California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

Introduction
The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program. A minimum of six scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors graduating in 2026. Recipients may pursue any field of study. Download and complete the application to apply.

Scholarship awards
- Four‑year campus (University of California or California State University applicant): $8,000
- Two‑year campus (any California community college applicant): $2,000

Application deadline: All materials must be received by midnight, Friday, February 27, 2026.

Who is eligible (general CAWG Foundation scholarships)
- Must be a high school senior graduating in 2026. Students already enrolled in college are not eligible for these general scholarships.
- Applicant must be the child of a parent or legal guardian who was employed by a California vineyard during the 2025–2026 winegrape growing season.
- If the parent/guardian is a California winegrape grower (owner/operator) rather than an employee, the applicant may request an eligibility waiver based on financial need. To request a waiver, include a letter describing financial need with your application packet.
- Children of current directors or employees of the CAWG Foundation are not eligible.

Application requirements (general scholarships)
To be considered, submit a complete packet that includes:
- Completed application form.
- Official high school transcript.
- One signed letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal/administrator, or school counselor. The letter must include the recommender’s signature, title, address, and telephone number.
- A current photo (for example, your senior portrait).
- Confirmation that you plan to enroll at a University of California, California State University, or California Community College in the fall of 2026.
- A 500‑word essay (see guidance below).

Selection criteria (general scholarships)
The CAWG Foundation board selects recipients using these five factors:
1. Financial need.
2. Academic achievement.
3. Community involvement and leadership and/or employment (this may include community service, paid work that contributes to the California economy, or participation in sports that demonstrate character and leadership).
4. Personal determination and drive to succeed.
5. Quality of the required 500‑word essay.

Essay guidance (500 words)
Your essay should introduce who you are, explain your financial situation, outline your career goals, and describe how you intend to contribute to your community. You may address some or all of the following prompts (you are not required to answer each one):
- Describe your family circumstances and financial need.
- Is college attendance common in your family?
- Why do you wish to continue your education?
- Describe extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience.
- How would this scholarship affect your ability to continue your education?
- What accomplishments are you most proud of?
- What are your career goals and an estimated timeline to reach them?
- How do you plan to give back to your community?

Scholarship conditions and forfeiture
The CAWG Foundation may revoke a scholarship if its conditions or Foundation policies are violated. Scholarship awards may be forfeited for reasons including, but not limited to:
- Enrolling in fewer than 12 units per semester.
- Semester GPA dropping below 2.0.
- Providing false or misleading information about eligibility or education.
- Any form of plagiarism.

Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship — Viticulture & Enology
Purpose: Established by the Miller family in memory of Robert “Bob” Miller, this scholarship supports Central Coast students who intend to pursue careers in the region’s grape and wine industry, honoring Bob Miller’s legacy of leadership, innovation, and commitment to high‑quality winegrowing.

Award amounts (annually)
- $500 for a recipient at Allan Hancock College (Alan Hancock Community College).
- $1,000 for a recipient at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Application deadline: Midnight, Friday, February 27, 2026.

Who may apply (Robert Miller Scholarship)
- Central Coast high school seniors graduating in 2026, or students currently enrolled at Allan Hancock Community College or Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
- Applicants must be planning to major in (or currently majoring in) viticulture or enology at Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly, SLO.

Robert Miller application requirements
- Completed application form.
- Official high school transcript and/or current college enrollment and transcript documents.
- Signed letter of recommendation from a high school or college instructor, principal/administrator, or counselor, including the recommender’s title, address, and phone number.
- A current photo (for example, a senior portrait).
- A 500‑word essay describing who you are, your financial need, career plans in viticulture or enology, and how you plan to contribute to your community (see essay prompts above for guidance).

Selection and conditions (Robert Miller Scholarship)
- The CAWG Foundation board will select recipients based on the same five criteria listed under the general scholarship selection process (financial need, scholastic ability, community involvement/employment, determination, and the 500‑word essay).
- The same forfeiture conditions apply (minimum unit enrollment, minimum GPA, truthful information, no plagiarism).
- Children of current CAWG Foundation directors or employees are not eligible for this scholarship.

Important reminder
All scholarship application materials must be submitted no later than midnight on Friday, February 27, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.