Thanks to a generous grant from Southern California Edison, Vecinos will award STEM Scholarships in 2025!

Award Details

Vecinos will award up to $5,000 in scholarships for 2025, with individual awards ranging from $500 to $5,000. Community college students are eligible for up to $500.

Scholarship Criteria

1. 2025 graduating high school senior
2. Have a Google account (free) to complete application and uploads
3. Attend SPHS or be a South Pasadena resident
4. Accepted as a full-time undergraduate student for Fall 2025
5. Authorize transcript release
6. Submit required color photo (neutral setting, no logos)
7. Complete full Google Forms application
8. Optional (though highly recommended): One letter of recommendation:
   1. Letter addressing student’s resilience, achievements, or character.  
   2. Letter will be anonymized by replacing student’s name with ID number. 
   3. Ask recommender to email from their (.edu) work email to vecinosdesopas@gmail.com.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Vecinos de South Pasadena is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. Our scholarship program is open to all eligible students regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or socioeconomic background. While our mission celebrates Latino culture, applicants do not need to be Latino to apply or receive a scholarship.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Sunday, May 4, 4 p.m.
• Awards Ceremony: May 31st, 9 a.m., South Pasadena Library Community Room
• Attendance Required: Awardees must be present to receive scholarship

Essay Prompts Summary

Applicants must respond to both prompts (500-750 words each):

1. STEM and Community Impact: Connect Latino culture to STEM career goals. 
2. Cultural Heritage and Innovation: Describe cultural influences on scientific approach

The complete prompt details and the full application can be found in the application, when the application period is open.