BELL GARDENS SCHOLAR PROGRAM
PROGRAM GUIDELINES, APPLICATION AND ESSAY QUESTIONS

The City of Bell Gardens will award four scholarships based on merit, leadership, academics, and other accomplishments, as proven in the written essay answers. To be eligible, students must be Bell Gardens residents in the 12th grade and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. Grant funds will be paid directly to the selected student. Checks will not be made out to parents.  

First place will be awarded $3,000, Second place $2,000, Third place $1,000, and Honorable mention will receive $500. The scholarship is to be used towards the payment of class registration, school transportation, textbooks, and/or school supplies. Please complete the attached application and answer the (3) three essay questions. The Bell Gardens Education Commissioners and selected Recreation & Community Services team members will score and evaluate applications. 

Criteria will include but not be limited to the following: 
• Extracurricular Activities 
• Employment or Community Service (volunteerism) 
• Honors, Awards, and Accomplishments
• Essay, 500-word minimum
• GPA (+3 points for 3.5 GPA or above)

On a Word document, please answer the following three questions in a minimum of 500 words:
1. How will higher education help you grow as a leader?
2. Describe a time you demonstrated leadership or overcame an obstacle.
3. Who has been your biggest inspiration, influence, or role model, and how have they mentored/inspired you to seek higher education? 

Your email should have the following attachments: 
 Application 
 Copy of your school ID 
 High School Transcripts 
 Essay on a Word Document
 Senior Brag Sheet (Tell us all about what you do!)  
 Submission due date: Friday, May 3, 2024

Applications must be submitted via email to bgrecreation@bellgardens.org or dropped off at Bell Gardens Veterans Park located at 6662 Loveland Street – Monday – Friday, 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Please note the last day to submit the application is Friday, May 3, 2024. For additional information, please call (562) 806-7654.

Click here to download Bell Gardens Scholars Flyer

Click here to download Bell Gardens Scholars Application - PDF

Click here to download Bell Gardens Scholars Application - Word