Fishing Heritage Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc.

Introduction
Since 2007, Central Coast Women for Fisheries (CCWF) has provided scholarships to nearly 90 students. Most recipients have renewed their awards annually up to the four-year maximum. To date CCWF has distributed $282,467 in scholarship aid to students attending community and state colleges, universities, and a variety of trade schools and certification programs. All recipients come from commercial fishing families; many work in the fishery themselves now or spent their youth helping aboard fishing vessels. These scholarships play an important role in easing the high cost of education for families in the fishing community.

CCWF congratulates all past and current scholarship recipients and extends sincere thanks to the Central California Joint Cable Fisheries Liaison Committee for their continuing financial support.

Administration and Selection
The Fishing Heritage Scholarship Program is administered by Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc. A Scholarship Committee oversees application review and award decisions. To prevent conflicts of interest, selections are based strictly on the information provided with the application and any renewal materials; subjective or personal influence is prohibited. No “related person” may participate in choosing recipients. For the purposes of this policy, “related person” includes (but is not limited to) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, wives, daughters, and partners.

Eligibility
To be eligible for a Fishing Heritage Scholarship an applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a direct descendant (including step-children or step-grandchildren) of a licensed California commercial fisherman, or be an indirect descendant who is active in the fishing industry; or
- Be a descendant of the current spouse of a licensed California commercial fisherman; or
- Hold a valid California commercial fishing license or have worked on a vessel licensed by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for at least the previous five (5) years. (The Scholarship Committee may, at its discretion, require additional documentation to verify eligibility under this provision.)

All applicants must also have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C).

Application Requirements and Submission
Complete applications must include all required attachments and be submitted in two copies to:
Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc.
Scholarship Committee
785 Quintana Road, #106
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Deadline: May 31

Applicants should take care to fill out the forms fully, since all requested information is considered in ranking. Required items include:
- A recent photograph of the applicant.
- Recommendation(s): At least one recommendation from a board member of one of the following organizations: Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Organization, Inc.; Central Coast Women for Fisheries; or Port San Luis Commercial Fishermen’s Association, Inc. In addition, up to two recommendations may be submitted from instructors, counselors, principals, deans, employers, volunteer service coordinators, or members of the fishing community. Recommendation forms are available for convenience, but letters on appropriate letterhead will also be accepted.
- Transcripts:
- High school applicants must provide a transcript that includes their most recent term.
- Students in trade or vocational programs must submit transcripts from prior programs attended.
- College applicants must include transcripts from all colleges attended. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application, but the Scholarship Committee reserves the right to request official verification.
- Proof of acceptance or current enrollment in an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical program at the undergraduate or graduate level. Acceptable proof includes transcripts, an acceptance letter, or a registration receipt.

Renewal Policy
Following acceptance of an initial award, recipients may renew their scholarship up to three additional times (four awards total), subject to available funding. To remain eligible for renewal each year, recipients must:
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA; and
- Submit, by May 31 each year, a report of their grades for the school year and a letter stating their intent to continue enrollment for the upcoming year.

Awards and Funding Source
Most scholarship dollars come from the Central California Joint Cable/Fisheries Liaison Committee; the amount available may vary from year to year.

Distribution of Funds
Applications are reviewed during the first two weeks of June. Once an award is granted, the recipient must notify the Scholarship Committee in writing whether the funds should be sent directly to the educational institution or whether the recipient prefers reimbursement for eligible expenses (books, tuition, classroom supplies) upon submission of receipts. Recipients should be aware that payments made directly to the student may be considered taxable income and reportable to the Internal Revenue Service.

Questions
For additional information or to request recommendation forms, contact the CCWF Scholarship Committee at the mailing address above.