Scholarships

Each year, the three colleges of the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) -- Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College -- award institutional scholarships to new, continuing, and transfer students. The scholarship awards are based on academic achievement, financial need or specific interests such as clubs, athletics, and service.

Funding for our scholarships comes from contributions to San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation. The Foundation is the colleges' partner in promoting student success at our colleges and in ensuring that quality, affordable higher education is available to every member of our community. It is due to the ongoing generosity of donors since the Foundation's inception in 1966 that many thousands of students have attended college and realized a better life. Contributions to the Foundation are received from many sources: individuals (including Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline alumni, faculty, and staff), businesses, civic groups, community organizations, and other foundations. Learn more about the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation.

SMCCCD/Cañada College Scholarships

How to Apply - Deadline Date: March 2, 2025

Follow the steps below to complete and submit your scholarship application.

 1. Create an account

Through the San Mateo County College Foundation (please make sure to use your my.smccd.edu email).

  • New Applicant: sign up to create your account.
  • Returning Applicant: sign in to complete or update your scholarship application.

 2. Fill out your information

Complete your scholarship profile by selecting your major and career goals to filter scholarships that best fit your academic goals.

 3. Personal statement

Check out our workshops for assistance with personal statements.

 4. Reference

  • Select a reference, a staff, a professor, or a counselor who knows your academic history.
  • Enter the reference's contact information in your scholarship application.
  • Your reference will receive a link to access the scholarship portal requested to answer questions about you as a student.

 5. Unofficial Transcript

Go to your WebSMART account, then "Student Records" and request an Unofficial Transcript.

 6. Submit Scholarship Application

You are now ready to submit your scholarship application!

  • Big Future by College Board - Visit Big Future to review the thousand of scholarship applications you may apply for. 
  • IEFA.org - IEFA is the premier database of scholarships for international students and information for US and international students wishing to study abroad. On this site, you will find the most comprehensive scholarship and grant listings, plus international student loan programs and other information to promote study abroad. Please visit IEFA.org for more info. 
  • Silicon Valley Community Foundation - SVCF administers scholarship programs for high school seniors, college and graduate students, re-entry students, and vocational and technical school students. Visit SVCF for more info.
  • Best Colleges - Many scholarships for women are available, but finding them can be daunting. Browse our list of the best scholarships for women by field and degree - Scholarships for Women.

If you have received an outside scholarship from a donor, please send the check to:
Cañada College
Attention: Financial Aid Services
Building 9, 1st Floor
4200 Farm Hill Blvd.,
Redwood City, CA 94061

- Please make sure the donor lists your G number and full name on the check under memo.

- Donor needs to specify the academic year or semester the funds are intended. Funds are disbursed 1/2 fall and 1/2 spring unless a specific semester is noted.

- Outside scholarships are considered to be need-based aid. It may affect your overall financial aid eligibility. Please contact us if you have any questions about a pending scholarship.