APPLICATIONs are Now Open!

Scholarship Details

To support the next generation of youth scholars and leaders, the Office of Councilmember Mai Vang, District 8 is awarding three scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who will be attending an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, vocational-technical school or equivalent.

Eligibility  

  • Applications are open to current high school seniors in their final year of upper-secondary school. Low-income students and/or undocumented students are encouraged to apply.

    Applicants must plan to enroll or are already enrolled in a full-time/part-time undergraduate study at an accredited two or four-year college, university, vocational-technical school or equivalent for the 2025-26 academic year.

    Applicants must live in District 8 and/or attend a school in District 8. Visit www.cityofsacramento.gov/mayor-council/Find-Your-District to find if you live or attend a school in District 8.

Awards & Payment of Scholarship

Three scholarships awarded to three recipients, each $1,000. Awards are not renewable. Awards are one-time only. Funds should be used to support student’s expenses toward college or vocational school programs.

Payment will be in a form of a check and mail out in late June. Awards will be made payable to the recipient.

Timeline

  • April 4, 2025 ................................... scholarship opens

  • May 15, 2025 .......................…........ scholarship closes at 11:59 PM

  • May 19-30, 2025 ........................... committee review scholarship applications

  • June 1-12, 2025 ............................... scholarship recipients notified via email/phone

  • June 28, 2025 .................................. recognition & check presentation at State of District 8*

    *Please hold this date to be present. Location: Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Instructions 

  • Complete the form at www.heartandhustle.org/scholarship2025 and answer the question prompt, including the three bullet points. It can be in the form of an essay (800 - 1,000 word limit), art, poem, skit, dance, etc. Be creative!

  • Include a copy of your latest high school transcript. This will be used to confirm your school attendance. Grades and GPA will not affect your eligibility to apply.

  • Upload one letter of recommendation from a coach, mentor, teacher, community leader, etc., who can speak about your skills and character. The letter should be on official letterhead from their organization. Letters from family members/relatives do not count and are excluded.

  • Max file size 5 GB. If your file is larger and/or if you are submitting a video or audio, please upload on YouTube and provide a link in a word doc as your attachment.

  • If you are submitting a video, audio, or creative art piece, please also include a brief description of your submission as an attachment.

  • Must upload and submit via the form at www.heartandhustle.org/scholarship2025

  • Deadline to submit: May 15, 2025, 11:59 PM PDT

2025 Question Prompt  

Sacramento Centered on Racial Equity (SCORE) Initiative is the City's explicit decision to address racial equity within the City of Sacramento. This initiative is supported by the City’s Racial Equity Committee (REC) and community-based Racial Equity Council and Alliance (REA) in partnership with the Race Forward (a national organization contracted by the City to help guide the SCORE initiative process).

On December 3, 2024, the Sacramento City Council unanimously passed the Racial Equity Resolution, committing the city to address systemic inequities and build a more just and inclusive community. The resolution states that a draft of the Racial Equity Action Plan is expected to be presented to the council by the end of 2026.

In an essay (800 -1,000 words), art, poem, skit, dance, or creative form of expression, imagine you are part of a team tasked with drafting the Racial Equity Action (REA) Plan for the City of Sacramento. Use your chosen format to answer the three questions below.

  • On the Racial Equity Resolution on page 6 section 4 (linked below), what direction to the City Manager would you prioritize for the REA Plan, and why?

  • By uplifting dignity and repair, what specific actions can this team take to help our communities heal from historical and systemic harms?

  • How does your plan reflect your personal commitment to advancing racial equity in Sacramento?

REFERENCES

Questions? Contact District 8 Office at 916-808-7008 or email district8@cityofsacramento.org 

Heart and Hustle Scholarship Grantees

2024 Grantees listed in alphabetical order:

  • Emily Jaimes, Valley High School

  • Hafsa Safi, Luther Burbank High School

  • Hope Lee, Luther Burbank High School

  • Kimora Lee, CK McClatchy High School

  • Naxiely Gonzalez, Luther Burbank High School

2023 Grantees listed in alphabetical order:

  • Alex Garcia-Campos, Luther Burbank High School

  • Anniyah Rhond, Luther Burbank High School

  • Katie Lewis, Valley High School

  • Pachia Xiong, Luther Burbank High School

  • Shamaim Basharat, Luther Burbank High School