Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc. is pleased to announce the Fishing Heritage Scholarship Program to benefit the San Luis Obispo County commercial fishing community. This program will be administered and funds awarded by the Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc.

Scholarship Committee. To avoid conflicts of interest, personal judgments will not enter into any decisions; rather, Applicants will be ranked based solely on information provided on the application form and any supplemental letters requesting renewal. In no instance may a related person be involved in determining the recipient of any scholarships awarded under either of these programs. The term “related person” includes grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, wives, daughters, partners, etc.

ORIGINAL APPLICATION: To qualify for a Fishing Heritage Scholarship, an Applicant must: Be either the:

1. Direct Descendant of a licensed California commercial fisherman, including step-children/grandchildren or indirect descendant that is involved in the fishing industry.

2. Descendant of the current spouse of a licensed California commercial fisherman; or

3. Holder of a valid California commercial fishing license/or worked on a vessel licensed by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for at least the past five (5) years.

(Please note that the Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc. Scholarship Committee, in its sole discretion, may require any Applicant to furnish additional evidence of their qualifying under this provision.)

4. Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (“C”).

5. Complete the Scholarship Application (link below) and all attachments and submit two copies to Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc.’s Scholarship Committee at 785 Quintana Road, #106, Morro Bay, CA 93442, by May 31. Applicants are advised to take care in completing the forms, as all information requested is considered in ranking.

6. Attach a recent photograph.

7. Obtain suggested recommendations:   

At least one member of the board of directors of Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Organization, Inc., Central Coast Women for Fisheries

or Port San Luis Commercial Fishermen’s Association, Inc.

Also up to two instructors, counselors, principals, deans, employers, volunteer service coordinators or fishing community members.

Recommendation Forms are available (link below) for the convenience of the fishing association and harbor department representatives; however letters on relevant letterhead will be accepted in addition to or in lieu of the attached forms.

8. Submit transcripts:

a. High school students need to submit transcripts that include their most recent term.

b. Continuing trade or vocational school students must enclose a copy of all transcripts from programs previously taken.

c. College students must enclose a copy of their academic transcripts from all colleges attended.

Unofficial transcripts will be accepted; however, the Scholarship Committee in their sole discretion reserves the right to request verification thereof.

9. Be accepted or enrolled in an accredited university, college or vocational/technical school in either an undergraduate or graduate level program. Proof of current enrollment or intent to attend via transcripts, letter of acceptance or registration receipt must be provided with the completed Application.

RENEWAL: Following completion and acceptance of their original application, as long as funding is available, Applicants will continue to be eligible for Fishing Heritage Scholarships 3 more times (total of 4); maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and annually by May 31 furnish the Scholarship Committee with a report of their grades for the school year, together with a letter expressing their intent to remain in school for the coming year.

AWARDS –Scholarship Fund:

Most of our scholarship funds are generously provided by the Central California Joint Cable/Fisheries Liaison Committee and can vary annually.

The applications are evaluated during the first two weeks in June. Upon receipt of notification of an award, the Applicant is required to write a letter to the Scholarship Committee indicating whether the awarded funds should be paid to the school of Applicant’s choice or, following applicant’s submission of receipts, paid to the applicant as a reimbursement of books, tuition or classroom supplies. Please note that funds paid directly to an applicant may be considered taxable income reportable to the Internal Revenue Service.

If a successful Applicant withdraws from school during the semester immediately following any receipt of scholarship funds from this program:

Any monies which were made directly payable to Applicant must be repaid to the Fishing Heritage Scholarship Program within sixty (60) days of such withdrawal from school; and

Any monies which were paid directly to Applicant’s school on behalf of Applicant and refunded to Applicant must be repaid to the Fishing Heritage Scholarship Program within ten (10) days of receipt thereof by Applicant.

In the event an unforeseen emergency caused Applicant’s withdrawal from school, this provision may be appealed in writing to the Scholarship Committee; however, their decision will be final.

Successful Applicants have no obligation to Central Coast Women For Fisheries, Inc. They are, however, required to supply Central Coast Women For Fisheries, Inc. with current transcripts and to notify them of any change of address, school enrollment or other relevant information. Except as described, no obligation is assumed by Central Coast Women For Fisheries, Inc.

Central Coast Women for Fisheries, Inc., reserves the right to revise the Fishing Heritage Scholarship Program requirements in future years. Both new and renewal Applicants are advised to visit this website regarding the Fishing Heritage Scholarship.