Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) Scholarship 2026

The FUSD Scholarship Fund, in partnership with The Foundation for Fresno Unified Students, is here to support you in achieving your goals beyond high school. We recognize that many students face financial challenges in pursuing higher education or career training, and this scholarship fund is designed to help bridge that gap.

By applying, you have the opportunity to receive financial assistance for college, trade school, or technical education. This fund represents the dedication of Fresno Unified and The Foundation to your success and the belief that investing in your future strengthens our entire community.

We’re excited to support you as you take the next step toward achieving your dreams! Want more information? Check out The Foundation and Fresno Unified School District websites.

To begin the application please follow one of the steps below:

1. If you have been to Kaleidoscope before, click "Begin" and login with your email address and password. If you forgot your password, click forgot password and a reset password link will be sent to your email.
2. If you have not been to Kaleidoscope, after you click "Begin" enter your email address (Preferably not your school email). The system will recognize you do not have an account and prompt you to set a password.

Below are the the two free response essay questions you will answer and type into the application:

1. Describe how financial need has impacted you, and how receiving this scholarship would contribute to your educational plans. Your response will be evaluated on the clarity of financial need, the connection to how the scholarship will help meet that need, and the appropriate use of grammar and writing mechanics. (Minimum 200 words).
2. Please share an experience (positive, negative, or otherwise) while attending Fresno Unified School District that has influenced your future goals and aspirations. Your response will be evaluated on the clarity of the experience shared, the connection to your goal or aspiration, and the appropriate use of grammar and writing mechanics. (Minimum 200 words).

By submitting your application, all essays will be run through Kaleidoscope's AI + Plagiarism Detection tool.

The Support

All Fresno Unified employees are invited to contribute to the Fund either through regular payroll deduction, or with a one-time donation. In addition, the Fund is supported by community and business donations. 

The Process

A selection committee will evaluate the applications using a scoring rubric that reflects the selection criteria. Every effort will be made to ensure a balanced distribution throughout all high schools.

The Award

For 2024/25, a minimum of $1,000 per scholarship will be awarded. This may increase upon the availability of funds. Students must show proof of enrollment at a community college, 4-year university/college, or trade/technical school after graduation to claim their award.

The Governance

The FUSD Scholarship Fund will be administered in accordance with state law and Fresno Unified’ s agreement with The Foundation for Fresno Unified Students, the organization responsible for holding, managing and investing funds provided for scholarships. A district advisory committee will oversee the scholarship fund to ensure recipients meet the established selection criteria.

• Graduating high school senior from one of FUSD’s seven comprehensive high schools, and Design Science, DeWolf, Duncan, Patino, Phoenix, or Farber Educational Center.
• You may also be considered for the Jim Newton Memorial Scholarship if you attended one of the following schools: (Please indicate on application)
  • Gaston Middle School(formerly Carver)
  • Malloch Elementary
  • Burroughs Elementary
  • Anthony Elementary
• Plans to attend a community college, 4-year university/college, or trade/technical school
• Completed typed application, including information on school and community involvement, career aspirations, and financial need
  • You can view the definitions of different activities you can list in your application here.
• No Minimum GPA Required