FAFSA & California Dream Act Scholarships Priority Deadline: March 2
High school seniors and college students in California should complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and fee waivers. The 2026–27 FAFSA/CADAA applications are open now, and the priority deadline for most state aid and scholarships in California is March 2, 2026. For FAFSA information, click here. For more information on the California Dream Act, click here.
Pan Am Association Scholarship
The Lakewood Pan American Association is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program to support local high school seniors pursuing college or trade school. Awards range from $750 to $2,000. Students living in Lakewood are encouraged to apply before the March 6 deadline. For more information, click here.
Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) Scholarship
Applications are open for the 2026 PEP College Scholarship, offering awards between $1,000 and $4,000 for students attending a two-year college, four-year university, or technical school. Open to Paramount residents and PUSD students with a minimum 2.0 GPA, the program is a partnership between the City of Paramount, Paramount Unified School District, and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. Apply by Tuesday, March 31 here or call (562) 220-2121 for more information.
Long Beach Non-Profit Creative Challenge
A Long Beach family foundation is offering a $50,000 grant for a collaborative idea pitched by at least two local nonprofits. The “Non-Profit Creative Challenge” invites 501(c)(3) organizations to think big and propose a creative project that benefits the city in any service area. Applications require only a one-page summary and up to five additional pages describing the concept, with submissions accepted through May 15, 2026.For more information, click here.