Finish Line Scholarship
The Shasta College Foundation is a proud participant in the Foundation for California Community Colleges Finish Line Scholars Program, which supports students in their final year of completing a degree or certificate, or preparing to transfer to a four-year college or university. This program provides targeted financial support to help students complete their education and reach the finish line.
This program helps remove financial barriers so students can stay on track and reach their educational goals. Support to students is available through scholarships and emergency aid.
The Jay Pritzker Foundation has pledged $100 million, over a span of 20 years, to support this program—the largest private gift to community colleges in U.S. history.
The Shasta College Foundation has received Finish Line funding annually since 2020 and has been awarded funding again for the 2026–2027 academic year. In partnership with the ACE Department, eligible students are identified and invited to apply.
Qualifying students must:
- Be completing their certificate, associate or bachelor's degree in the current academic year
- Be currently enrolled full-time (12+ units, 9+ for PACE, or final required units)
- Have completed at least 50% of required program credits
- Have a plan to finish within one year
For those students completing their associates degree, priority is given to students who meet at least two of the three following criteria:
- Have completed transfer-level English
- Have completed transfer-level Math
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA
| YEAR | Scholarship Grant Amount | Average Scholarship Amount | Scholarship Recipients | Scholarship Completion Rate | Emergency Aid Grant Amount | Emergency Aid Recipients | Average Emergency Aid Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $122,000 | 133 | $1,000 |
| 2021-2022 | $120,000 | $2,500 | 37 | 43% | $22,500 | 44 | $500 |
| 2022-2023 | $120,000 | $5,000 | 28 | 71% | $22,500 | 52 | $500 |
| 2023-2024 | $120,000 | $3,100 | 37 | 70% | $22,500 | 40 | $500 |
| 2024-2025 | $120,000 | $3,125 | 38 | 84% | $22,500 | 33 | $500 |
| 2025-2026 | $120,000 | $3,000 | 32 | TBD | $22,500 | TBD | TBD |
“Receiving this scholarship is life changing. It eased the financial burden that has often stood in the way of my educational goals.
More importantly, it serves as a powerful affirmation that my efforts are recognized and supported.
With this scholarship, I was able to focus more on my studies and less on how to make ends meet.
It allowed me to fully engage in my coursework and build the foundation I need for a successful future.“ - Finish Line Scholar 2025-26