Types of Scholarships

As an NOCE student, you can review the various types of scholarships and determine which criteria fit you best! Apply for any scholarship(s) for which you desire and/or are eligible.

Eligibility requirements vary for each scholarship. Many students qualify for several scholarships. However, it’s possible that some students may not qualify for every scholarship listed. You should read through the criteria of each scholarship to note if you are eligible before applying. 

Transfer to College Scholarships

​These scholarships are intended for students who intend to transfer to Cypress College or Fullerton College in the upcoming fall term.

• District Management Association Scholarship – Available in Spring

  The professional organization for management staff of NOCCCD is committed to promoting the education of students beginning or re-entering college and seeking lifelong education within the District. 

  Awards: Two awards at $250 each 

  Requirements:

  • Student must be currently enrolled at NOCE. 
  • Student will attend Cypress College or Fullerton College in the next fall semester. 
  • Student has demonstrated leadership qualities.

   

  Essay Writing Prompt:

  • Describe the goals you have established and your effort to accomplish such goals. Give at least one example demonstrating your work ethic/diligence. 
  • Describe a leadership experience where you influenced others, resolved disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. 
  • Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. Include whether you asked for advice in resolving the challenge, the role that the person played, and what you learned about yourself through the experience. 
  • Explain what you have done to make your community a better place. Give examples of your participation in specific projects.

   

  Take the following steps to apply:

  1. Complete the online NOCE scholarship application: Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines page. 
  2. Complete the Essay Writing Prompt of the specific scholarship and save it. 
  3. Gather all required documents for the specific scholarship. 
  4. Submit the required documents by mail or e-mail before the scholarship deadline. Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines for more information.

Special Interest Scholarships

These scholarships are considered special interests as each has a focus on a specific interest the donor has elected to emphasize as important.

• Dr. Cheryl A. Marshall Endowed Scholarship in Leadership and Service – Available in Spring 2025

  Dr. Cheryl A. Marshall has over 30 years of experience in higher education, beginning as an instructor of undergraduate and graduate courses in management, organizational behavior, and human resource development. She worked at Crafton Hills College for nine years serving as Vice President of Instruction and President. From 2016 to 2021, she served as the Chancellor of the North Orange County Community College District where she established a District-wide Leadership Academy and provided support for the Anaheim Union Educational Pledge and North Orange Promise Program. Dr. Marshall earned her doctorate in education from USC and her Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Dr. Marshall’s passion for developing people and organizations has been a primary focus throughout her career.  

  This scholarship will be revolving around three institutions, NOCE, Cypress College, and Fullerton College.  The first year the recipients were awarded to NOCE students in 2022 Spring, it will next return to NOCE in 2025 Spring.

  Awards: Two awards at $250

  Requirements:   

  • The gift will be used to establish the Dr. Cheryl A. Marshall Endowed Scholarship for Leadership & Service which will recognize and provide support for students who have provided leadership and service while achieving academic success at NOCE  
  • Students must continue their studies at a NOCE the following year (summer or fall).  Proof of enrollment for the following semester will be requested prior to award check issuance.  
  • Must have a recently completed Student Educational Plan (SEP) (current, since Fall 2021 with next semester’s classes noted)  

   

  Essay Writing Prompt:  

  Please describe your volunteer experience, no more than two type written pages or 1,000 words, where it was in a significant way at NOCE where you have been studying and/or demonstrating leadership skills, a commitment to education, and service to others.  

   

  Take the following steps to apply:

  • Complete the online NOCE scholarship application: Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines page. 
  • Complete the Essay Writing Prompt of the specific scholarship and save it. 
  • Gather all required documents for the specific scholarship. 
  • Submit the required documents by mail or e-mail before the scholarship deadline. Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines for more information.
• NOCE Kindness Scholarship – Available in Spring

  The NOCE Kindness Scholarship was established in 2021 by the NOCE Academic Senate. The scholarship will recognize NOCE students who share the vision of a kinder world and are committed to making a difference through lifelong learning and community engagement. The Kindness Scholarship will be granted to students who understand the importance of kindness in their community. Any currently enrolled NOCE student may apply for this scholarship.

  Award: Two awards at $200

  Requirements: 

  • Students must be currently enrolled at NOCE. 

   

  Essay Writing Prompt: 

  • Please submit a written response (no more than 500 words) OR an audio or video recording (no more than 2 minutes) that answers one of the following topics:
    • Discuss the value of kindness in the school setting, work environment, and/or community at large.  OR 
    • Discuss a time that you performed an act of kindness for someone or a time where you were on the receiving end of an act of kindness, and the effects of the event on everyone involved. 
  • If you elect to submit a recorded video or audio response, it will need to be 2 minutes or less 
    • The audio or video file provided will need to be a shared link/URL from one of the following: One-drive, Youtube account, or google drive.  Only submit and share a link or URL, as the file may be too large to attach to an email 
    • Submit your link/URL to scholarships@noce.edu, you must enter your name in the Subject line and Kindness Scholarship 

   

  Take the following steps to apply:

  1. Complete the online NOCE scholarship application: Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines page. 
  2. Complete the Essay Writing Prompt of the specific scholarship and save it. 
  3. Gather all required documents for the specific scholarship. 
  4. Submit the required documents by mail or e-mail before the scholarship deadline. Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines for more information.
• Planting Seeds Scholarship – Early Childhood Education (ECE) – Available in Spring

  The Planting Seeds Scholarship is committed to promoting the education of young children and the standards of instruction that establish a strong foundation for academic and life success. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students beginning or re-entering college in the field of early childhood education that demonstrate professional promise and leadership. The scholarship reflects the passion, continual learning, and academic excellence of a dedicated early childhood educator. The scholarship is designed to honor those qualities, skills, and professionalism demonstrated by students in the program who have given effort toward high standards, leadership, professionalism and instructional skills that will impact future early childhood students and programs. 

  Awards: One award at $300

  Requirements:

  • Student must be currently enrolled in the NOCE Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate Program. 
  • Student must include a letter of recommendation from an NOCE faculty or staff member. 
    • For applications requesting letters of recommendation, please have those submitted to scholarships@noce.edu by the person completing the recommendation.  
  • Student must write a three-paragraph essay in response to prompts below. 
  • Student must communicate professionalism and possession of the skills included above. 

   

  Essay Writing Prompt:

  • First paragraph should focus on things you have learned in the NOCE ECE Certificate Program that will ensure your success as you accept a job in this field. For example, the field of early childhood education, stages of child growth and development, professionalism, instructional skills, leadership, and how you would support others in this field. 
  • Second paragraph should focus on your definition and description of professionalism. What does it mean to be a professional? 
  • Third paragraph should focus on how you believe you can make a difference in the field of early childhood education. Explain how you will use the skills you acquired to make a positive impact in the field.
    

   

  Take the following steps to apply:

  • Complete the online NOCE scholarship application: Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines page. 
  • Complete the Essay Writing Prompt of the specific scholarship and save it. 
  • Gather all required documents for the specific scholarship. 
  • Submit the required documents by mail or e-mail before the scholarship deadline. Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines for more information.
• Roots of Success Scholarship – Available in Spring

  The Roots of Success Scholarship was developed for graduates of the NOCE High School Diploma Program. Applicants will have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence in their time in the program. They will also have a commitment to environmental awareness and promoting the health of our earth’s environment. 

  Award: Two awards at $300 each 

  Requirements:

  • Graduate of NOCE High School Diploma Program. 
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above (NOCE High School Diploma Program classes only) 
  • Three photographs to evidence environmental community service participation in a conservation project of your choice. The three listed here are local conservation organizations; click on their logo to link to their website for more information. These are just examples. Others may be utilized. 
  • Please submit your photos demonstrating environmental service participation to scholarships@noce.edu, you must enter your name in the Subject line and Roots of Success 

   

  Shadetree Partnership

  Shadetree Partnership Inc. is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that promotes more livable communities. It operates a 5 ½ acre nursery located on the campus of the University of California, Irvine where enthusiastic volunteers grow, care for, and nurture over 4,000 trees, shrubs, and groundcover. Since its formation in 1990, Shadetree has planted more than 26,500 trees and groundcover at various sites within the community.

   

  Bolsa Chica Conservancy

  Established in 1990 by a coalition of government, community, business, and environmental leaders, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, provides services that inspire and connect all generations through community involvement and leadership in hands-on restoration and education in wetland science, watersheds, coastal ecology, and environmental sustainability. 

   

  Renewable Farms

  Established in 2008, we have been helping people grow food for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. We aim to educate and empower communities using responsible agricultural methods. In partnership with the city of Anaheim and Control Air, the Riverbed is a full functioning sustainable urban farm. By offering venue rental space, workshops, and selling our produce locally, we can give hundreds of pounds of fresh food away every month for free to underserved families throughout the area. 

   

  Essay Writing Prompt:

  The Roots of Success Scholarship was designed to emphasize the importance of taking care of our environment. In your essay, please answer the following: 

  1. Why is it important to take care of the environment? 
  2. What things are you currently doing that help to keep our environment healthy? 
  3. Tell us about the photographs you included to show evidence of your participation in a conservation project. 
  4. What are some other things that you could do to help with environmental conservation?

   

  Take the following steps to apply:

  1. Complete the online NOCE scholarship application: Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines page. 
  2. Complete the Essay Writing Prompt of the specific scholarship and save it. 
  3. Gather all required documents for the specific scholarship. 
  4. Submit the required documents by mail or e-mail before the scholarship deadline. Visit the Scholarship Applications & Deadlines for more information. 

External Scholarships for NOCE Students

​These external scholarships have unique requirements and deadlines. Please follow the link to the scholarship webpage for further information on how to apply.

• Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Faculty & Staff Association Scholarship – Available in Spring

  APIDA scholarships are for NOCCCD students who demonstrate, through their accomplishments in school or in the community, that they have the potential to be future leaders by having a positive impact on their community. 

  Awards: $300 to recipients 

  Requirements: For requirements and additional information, visit the APIDA Scholarship page
• Black Faculty & Staff Association Scholarship – Available in Spring

  This scholarship fund is established by the Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA: Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education) in order to help underrepresented students continue their education. 

  Requirements: For requirements and additional information, visit the BFSA Scholarship page
• Enrique “Kiki” Zuniga Scholarship – Available in Spring

  The Enrique “Kiki” Zuniga Scholarship is dedicated to Mr. Zuniga, whose parents immigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico. He grew up in the city of La Habra as one of thirteen children. His life experiences included attending a school set up specifically for Mexican American children. Kiki attended Fullerton College before being drafted into the Army in 1961. He served as a barber and worked in construction before Joe Lopez, a professor at CA State University Fullerton, encouraged Kiki to enroll in CSUF. In his first semester, he made the Dean’s List and established goals to transform his community. Motivated by the Chicano Movement, he founded and served as the first president at CSUF. He visited local barrios to motivate Chicano youth to pursue higher education. Kiki continued his education and earned a K-12 Bilingual Teaching credential, a master’s degree in library science, and served as a tenured, full-time counselor at Fullerton College for 25 years. He loved reaching out to non-traditional students and motivating them to pursue their goals for a brighter future. 

  Award: One award for at least $300 

   

  Requirements:

  For requirements and additional information, visit the Enrique “Kiki” Zuniga Scholarship page
• GLADE Scholarship – Available in Spring

  The Gay and Lesbian Association of District Employees (GLADE) Scholarship is designed to encourage and support NOCCCD students whose activities have contributed to the advancement of LGBTQ+ causes while fostering a positive image of the LGBTQ+ community. The scholarship aims to recognize students who have assumed active leadership and/or supportive roles in the LGBTQ community. 

   
  For requirements and additional information, visit the GLADE Scholarship page

Important

• Quick and easy scholarship application process
• Apply as soon as possible, before the scholarship application deadline(s)