Vocational Scholarship Program

The Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Vocational Scholarship Program was established to assist students enrolled in an approved vocational or technical program of study. Scholarship awards are intended to assist students evidencing financial need and the desire to continue education or training.
Scholarship awards vary in amount depending on funds allocated to the Vocational Scholarship Committee each year. As a general guideline, scholarships are in the amount of $500 to $1,000 each.
Vocational Scholarships are:
The following criteria is used to evaluate applicants:
Currently Qualified Vocational Programs
How to Apply - Applications due by April 15, 2023
Download the Vocational Scholarship Application and follow the instructions. Vocational Scholarships are available through the various programs, instructors, financial aid offices, or by writing to the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz P.O. Box 497, Santa Cruz, 95061. Completed applications must be received postmarked by April 15 for our consideration and award decision May 15 of each year. Each Vocational Program will be awarded one, possibly two scholarships each year.
Any questions regarding the vocational programs or the applications can be answered by calling Michael Harrison (831) 428-4524 or Charles Eldridge, M.D. (831) 425-7776.
Scholarship awards vary in amount depending on funds allocated to the Vocational Scholarship Committee each year. As a general guideline, scholarships are in the amount of $500 to $1,000 each.
Vocational Scholarships are:
- Awarded to students enrolled in or who have been formally accepted into a full time approved vocational or technical program.
- Awarded primarily based on financial need
- To be used for tuition, equipment, or books and are sent directly to the college or training institution selected, to be credited to the student’s account.
The following criteria is used to evaluate applicants:
- Financial need
- Completed application - due by April 15, 2023
- Written essay – Content, grammar, spelling and neatness will be evaluated. The essay should be a one or two pages in length and detail the goals and aspirations of the applicant
- Interview – Personal or telephone interview may occur
- Community service activities
- Residency – Must be a resident for at least two (2) years in Northern Santa Cruz County (zip codes 95019 and 95076 are not eligible for consideration)
Currently Qualified Vocational Programs
- Aviation Careers – From Aircraft maintenance to career-oriented Pilot Training at Watsonville Airport, San Jose State or Gavilan College
- Automotive Technology – Santa Cruz Career Technical Education Program (CTEP) conducted at Santa Cruz High School
- Dental Assisting or Medical Assisting– Santa Cruz Career Technical Education Program (CTEP) conducted at Harbor High School
- Cabrillo College – CTE Programs including, but not limited to: Allied Health (Dental Hygiene, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Radiologic Technology); Engineering Technology; EMT/Fire Technology/Public Safety; Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, Criminal Justice; Human Services, or Music/Theater Arts
- Paramedic or EMT— Defib This EMT Program OR Santa Cruz County CTEP Applications for Rotary of Santa Cruz
How to Apply - Applications due by April 15, 2023
Download the Vocational Scholarship Application and follow the instructions. Vocational Scholarships are available through the various programs, instructors, financial aid offices, or by writing to the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz P.O. Box 497, Santa Cruz, 95061. Completed applications must be received postmarked by April 15 for our consideration and award decision May 15 of each year. Each Vocational Program will be awarded one, possibly two scholarships each year.
Any questions regarding the vocational programs or the applications can be answered by calling Michael Harrison (831) 428-4524 or Charles Eldridge, M.D. (831) 425-7776.

2023_voc_application_form.pdf |