The New Horizons Scholarship Program helps families receiving housing assistance from the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz by offering scholarships of at least $1,000 to support their education.

To apply, you must meet these requirements:

• Be a member of a household currently receiving housing assistance from the Housing Authority.
• Be 18 or older or a high school senior.
• Be enrolled in or planning to attend a qualifying college, university, or training program.
• Submit a complete application with all required materials by the deadline.

[Click here] to view and print the New Horizons Scholarship Application, including the Application Material Checklist, Applicant Certification, and Statement of Policies.

Before applying, review the eligibility requirements and the list of qualifying schools and programs. The link at the top of this page will take you to the application packet, which includes a checklist of all required materials.

Read all instructions carefully and follow the checklist. Complete the application, write your essay, get a letter of recommendation, and submit everything by the deadline of May 31, 2025.

Complete the application by selecting the link at the top of this page.

Write a personal essay (typed is strongly recommended, 2-page max). Refer to the Application Material Checklist for essay prompts.

Submit one letter of recommendation from:

• A teacher, professor, academic advisor, or school counselor
• An employer, direct supervisor, or co-worker
• A community volunteer or athletic coach
• A personal acquaintance or friend

Note: Your letter will be scored based on its content and source. Encourage your recommender to highlight your strengths and achievements.

Provide proof of enrollment in a qualifying school or program for the 2025-2026 academic year. If not available at the time of application, submit it within 30 days of receiving your scholarship award notice.

Choose one of the following options to submit your completed application and required materials:

1. By Mail: Send your application to:
   Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz
   ATTN: New Horizons Scholarship Program
   2160 41st Avenue
   Capitola, CA 95010
2. In Person: Drop off your application at the Housing Authority office. A secure onsite mailbox is available.
3. By Email: Send your application to [email protected] with the subject line: New Horizons Scholarship Application.

Application Due Date: May 31, 2025

A minimum award of $1,000.

Funds are issued directly to the recipient and can be used for tuition, fees, books, computer equipment, and other educational materials.

The number of scholarships awarded each year depends on the number of eligible applicants and available funding.

After the submission period ends, Housing Authority staff will review all applications.

• Applicants earn points based on the type and length of their educational program, their essay, and their letter of recommendation.
• Bonus points may be awarded for community engagement and volunteering.
• All applicants will be notified in writing of their selection status within 6-8 weeks after the application deadline.

Scholarship recipients are selected without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

You will be notified in writing about your selection status.

Scholarship recipients can expect to receive notification 6-8 weeks after the application deadline.

Educational institutions and programs include but are not limited to

• Four-year University or State College
• Two-year Community or City College
• Graduate School
• Post Graduate Program
• Technical/Vocational School/Program
• Certificate Program

Explore additional scholarship opportunities to help fund your education. No matter your goals, the links below can connect you with scholarships that match your interests and provide valuable resources for your academic journey.

Cabrillo College
University of California, Santa Cruz
San Jose State University
California State University, Monterey Bay
Monterey Peninsula College
Gavilan College
Santa Cruz Community Foundation
Santa Cruz County Department of Education