Summer Springboard at Cal Poly Dean's Merit Scholarship Application

Thank you for your interest in applying for a Summer Springboard at Cal Poly Scholarship. We have two different application types available. The Needs-Based Scholarship, and the Dean's Merit Scholarship. Please select which scholarship you would like to apply for.

Dean's Merit Scholarship

Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be a current 8th - 11th grade student (entering 9th-12th grades in fall 2026)

  • Able to reside on campus for the duration of the program


Other factors taken into consideration:

  • First-Generation College-Bound student

  • Demonstrated financial need

  • African-American, Latinx, South-East Asian (API), Native American, and other underrepresented ethnicities


Selection Process:

The Dean’s Merit Scholarships recipients will be selected by a committee of Cal Poly’s College of Liberal of Arts faculty. The selection committee will consider every part of the application and make a recommendation based on academic potential. The selection committee may request to interview an applicant.


The dates for the 2026 selection process are as follows:

  • Application opens: February 2, 2026

  • Letter of Recommendation Deadline: March 20, 2026

  • Application and Transcript Deadline: March 31, 2026

  • Notification of Decision: April 14, 2026


Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly Program Dates:

Residential Dates 

  • Session 1: Sunday, July 5 - Friday, July 17, 2026

  • Session 2: Sunday, July 19 - Friday, July 31, 2026



Cost:

Dean’s Merit Scholars will receive a full program tuition waiver including: costs of residential housing, campus dining, program activities, and transportation to/from field trips and excursions. Transportation to/from the program is not included.

Dean's Merit Scholarship Application

Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be a current 8th - 11th grade student (entering 9th-12th grades in fall 2026)

  • Able to reside on campus for the duration of the program


Other factors taken into consideration:

  • First-Generation College-Bound student

  • Demonstrated financial need

  • African-American, Latinx, South-East Asian (API), Native American, and other underrepresented ethnicities and races


Application Information:

A complete application will include the following materials. It is preferred that the application be completed online


  1. Online student application

  2. One completed essay (maximum 500 words):


  • Prompt: Tell us why you are interested in participating in the Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly program and in what way would it make a difference in your scholastic career. Note: Please refer specifically to the course/program (e.g. Marketing Bootcamp) you desire to attend in your essay.


  1. Transcript of current academic year

    • Official copy is preferred, but not required

    • May be emailed by applicant or counselor (cpscholarship@summerspringboard.com)

    • When emailed, include in subject line: FirstName_LastName_HighSchool_SSB@CPTranscript

  2. Two Recommendation Forms

    • One must be completed by a core subject teacher (Math, History, English, Science)

    • The other may be completed by a teacher, counselor, coach, community leader, etc.

    • Please have your recommender complete this form: https://forms.gle/WXdQFWEQK8Ht5Wye9

  3. Photo/Visual Release
      • By submitting your application you agree to a visual release of any photos and videos to be used for program related publications.

For questions, please contact Summer Springboard at (805) 439-6699 or by email at: cpscholarship@summerspringboard.com.



Needs-Based Scholarship Application

Scholarships for students with demonstrated need: 
Need-based scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.)

After completing this application, if you are awarded a scholarship, follow these steps to redeem: 

  • You have 7 days to accept your scholarship award
  • Start your application: summerspringboard.com/apply
  • Submit $600 deposit and $99 non-refundable application fee for the awarded program & sessions.
  • Your award will be added to your tuition balance upon acceptance into the program.
  • If you are already enrolled, the award will be applied to your tuition.

Contact Information








Parent/Guardian Financial Information (Completed by Parent)








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Upload the first page of your family's most recent income tax filings, removing any private/personal data

Please upload a copy of the student's most recent transcripts (unofficial is OK).
Sign and Complete Application
Scholarships for students with demonstrated need:
Need-based scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.)