ATASCADERO UNIFIED SCHOLARSHIP
The Atascadero Police Foundation (APF) values the importance of supporting our youth and fostering the development of future leaders who can make a meaningful difference in our community. The APF is proud to announce a new scholarship opportunity for Atascadero Unified School District seniors.
Established in 2026, the APF’s Community of Purpose Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to Atascadero Unified Students who demonstrate a commitment to community service, and leadership. This scholarship is designed to empower graduating seniors to achieve their goals, regardless of their chosen field of study.
By investing in our students, the APF seeks to inspire the next generation to become active, engage, and responsible citizens. We encourage all eligible seniors to apply and take the first step towards building a brighter future for themselves and our community.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:
*A current student from the Atascadero Unified School District.
*Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent.
*Maintain a satisfactory school attendance record.
*Be eligible for graduation or have graduated from high school on or before June of 2027.
*Must be pursuing a post graduation field of study such as a undergraduate degree, trade school or public service academy.
Applicants from all backgrounds and demographics are encouraged to apply.
Application Process:
1. Application Requirement:
Submit a completed APF Scholarship Award Application and all application materials per the Deadline and Submission Process.
2. Academic & Attendance Performance:
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent. Provide official transcripts or academic records as proof of academic performance and attendance records. If official transcripts are not available, unofficial copies of report cards may be substituted on a case-by-case basis. Proof of acceptance in an accredited two-year or four-year college or trade school.
3. Essay Requirement:
Submit a well-written essay (500-1000 words) on one of the provided topics. Essays will be evaluated based on originality, clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Applicants must submit all required materials and a 500-word essay on ONE of the following topics:
-Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
– Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you
happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or
motivated you?
-Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of
personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
4. Letters of Recommendation:
Provide at least two letters of recommendation from professors, academic advisors/school counselors, coaches, or supervisors who can attest to your leadership experience, character, and dedication to your intended field of study. Letters of recommendation may not be from a family member.
5. Provide a photograph of the applicant to be used in APF marketing if awarded a scholarship:
Photographs should be a headshot with a clear view of the applicant’s face, be taken in an appropriate setting that positively represents the applicant, in full color, and be suitable for APF scholarship publications.
6. Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement:
Demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama etc. experiences in the APF Scholarship Award Application. Applicants may choose to include a resume or additional written statement, however, it is not required and may not be submitted in place of the scholarship application form.
7. Deadline and Submission Process
All application materials must be submitted by March 1, 2025.
Applications should be submitted electronically through the Atascadero Police Foundation website.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
8. Selection Process:
A scholarship committee will review all applications and select the most deserving candidate/s based on the criteria outlined above.
Finalists may be contacted for additional interviews or to provide further
clarification on their application materials if needed.
Applicants will be personally notified by April 10,2027, and are encouraged to be available to attend the public awards announcement on April 26, 2025, 7:30 am-8:30 am in Paso Robles.
9. Award Amount and Disbursement:
The 2027 scholarships award up to $2,000 per recipient. The number of recipients will be determined by the Atascadero Police Foundation Board.
Funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient, to be used to cover tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses.
If awarded, the recipient of the scholarship award must provide the scholarship committee with proof of enrollment before having the scholarship dispersed. These funds will be distributed only if the recipient has fully complied with the foregoing eligibility requirements, meeting all rules and regulations. In the event a recipient does not enroll in the year the scholarship is awarded, they will reimburse the award to the APF Scholarship Fund.
10. Compliance with Terms and Conditions:
Scholarship recipients must agree to comply with any terms and conditions set forth by the Atascadero Police Foundation, including but not limited to providing periodic updates on academic progress and career goals.
11. Non-Discrimination Policy:
The scholarship selection process will be conducted without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Confidentiality:
All application materials and personal information provided by applicants will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for scholarship selection. Applicants grant the Atascadero Police Foundation, its representatives, and employees the right to take photographs of the applicant and their property in connection with the above-identified scholarship. Applicants authorize the Atascadero Police Foundation, its assigns, and transferees to copyright, use, and publish the same in print and/or electronically. Applicants agree the Atascadero Police Foundation may use such photographs with or without the applicant’s name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.
Note: These requirements are subject to change based on the discretion of the Atascadero Police Foundation. Applicants are advised to carefully review the specific guidelines and instructions provided by the scholarship provider before submitting their applications.