CACESF Scholarship Contest
Direct application
$2,500
3 winners
Eligibility
Education level
High school
About this scholarship
California high school juniors and seniors planning to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school within 12 months of graduation may enter this essay contest on managing college finances.
Three prizes of $2,500, $2,000, and $1,500 are awarded for first, second, and third place. Submit a 700 to 1,000 word essay; semi-finalists present their essays in person at the California Association of Collectors annual meeting, with travel expenses covered.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Original 700-to-1,000-word essay with word count noted at the top
- Essay must be between 700 and 1,000 words (word count must be noted at the top of the document)
- Typed in 12-point font, double-spaced
- Do not include personal information on any page of the essay
- Essay must be original work
- Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors enrolled in a California high school
- Must plan to attend an accredited public/private college, university, or trade school within 12 months of graduation
- Selected semi-finalists must create a video of themselves reading their essay for final judging
- Application deadline: January 31, 2026
- Essay must be typed in 12-point font and double-spaced.
- Do not include personal information on any essay page.
- Semi-finalists must create a video reading their essay for final judging.
- Essay topic: the importance of establishing and maintaining good financial credit during college years.