need or merit.
The application criteria include submitting an essay as part of the online application process, which opens April 1, 2025, and closes June 1, 2025.
Notification follows a review based on these criteria and essay requirements.
Honoring Oscar Grant’s Legacy Through Education
Although Oscar Grant’s life was tragically cut short, the foundation bearing his name actively preserves his legacy by fostering educational opportunities for local youth.
By providing scholarships to high school seniors and college students from Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation empowers you to overcome financial barriers and pursue higher education.
This legacy empowerment transforms Oscar Grant’s memory into tangible support, facilitating your access to college and honoring his impact in the community.
Through this commitment, the scholarship extends beyond funding—it sustains a movement that cultivates education as a tool for lasting social change.
Scholarship Award Details and Financial Support
While the amount of financial assistance provided by the Oscar Grant Foundation Scholarship varies, it is specifically designed to support students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree who reside in Alameda or Contra Costa counties in California. Scholarship funding is not based on financial need or academic merit, broadening access. Award distribution occurs after application review, with notifications sent post-deadline. Applicants must submit an essay and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
| Criteria | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Award Amount | Varies | No fixed sum |
| Eligibility | Alameda/Contra Costa residents | Bachelor’s degree seekers |
| Application Period | Apr 1–Jun 1, 2025 | Essay required |
| Award Distribution | Post-review | Based on eligibility |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 minimum | All applicants |
Community Impact and Foundation Initiatives
As the Oscar Grant Foundation channels its efforts beyond individual scholarships, it actively fosters community resilience and empowerment through a range of initiatives addressing both educational and social needs.
You’ll find its community outreach extends well beyond financial aid, building networks of support for young people affected by police violence.
Its educational empowerment initiatives include:
- Annual galas that raise scholarship funds and create space for mothers affected by police violence to share experiences.
- Youth services such as tutoring and school supplies giveaways to promote academic success.
- Grief support sessions to strengthen community healing and solidarity.
These combined efforts reinforce the Foundation’s holistic commitment to uplifting local youth in Alameda and Contra Costa counties through direct engagement and support.
How to Support and Engage With the Foundation
Supporting the Oscar Grant Foundation offers multiple pathways for community members to contribute meaningfully to its mission of empowering young Black men and fostering healing in communities affected by police violence.
You can choose from flexible donation options, including secure one-time or monthly contributions that directly fund scholarships covering school supplies, uniforms, and academic resources for recipients.
Beyond donations, engagement extends to participating in community events and annual gala celebrations that honor Oscar Grant’s legacy while raising awareness about reentry issues and supporting families impacted by police violence.
This involvement strengthens community ties and furthers the foundation’s advocacy goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Oscar Grant Foundation?
You’re supporting the Oscar Grant Foundation, which honors Oscar Grant’s legacy by advancing its Foundation Mission: empowering youth affected by the criminal justice system through education, community involvement, and annual scholarship funding.
Is the Niche $50,000 Scholarship Real?
The Niche $50,000 scholarship is often flagged in scam alerts due to unclear funding sources and overly generous offers that lack official backing. Always verify with credible organizations before applying to avoid fraudulent claims.
Who Is Eligible for AICF Scholarships?
You’re eligible for AICF scholarships if you’re a tribal member or descendant, have a 2.0 GPA, and plan full-time enrollment—think of eligibility as a bridge to opportunity. The scholarship application process is your next step.
How to Get 100% Free Scholarship?
You can get a 100% free scholarship by submitting a strong scholarship application and actively seeking all available funding opportunities, ensuring you meet every eligibility requirement and deadline for each award.
Conclusion
You can transform Oscar Grant’s legacy into a powerful force by applying for the Oscar Grant Foundation Scholarship, designed to break down financial barriers across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. With a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement, this scholarship offers essential support so you can pursue your Bachelor’s degree without the overwhelming burden of cost. It’s not just funding; it’s a guiding light of hope that fuels community resilience and ignites futures brighter than a thousand suns.