Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is a federally funded program designed to promote student excellence and achievement. These scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of academic merit to recognize students who show promise of continued academic excellence. The California Student Aid Commission administers the program. Selected scholars must be enrolled in and attend a United States (US) institution of higher education beginning in the fall term. Scholars will receive up to a $1500 scholarship award.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
- Must be a legal resident of California.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Must be a graduate of a public or private secondary school or receive the equivalence of a certificate of graduation as recognized by the California State Department of Education.
- Must be considered a freshman beginning in the fall term of the upcoming academic year.
- Must enroll and attend a U.S. postsecondary public or private non-profit institution on a full time basis.
- Must have registered with the Selective Service system, unless the postsecondary institution certified that the applicant is not required to register with Selective Service.
- Must submit a “ Certification from ED80-0016” attesting to the fact that you are not delinquent or in default on a federal scholarship or educational loan.
How to apply
- Eligible High School students currently enrolled in a California high school must apply through their designated high school Program coordinator.
Note: Applicants currently enrolled in high school must adhere to the application deadlines set by their high school campus; all nomination packages must be submitted by the designated high school coordinator.
- Eligible students who meet the above requirements and who are not currently attending a California high school should obtain and submit a completed application package directly to:
- California Student Aid Commission
Attn: Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
P O Box 419029
Rancho Cordova , CA 95741-9029
- California Student Aid Commission
Nomination Process and Deadline
Each California public or private secondary education institution may nominate up to two (2) applicants. All high schools wishing to nominate students for this scholarship must submit complete application materials for each nominee.
A complete application package must include:
- Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program Nomination Form
- Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program Application
- Certification Form ED 80-0016
Applicant Information
Students must apply directly to the state education agency (SEA) in their state of legal residence. Application deadlines are set forth by the respective SEA. Students must request the application package from the state education agency and follow their instructions for application procedures.
For California Residents:
CALIFORNIA
Patrick Foley
California Student Aid Commission
P.O. Box 419026
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9026
Telephone: (916) 464-2590
Fax: (916) 516-8004
E-mail: pfoley@csac.gov
State education agency contacts
States must renew their participation in the Byrd Program each year.
Selection and Announcements
- The Commission will announce the scholars in June, provided federal funds are available for allocation. Both the nominating institution and the individual student will receive a notification.
- For additional information, please contact the Commission's Specialized Program Unit at (888) 224-7268 ext 3.
UCLA Procedures
- All entering UCLA Byrd scholarship recipients will be sent a Selective Service statement form to be completed. The form must be returned to the Financial Aid Office before the Byrd Scholarship award can be issued to the scholar.
- Scholarship awards are usually received from the Commission during the 6th week of the each quarter.
- Notices will be sent to students via e-mail announcing the arrival of their Byrd Scholarship award . Student e-mail addresses MUST be kept current.
