UC Santa Cruz Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award

Eligibility

• Enter UCSC as a new fall junior transfer from Cabrillo, Cañada, College of San Mateo, De Anza, Evergreen Valley, Foothill, Gavilan, Hartnell, Mission, Monterey Peninsula, San Jose City, Skyline or West Valley College.
• Demonstrate academic and extracurricular achievement, leadership, service, financial need and socioeconomic adversity.
• Applicants on nonimmigrant visas such as F-1 or J-1 are ineligible.

Requirements

• Submit the UC transfer application by November 30, 2026 and select the scholarship category for community college transfers who have overcome adverse socioeconomic conditions.
• Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027.
• For renewal, enroll in at least 12 units per quarter, maintain satisfactory academic progress, complete MyUCSC requested documents and accept the award each fall.

How to Apply

1. 1Apply to UCSC for fall 2027 and complete the appropriate scholarship-category and personal insight sections.
2. 2File the eligible financial aid application by the priority date and follow any instructions from your community college.
3. 3If selected, accept admission by the assigned deadline and complete award acceptance in MyUCSC before the end of fall quarter.