Andalusia Country Club Education Fund 2026-2027 Academic Year

The Andalusia Country Club Education Fund (ACCEF), in partnership with Desert Scholarship Foundation, provides educational scholarships to employees of Andalusia Country Club, as well as their spouses and children. The Fund supports the pursuit of any form of higher education that leads to a diploma. Scholarship awards may be used for qualified educational expenses, including tuition, books, registration or education fees, and living costs. All scholarship checks are issued directly to the educational institution for the benefit of the recipient.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA listed here.

SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE listed here.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria prior to the application deadline:

• Be a current employee of Andalusia Country Club with a minimum of 1,000 hours worked since the date of hire;

• Or be a child, dependent, spouse, or registered domestic partner of such an employee. Children include biological, step-, or legally adopted children living in the employee’s household or being primarily supported by the employee and under the age of 27. Dependent grandchildren who reside in the employee’s household and are primarily supported by the employee are also considered a child.

To apply for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be in their final year of high school, a graduate of an accredited high school, or have earned a high school equivalency (GED).

• Plan to enroll, have applied to, or accepted into an educational program in the United States during the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 or Summer 2027 terms that leads to a degree or certificate of completion. Eligible programs include junior colleges, two- or four-year colleges, trade schools, and graduate-level education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

• Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

• For traditional college programs, students are encouraged—but not required—to maintain a minimum course load of 8 units per term.

• Certificate programs or professional development training are not eligible for scholarship funding. See the Professional Development Grant Program Criteria for alternative support.

Annual Scholarship Opportunity

        i.          Scholarships are valid only for the academic year in which the applicant applies or receives an award. Awards do not carry over to future academic years.

      ii.          All applicants must reapply annually and meet the eligibility requirements in effect at the time of application. Previous recipients are encouraged to apply each year. No services or obligations are required as a condition of receiving the grant.

    iii.          If a student’s educational plans change from those outlined in the approved application—or if the student withdraws during the funded academic year—they must promptly notify the Desert Scholarship Foundation and provide an explanation. Failure to do so may affect eligibility for future grant opportunities.

Additional Programs

1.      Certificate Grant Program: Professional Development Grants are available through ACCEF. Please contact the Desert Scholarship Foundation for more information. These grants are designed to support career advancement. Note: Workforce training and education are not eligible under the primary scholarship program described above.

2.      Student Technology Expense Reimbursement: Students approved for a scholarship may also qualify for a one-time technology grant of up to $1,500 to purchase a computer, laptop, iPad, and related software.

All eligibility criteria will be reviewed and approved by the committee each year. This criteria is subject to change prior to January 30, 2026.

2026 Certificate Grant Program Information and Criteria

The Andalusia Country Club Education Fund (ACCEF), in partnership with the Desert Scholarship Foundation, offers a Certificate Grant Program to support Andalusia Country Club employees, their spouses, and dependent children. This program provides financial assistance for classes, courses, or programs that lead to a certificate or certification from an accredited educational institution—such as a trade school, vocational school, or community college—that builds skills to advance a current career or prepare for a new one.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current employee of Andalusia Country Club, with a minimum of 1,000 hours worked since the date of hire;

• Or be a child, dependent, spouse, or registered domestic partner of such an employee. Children include biological, step-, or legally adopted children living in the employee’s household or being primarily supported by the employee and under the age of 27.

• A high school diploma or GED is not required;

• Reimbursements will not be provided for courses already completed.

Certificate Grant Program Details:

• Courses for personal growth, entertainment, a hobby, etc. do not qualify.

• Grant amounts will be 80% of the cost of the courses/program up to a maximum amount of $1,600. 

• Each applicant may receive a maximum of 2 grants each year annually (January 1-December 31). Grant recipients must provide proof of successful completion of the first certificate prior to the second application.

• No services will be required as a consequence of receiving a grant.

• Applications will be accepted throughout the year. Desert Scholarship Foundation will notify applicants within 14 days after the receipt of their completed application as to whether or not a grant has been approved.  Disbursements are made payable to the educational institution for the benefit of the recipient.

• If a student’s educational plans change from the approved application, or if the student withdraws, the student must immediately notify Desert Scholarship Foundation and provide reasoning for the change or withdrawal. Failure to do so may prevent the student from being eligible for future grant opportunities.

Please contact Blair Moss at Desert Scholarship Foundation
to receive the Certificate Grant Program Application and Instructions:

Desert Scholarship Foundation
Blair Moss, CEO and Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 760-797-7484