In 2003 the Lodi Grape Festival & National Wine Show Association, Inc. established the Bucks for Books Scholarship Fund providing funds for college and/or trade school textbook expenses to deserving area youth. Since its inception well over 140 scholarships have been awarded thanks to fundraising efforts and donations. The scholarship money is used only to purchase books required by the courses the students are currently taking. A student may re-apply while still in school and may receive the award up to two times. Applications are due in the Festival office by 5 p.m. on March 1st and recipients are chosen in mid-May.
The Lodi Grape Festival Scholarship Program awards numerous scholarships each year for up to $2,000 each. The scholarships are to be used to offset the cost of books associated with higher education. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and college students seeking a bachelor’s degree. College students may re-apply for awards year after year, up to their fifth year of studies.
Who May Apply:
The Lodi Grape Festival Scholarship Program is open to any applicant who is:
- A high school senior graduating from a school in the Lodi Unified School District or whose primary residence is within the Lodi Unified School District, with a 2.5 or better grade point average who is applying to a trade school, two-year college or university or four-year college or university.
- A college student who graduated from a high school in the Lodi Unified School District or whose primary residence was within the Lodi Unified School District and is currently enrolled in a trade school, two-year college or university or four-year college or university with a grade point average of 2.5 or better.
Other Requirements:
Awards will be made on a reimbursement basis. Before receiving any portion of the award, recipients must: (1) prove in writing that they are registered in a course; (2) prove in writing that the book(s) purchased are required reading for that course; (3) provide sales receipts showing the book(s), its price and the store/location where the book was purchased or rented and (4) provide a total of the amount of reimbursement requested. All reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than two years from the time that the award is given. Any reimbursement money not claimed after that time will be forfeited. A recipient may receive the award no more than two times.
Characteristics Sought:
The application review committee is looking for a well-rounded individual that shows commitments to self, school, and community, and has a history of dedication and involvement. Participation in the Lodi Grape Festival is given consideration. Academic ability and financial need are also considered.
Areas of Consideration:
The application review process examines the applicants in four areas. All areas are important, though they are considered on an individual basis in descending order. Area one is considered before area two and so on. The four areas of consideration are:
- Involvement/participation in the Lodi Grape Festival
- Personal Determination, School and Community Involvement
- Citizenship
- Academic Performance and Financial Need
Deadlines for Applying:
January 1: Applications are available at the local area high school career centers and the Lodi Grape Festival Business Office
March 1: The completed application must be returned to the Lodi Grape Festival Business Office no later than 5 p.m. If March 1 falls on a weekend the application is due by 5 p.m. on the following Monday.
April 1: Scholarship recipients will be selected.
May 1: Scholarship recipients will be announced at their appropriate school awards ceremony. If already a college student, you will be notified by the Lodi Grape Festival selection committee chairman.
IMPORTANT!!! A completed application packet must include all of the following:
- The enclosed application, legibly completed, signed, and dated. A fillable application can also be found online at www.grapefestival.com.
- Three short essays. (See page 3 for details)
- Two letters of recommendation from non-family members. One must be from a member of the faculty at students’ high school and one from the general public.
- An official high school or college transcript, whichever is applicable
Awards Available: 7