By Kathy Chouteau
Today, high school seniors from Richmond and North Richmond can start the process of making their college dreams a reality with the launch of the Richmond Promise Scholarship Application period for the 2022-2023 school year.
High school seniors and GED students under the age of 24 who reside in Richmond and North Richmond and attend public, private, or charter schools in West Contra Costa County are eligible to apply for the scholarship by March 17, 2023, per the Richmond Promise.
Qualifying applicants can receive up to $1,500 annually for four years toward their post-secondary educational goals at a two-year or four-year college and/or while pursuing a Career Technical Education Certificate at any not-for-profit institution in the U.S.
Students can also petition for an additional two years of extra funding. Throughout the process, the program provides supportive services to participating scholars from high school through college graduation, including support with identifying and applying for financial aid. Currently, Richmond Promise has more than 1,900 scholars attending 219 schools nationwide, with 415 scholars joining its 2021 cohort, according to its 2021 Annual Report.
Applicants should have attended a school within the WCCUSD boundaries since 9th grade and also should plan to complete their FAFSA/CA Dream Act applications by March 2, 2023.
Richmond Promise launched in 2016 due to a $35 million, 10-year investment by Chevron Richmond. The funds are part of a $90 million community benefits agreement between the City of Richmond and Chevron connected to the $1 billion Refinery Modernization Project.
According to its mission, the organization’s overall aim is to see that Richmond children “have access to high-quality education, excel from high school to higher education, attain a postsecondary degree or certification, thrive in the field of their choice and become a leader of positive change in their community and the world.”
To apply for the Richmond Promise Scholarship, click here. Need some help? Reach out to Richmond Promise at [email protected] or call (510) 230-0422. Learn more about the organization here.
