California-Hawaii Elks Association Vocational Grants

Scholarship Sponsored by California-Hawaii Elks Association

Overview and Eligibility

This scholarship program supports students with disabilities who are residents of California or Hawaii and U.S. citizens. Applicants must have a physical, neurological, visual, hearing impairment, and/or a speech-language disorder. Candidates should be seniors in high school, high school graduates, or have passed the GED or CHSPE, and intend to pursue an undergraduate credential at an accredited four-year college, community college, or licensed vocational school. Demonstration of financial need is required.

Award Details

- All awards are contingent upon verification of school enrollment, submission of an official financial aid document, and compliance with the scholarship’s policies and procedures.
- Each year between 20 and 30 scholarships are typically granted.
- The proportion of awards relative to applicants changes annually.
- Typical award amounts are $3,000 for students attending four-year colleges and $1,000 for students at community colleges or vocational schools. The Scholarship Committee may make exceptions.
- Recipients may apply for renewal for up to three additional years after the initial award (a maximum of four years total), or until an undergraduate degree is completed—whichever occurs first.

Permitted Use of Funds

Scholarship funds are intended solely for academic-related expenses and may be applied only to tuition, required textbooks, laboratory fees, and on-campus room and board.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the following factors:
- Severity of the disability
- Financial need
- Grade point average
- Seriousness of academic and career purpose
- Depth of character

Application Components and Requirements

- Applicants must secure sponsorship from an Elks Lodge located in California or Hawaii. Contact a local Elks Lodge and have an elected Lodge officer complete and sign the Sponsoring Lodge information section on the application.
- The application packet consists of personal information forms, two specialist reports, and financial analysis forms.
- A sealed official school transcript must accompany the application packet.
- Awards are conditional on confirmation of school enrollment and a financial aid letter, and recipients must follow all scholarship policies and procedures.

How to Apply (Key Dates and Deadlines)

- The current academic year’s application becomes available on the Elks website (www.chea-elks.org/youthactivities/scholarships) beginning November 15.
- The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office will not accept applications before February 1.
- Applications must be postmarked on or before March 15 and must arrive at the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office by April 1.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to correctly complete and submit the application to the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. office.

If you need help locating an Elks Lodge for sponsorship or have questions about any required forms, contact the Elks scholarship contact listed on the website.