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OCC Annual Scholarships

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Scholarships for Continuing Students

Orange Coast College Scholarships are funded by generous donors to the Orange Coast College Foundation.  For information on how you can make a scholarship donation to support OCC students please contact the Foundation Office.

Orange Coast College scholarships are for current OCC students in all disciplines. Your scholarship application must be fully completed and electronically submitted by the deadline date. Be sure to read the Application Instructions below before applying.

The 2026/27 OCC Scholarship Application is closed. We will open the 2027/28 OCC Scholarships in mid-December.

If you have any questions, please contact the Scholarship Office 

(714) 432-5645 or e-mail the office at: Scholarship Office

  • Fill out the online application and follow the application instructions.
    • Your application will automatically be applied to qualified general scholarships. However, there may be a few additional scholarships that you may be qualified for, which require an additional essay as it pertains to that particular scholarship. Please follow the application instructions if you wish to apply for these additional scholarships. Be sure to apply every academic year from mid-December until the end of February.
  • Within the application, one reference is required. OCC Faculty, Staff, or administrators is preferred.  
    • Once you've entered their email address, the system will automatically send them your request.  They fill out the form electronically.  Once they submit the form the system will upload to your scholarship application.  You can log in to your application and check any time before the deadline date to see if your recommenders have completed your Reference Form. Deadline to submit is the same as the scholarship deadline. Make sure you ask them early.
  • Personal Essay --REQUIRED.
    • Type your Personal Essay directly onto your application.  However, it would be better if you gather your thoughts then type it on a Word document and copy and paste in to the scholarship application.
    • Limit your essay between 500 to 800 words using 12 pt. font. 
    • Do not use AI generated text or your application will be disqualified.
    • The essay should include additional information that will help us understand your experiences and motivations as they relate to your education goals: “Tell us about an academic or personal hurdle that requires persistence or problem-solving. How did you navigate it, and how has it shaped your approach to your education?”
    • Tip Sources for Essay:
 

Applying as a Continuing Students:

  • Must be returning to OCC Fall of 2026.
  • Completed at least 12 units with letter grades at OCC by the end of the Fall 2025.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, however GPA requirement varies among scholarships.
  • ​Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) units during the Spring 2026 at OCC.

Applying as a Transfer Students:

Must transfer to a four-year institution in the Fall 2026 or to a program not offered at OCC where a certificate or degree can be received. If you aren't sure you will be transferring, check with an OCC Counselor
  • ​Have completed 42 units or more by the end of the Fall 2025, with at least 24 of those units completed at OCC
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, however GPA requirement varies among scholarships
  • Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) units during the Spring semester 2026 at OCC. 
  • ​Have not previously applied as a "Transfer" student

Scholarship Award Disbursement Instructions

  1. Email a thank you letter to your donor AND email a copy to tnguyen1@occ.cccd.edu
  2. Proof of Enrollment. Attach a copy of your upcoming fall Class Schedule. 
    • Email tnguyen1@occ.cccd.edu a copy of the thank you letter and attach a copy of your fall class schedule with 6 units minimum enrolled.
    • Continuing OCC Students: Attach your My Class Schedule (Web Schedule Bill) from your “MyCOAST”.
    • Transfer Students: Your class schedule must have your name, name of the University, and total number of units enrolled.

 

Deadline to claim your award is November 30
Your award will be forfeited if you do not claim by the deadline date.

 

Please use thank you letter format below.

  • In a Word document: Include your purpose of the letter, educational goals & the importance of receiving the award, and thank the donor for the award.
  • Check your grammar errors and typos.
  • Be genuine and appreciate their kindness. Your words could influence their continuous support for future OCC students. 

 

*******************************************

 

[Date]

 

Dear Mr. or Ms. First and Last Name:

 

First paragraph:  Indicate the purpose of your thank you letter.

 Second paragraph:  Share about your educational goal and the importance of receiving the award.

 Third Paragraph:  Close by thanking the donor again and make a commitment to do well with their generosity. 

 

Sincerely,

 

[Sign your name]

 

[Type Your First & Last Name]

[Your OCC ID#]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip]

 

Please note: Your award check will be mailed to this address.  Make sure you include the apartment # if you have one. 

  • Application Deadline is midnight on 3/1/2026.
  • Applicants will be notified by OCC email of scholarship status in late April 2026.
  • Selected recipients are invited to attend the Honors Night event and all Scholarship Recipients will receive an invitation.
  • Instructions to receive the scholarship award will be emailed in June 2026.
  • Disbursement starts in August 2026 for the 2026/2027 academic year.
  • Disbursement of the scholarship award is contingent on fall semester enrollment.
  • Classes enrolled must be within the United States.
  • Deadline to claim your award is 10/31/2026.  Any unclaimed award by the deadline date will be forfeited.

Department Scholarships are generally selected by faculty of the department to be awarded at Honors Night. Be sure to ask your department faculty or Division Office about Department Scholarships.

Students applying for a Department Scholarship must also fill out an OCC Scholarship Application during the application period (mid-December until the end of February).

The due dates depend on the department.

Important points to remember while reviewing these opportunities.

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA required for most department scholarships
  • Scholarships are awarded based on funds available and may not be awarded each year
  • Selections are made via nomination, or an application process by the department.

OCC Departments