for Oregon
Fostering diversity in leadership.
We’re working to make it easier for everyone to pursue education and chase their dreams. The Diversity in Leadership Scholarship was created to support Oregon students and make secondary education a little more accessible.
How it works.
This $25,000 scholarship fund is being administered through the Oregon Community Foundation’s scholarship program. There will be two new recipients each year, with awardees receiving $10,000 for their freshman year and $5,000 for each of the next three years of full-time enrollment, or until completion of degree (whichever comes first). When fully rolled out, the program is anticipated to fund $50,000 in scholarships each year to a class of eight students.
Who is eligible?
The scholarship was created for underrepresented and diverse Oregon high school graduates pursuing higher education in Oregon.
Students must be enrolling full-time for their freshman year at a Title IV–eligible school in Oregon.
Students can use their scholarships to attend a range of Oregon institutions, including apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, colleges, or universities.
How to apply.
- Download the scholarship application below to get started.
- Fill out the form with your school info, activities list, and academic accomplishments.
- Draft three 150-word personal statements in response to the essay questions.
- Send your completed application, personal statements, and school transcripts to the Oregon Community Foundation. The address is included in the scholarship application.
Scholarship applications open in November and are due April 1 each year.
Get to know our scholarship recipients.
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“This scholarship would be life-changing, as the first U.S. citizen born of my family, I am aware that through my education I can get to a place where I can continue to help and actually change things for immigrant populations in my community.”
Ashley Chavez
2023 scholarship recipient
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“Throughout history my people have been oppressed and silenced, especially in education. The Oregon College Savings Plan’s scholarship will help me to independently fund my own education and create a safety net for emergency situations, all while being loud and proud about the blood coursing through my veins.”
Dex Dumore
2023 scholarship recipient
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“I am the daughter of two Mexican immigrants who are agricultural workers, and will be the first person in my family to graduate high school and pursue a college education.
"I want my parents to see that each hour of their exhausting work has been worth it.”
Monserrat Beltran Juarez
2021 scholarship recipient
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“I pursue every available opportunity to reach my goals.
"Though financially college is a barrier for me, I know that with the help of the Oregon College Savings Plan’s scholarship and hard work my goals of gaining higher education will be accomplished.”
Zemzem Hussen
2021 scholarship recipient
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“The Oregon College Savings Plan scholarship will enable me to become the first independent female in my family line to finish a college degree and work towards medical school. My dream for the future is to build bridges between people of different backgrounds with my work, to show that our humanity can connect and tap into extraordinary feats of achievements when we learn how to collaborate.”
Mariam Qudoos
2022 scholarship recipient
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There’s more to education than college.
Education is important, but everyone’s path is different. Trade school, certificate programs, and apprenticeships can help students follow their dreams and find a fulfilling career. Explore educational paths beyond college, and find different ways to use the Diversity in Leadership Scholarship.
