Crain Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Overview
This award supports high school graduates who combine strong academic achievement with active involvement outside the classroom and a demonstrated dedication to serving their communities.
Award Amount
Recipients may receive up to $5,000.
History and Purpose
Created in 1987 through the provisions of Mrs. Crain’s will, the scholarship honors the memory of Dr. R. Carter Crain and Mildred E. Crain. Its intent is to help students from modest financial backgrounds pursue postsecondary study they might otherwise be unable to afford. Applicants are considered for the joint Crain and Hazel Reed Baumeister Scholarships via the program’s online application portal.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee evaluates candidates on:
- Academic potential and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale)
- Sustained participation in extracurricular or community activities over multiple years
- Clear evidence of financial need
- The strength and clarity of the personal statement
- Personal qualities such as honesty, sound judgment, and a commitment to community service
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a graduating high school senior or a high school graduate from San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
- Intend to enroll, or already be enrolled, full time at a four-year college or university
- Demonstrate several years of community involvement
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrate financial hardship
Application
Eligible students should apply using the joint “Crain and Hazel Reed Baumeister Scholarships” application available through the program’s online portal.