Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid

Why file FAFSA or CADAA? Filing for financial aid is the single most important thing you can do to get money for college. It’s the gateway to more than $150 billion in college grants, work-study funds, and federal student loans, as well as Cal Grant aid. Most students receive some type of financial aid, so you should fill out an application even if you don't think you qualify. Some families assume they won't qualify for financial aid and don't even bother completing the FAFSA or CADAA. This could be a huge mistake. In 2022, students left an estimated $3.6 billion in Pell Grants on the table by not submitting the FAFSA. Filing the application is required in order to access the FREE tuition at the California Community Colleges through the Promise Grant.

• Completing the FAFSA is quicker than you think. The time you spend completing an application could translate into hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• The FAFSA isn’t just for people who want or need federal student loans. Its purpose is also to determine aid you won't have to pay back, like college scholarships, grants, and even work-study funding.
• Some private scholarships require a FAFSA as part of their application process. That's why completing one is so important!
• Finally, filing FAFSA or CADAA is now a requirement for all seniors in California per AB469, which went into effect last year*.

Step by step instructions for filing for Financial Aid (click image for PDF):

If you would like to opt-out of filing FAFSA, please go here. 

Scholarships

2025 Spring Scholarships- The following  scholarships are offered by community partners  to LAHS students who meet the scholarship requirements.  This list will be updated as more scholarships become available throughout Spring semester 2025.  2025 Spring Scholarship List

Additional Scholarships- opportunities can be found on the following websites, these scholarships are opened to the general public:

• Student Scholarships
• Scholarships.com
• https://goingmerry.com/

Top Tips for Applying for Scholarships- 

1. Start Early - Deadlines can sneak up fast — the sooner you start, the more options you’ll have.
2. Apply Often- Don’t stop after one or two! The more you apply, the better your chances of winning.
3. Search Smart- Look for scholarships based on your major, background, hobbies, or career goals. Websites like Scholarships.com can help you filter by your interests.
4. Go for the Smaller Awards- Less money doesn’t mean less value — smaller scholarships often have fewer applicants and can add up quickly.
5. Stay Organized- Keep a spreadsheet or list of scholarships, requirements, and deadlines so you never miss a chance.
6. Customize Your Applications- Tailor each application to the scholarship’s focus. Show how your goals, experiences, or values align with what they’re looking for.
7. Highlight Your Uniqueness- What sets you apart? Your story matters — don’t be afraid to share it.
8. Ask for Strong Recommendations- Choose teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
9. Proofread Everything- Spelling and grammar count. Have someone else review your essays if possible.
10. Don’t Get Discouraged- Not every application will be a win, but persistence pays off. Keep going — your next “yes” could be right around the corner!