Scholarships for 2025-2026 at Copper Mountain College will open April 1, 2025
Copper Mountain College’s scholarship application opens April 1st each year with a single online application for the following academic year. Due date is June 30th. Over 25 individual scholarships are awarded based on this application. A college-wide committee reviews the applications and announces scholarship recipients by August 31st.
Other Scholarships are offered from outside organizations but have their own unique criteria. Take a look and apply to any you qualify for.
Scholarship Application Rules of Thumb
- Read each scholarship’s specific qualifications thoroughly. You must meet ALL qualifications for each scholarship you select. If you do not meet even one of the qualifications, you do not qualify for that scholarship.
- Make sure you have the absolute minimum cumulative GPA for each scholarship selected.
- Make sure the number of units needed for each scholarship is the number you completed in the fall or you will complete in the spring.
- Some scholarships ask for reference letters. Use professional references only; no relatives or friends!
- If a specific scholarship requires additional information or a separate essay, make sure you complete that requirement and submit it with your application.
- Make sure your application is completely filled out. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
Clear, Concise Essay or Answering Questions
When answering application questions or writing an essay, make sure your answers and essay are well-thought-out, clearly written, and incorporate your life experiences. You should include work experience.
Clearly make a statement in your answers, and be sure that your answer directly addresses the questions posed.
Follow Instructions Carefully
All scholarships do not have the same requirements. Some require essays. Many have a minimum GPA. Others require minimum unit completion in the current and previous semesters.
Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications for that scholarship are disqualified. Make sure you answer all questions on the application thoroughly. You’re more likely to receive a high score if you follow directions precisely. If you don’t follow the application directions, your application will be disqualified.
Available Scholarships at CMC & Requirements
The scholarships listed below may be added or deleted from the list each year, according to availability. All CMC scholarships require a completed online application. Some scholarship require additional essays or materials to be completed. Read the instructions carefully.
- Academic Merit Scholarship
Qualifications
- You completed a minimum of 12 degree-applicable/transferable units at CMC.
- You will complete 12 units, per semester, during the upcoming academic year.
- Your current cumulative CMC GPA is 3.5 or higher for degree-applicable/transferable units.
Application Requirements
- Attached is a one-page essay answering the question “How do I personally demonstrate the value of education and learning?”
- Attached is a separate page listing the activities, programs, and organizations you have been active in on campus and/or in the community.
- Attached is a separate page discussing why you should be chosen as the Academic Merit Scholarship winner.
- Art Mitz Social Sciences Scholarship
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- You are pursuing an Associate degree in Social Sciences (Anthropology, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science).
- Your current GPA is 3.00 or higher.
- Byerrum Business and Accounting Scholarship
Qualifications
- Your cumulative GPA (from all colleges attended) is 3.0.
- Your CMC major is Business Administration or Accounting.
- You have unmet financial needs.
Application Requirements
- Attached is a paragraph explaining your career goals.
- Cathy Allen Artist Scholarship
Qualifications
- You are pursuing an Associate degree in Art History or Studio Arts at CMC.
- Yourcurrent CMC GPA is 3.00 or higher.
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
Application Requirements
- Attach a short essay explaining your journey on how you overcame challenges so you could study Art.
- Classified Senate Scholarship
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- Your current CMC GPA is 2.50 or higher.
- CMC Faculty Scholarship
Part of the Osher Initiative for California Community College Students
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- Your current GPA is 2.00 or higher.
- You have completed a minimum of 24 degree-applicable cumulative units.
- Your course completion rate at CMC is at least 50% or higher.
- You’re pursuing an Associate in Science (AS) or Associate in Arts (AA).
- You qualify for the California Promise Grant
- You have unmet financial needs
Application Requirements
- You must attach unofficial transcripts for units completed outside of CMC
- IE Community Foundation Pooled Scholarship Master Fund
The Inland Empire Community Foundation Pooled Scholarship Master Fund
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- You are a permanent resident of Riverside or San Bernardino County.
- Your current CMC GPA is 3.0 or higher, or 2.75 if enrolled in technical training.
- You have unmet financial needs.
- George Floyd Scholarship Fund
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- You are a Person of Color.
Application Requirements
- Attached is a separate page discussing:
- What motivated you to apply for the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship?
- What are your dreams and goals for the future after you complete your degree?
- What would help you to complete your college education?
- What are your goals for your family?
- Glenda and Jay Haislip Memorial Scholarship
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- Your cumulative GPA (from all colleges attended) is 3.0.
- You receive services from ACCESS.
- Jeff Tabor Memorial EMT Scholarship
Qualifications
- You are enrolled in the EMT Program at CMC.
- Your cumulative GPA is 3.0.
- You have unmet financial needs.
Application Requirements
- Attached is a paragraph explaining my career goals.
- Lena T. Pond Fund Scholarship
Through The Inland Empire Community Foundation
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- You are enrolled in CMC’s VN or RN program.
- You are a permanent resident of Riverside or San Bernardino County.
- Your current CMC GPA is 2.75 or higher.
- You have unmet financial needs.
- Molly Adams Endowed Scholarship
Through Inland Empire Community Foundation
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- You receive services from ACCESS.
- You are a permanent resident of Riverside or San Bernardino County.
- Rene Willard Memorial Scholarship
Qualifications
- You are a Student Worker at CMC.
- Your current CMC GPA is 3.00 or higher.
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- You are pursuing an Associate degree in Business Administration or an IS-related field (CIS, CS, CP).
- You have unmet financial needs.
- Sergeant Dominic Vaca Memorial Scholarship
Qualifications
- You will complete 12 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- Your current CMC GPA is 3.0 or higher.
- Your CMC major is Criminal Justice or Administration of Justice.
Application Requirements
- Attached is a separate page addressing: What motivated you to apply for the Sergeant Dominic Vaca Memorial Scholarship?and What are your goals for the future after you complete your degree?
- Southern California Edison STEM Scholarship
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- Your current CMC GPA is 2.50 or higher.
- You are pursuing an Associate degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, or Mathematics.
- Trisha Laubenstein Elementary School Teacher Scholarship
Qualifications
- You are a current student taking at least 6 units at CMC.
- Your cumulative GPA (from all colleges attended) is 3.0.
- Your CMC major is Elementary Teacher Education.
Application Requirements
- Attached is a one-page essay on “Why I want to be an elementary school teacher.”
- Trustees Gilbert and Lombardo Scholarship
Qualifications
- You will complete 6 units per semester during the upcoming academic year.
- You are a non-traditional student, i.e. 25 years of age or older.
Application Requirements
- Attached is a one-page essay on the topic: How do you envision your life five years from now and how could this scholarship contribute to you achieving your goals?
Other Application Tips
- Apply Only if You Qualify
This is critical! Many students are disqualified for a scholarship because they do not meet the minimum requirements for that scholarship. If a scholarship requires an applicant to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. If you have a cumulative GPA of 2.8, don’t bother applying – you will be disqualified.
Review all of the scholarships and their requirements. Apply for every scholarship you qualify for. The committee tries to award scholarships to as many students as possible.
- Begin Early, Finish Early
Once you determine which scholarships to apply for, begin completing your application immediately. Set a self-imposed deadline of two weeks prior to the official deadline. This safeguard will help you submit your application on time. By beginning your application early, you’ll have time to polish your application, and not throw it together at the last possible minute, giving you a better quality submission.
- Proofread Your Application
It is always a great idea to proofread your application. You may want to “lay down” your application for a day and come back to it another day – you may find errors you otherwise would not have caught when you were tired. Correct spelling and grammar errors, and if you’re not sure, ask someone else to proofread it for you.
- Neatness Counts
Neat and well-organized applications are more professional than sloppily prepared applications and are viewed more favorably by the Committee.
Scholarship award selections are competitive. Treat your scholarship application materials as if you are applying for a job. You want to make the best impression possible.
- Selecting References
Think carefully about who knows you best when selecting your recommenders and give each of them plenty of time to write you a strong letter of recommendation.
Inform them of the requirements of the scholarship and ask them to address how you match the selection criteria. Don’t forget to check in with your recommenders at least a week before a deadline and make sure they are aware of all deadlines.
Once they write up a reference, send them a thank you note! Writing a good letter of recommendation is hard work, and you should let them know you appreciate their hard work!
- What Not To Do
- Do not wait until the last day or week to complete your application.
- Do not write too much or too little.
- Do not write a “cheerleading” statement. Focus on your specific strengths and achievements with examples of what you have done rather than vague references to yourself.
- Do not write negative comments or criticism; although being honest about yourself is important, reviewers take negative comments very seriously. This could impact the overall ranking of your essay.
- Do not rely on spell check for grammar and spelling. Work with an editor on every aspect of the content and structure of your essay.
- Do not lie or exaggerate.
Notification of Winners
Once you finish and submit your application, the next thing to do is wait. There are a few things you should know if you are awarded and how you are notified.
How & When Are the Winners Notified?
You will receive an award letter via email by August 31st.
How Is the Scholarship Award Applied?
The scholarship recipients must be enrolled in classes at CMC by the fall of the upcoming school year. The scholarship is only applied to the academic year it is awarded. If you do not attend in the fall or spring, that portion of your scholarship is forfeited. If you do not attend in the fall and spring, your entire scholarship is forfeited. Should you receive an award letter, there will be directions on how your scholarship award is disbursed.
Thank You Notes
If you receive a scholarship, be sure to write a thank you note. Copper Mountain College alumni and friends provide scholarships to help pay for your education because they believe students like you can make a difference in the world. It is important to give credit and thanks where it is due. This ensures that generous alumnae and donors are acknowledged for all they do to promote their Alma Mater’s future.
Copper Mountain College Foundation
PO Box 1398
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Donors ask for nothing in return, however, receiving a well-written thank you letter from a student is always special and lets the donor know that his or her scholarship was greatly appreciated. Your letter reminds them why they gave in the first place and often helps secure continuing gifts for future students.
Scholarship FAQs
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to our FAQ section. You’ll more than likely find an answer to any of your burning questions here.
- Can a Student Outside Copper Mountain College Apply?
You must be enrolled at Copper Mountain College to receive a CMC scholarship. CMC scholarships are only awarded to students attending CMC. However, new students are encouraged to apply. Enrollment will be verified before awarding the scholarship. We are a community college and this is one way we can support our students.
- Can I Apply Online?
All CMC scholarship applications are completed on an online platform. Applications are open April 1 – June 30 each year.
- Why Do I Need Reference Letters?
CMC would like to hear more about you, academically and personally, from two different people. The purpose of a reference letter from your current instructor is to give the committee insight into you as a student. A reference letter from an employer, pastor, or other person helps CMC see you as an employee or a community member.