2026 EXP Scholarships

Up to $1,000 to Fuel Your College and Career Dream!

Application Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026

Download the worksheet and start your application today!

EXP Scholarships support the college and career dreams of our students and alumni. By completing the application, you may be eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship.

How to Apply

  1. Visit this website to begin the application process.

  2. Click “begin” tab in the box to the right to begin the application process.

  3. Please complete the application and upload all supporting documents by the deadline of Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. 

Application workbook submissions will not be accepted.

Should you experience any problems while preparing your application, please contact:

Eligibility

High School Seniors:

  • Must be a graduating senior who has participated in an EXP program or signature event* while enrolled in one of the EXP-supported high schools.**

  • Plans to enroll in college at least half-time in the fall of 2026, as defined by the accredited community or junior college, university, or vocational/technical program.

  • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

ITEP/EXP Alumni:

  • Must have either:

    • Participated in an EXP program or signature event* while enrolled in one of the EXP-supported high schools at the time, or:

    • Have participated in Fuel Your Future boot camp or Level Up workshop.

  • Plan to enroll in college at least half-time in the summer or fall of 2026, as defined by the accredited community or junior college, university, or vocational/technical program.

  • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

Criteria

EXP scholarships are awarded based on a broad view of the applicant’s character, academic ability, professional interest, and dedication to the community and career. The Scholarship Committee will use a selection rubric that considers the following components: the applicant’s essays, work and/or volunteer experience, list of extracurricular activities and/or awards, letter of recommendation, and GPA. Essay responses, letters of recommendation, and volunteer experience will be weighted most.

Announcement and Scholarship Presentation

Scholarship recipients will be notified in April 2026 and are expected to attend the 2026 Oceans of Opportunity Awards and Scholarship Celebration on the evening of Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach.  

* EXP programs and signature events:

  • Advisory Board

  • Career EXPedition: Cal Maritime

  • Career Success Explorer Mentorship Program (Lawndale & Leuzinger HS only)

  • College tours

  • EXP Internship Program

  • Fuel Your Future: Young Adult Leadership and Professional Skills Boot Camp

  • GPS Your Future®

  • Guest Speaker Series / Panel Discussions

  • Industry Coaching

  • Job Shadow Day

  • Level Up: Professional Development Program for Young Adults

  • Project mentorship (Sato Academy only)

  • Robotics (Phineas Banning HS only)

  • US Coast Guard Day of Discovery

  • Women in STEM Career Day

  • Workplace tours

  • Young Fellows Program

** Current EXP-supported High Schools:

  • Barstow High School            

  • Beckman High School

  • Carson High School

  • Central High School (Barstow)

  • Foothill High School

  • Gardena High School

  • Lawndale High School

  • Leuzinger High School

  • Phineas Banning High School

  • San Pedro High School

  • Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science

  • Tustin High School

  • Vista Meridian Global Academy


2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

EXP Scholarships

  • Jairus Ah Ching, Stanford University, Barstow High School '24

  • Stephanie Landaverde, Carson High School

  • Dylan Rubino, San Pedro High School

Christopher Gutierrez Memorial Scholarships

  • Eiron Brian Concepcion, Carson High School

  • Matias Villasana, UC Irvine, Carson High School '24

Containerization & Intermodal Institute Scholarships

  • Romeo Clay, CSU Maritime Academy, Phineas Banning HS '24

  • Nathan DeGuzman, Phineas Banning High School

  • Luis Duran, Phineas Banning High School

Julia T. Nagano Memorial Scholarship

  • Jaquelin Valenzuela, Barstow High School

Los Angeles Air Cargo Association Scholarship

  • Sebastian Ordonez, San Pedro High School

Pearl Mercado Memorial Scholarships

  • Astrid Aguilera, San Pedro High School

  • Shaelynn Cruz, CSU Northridge, San Pedro High School '23  


Pearl Mercado Memorial Scholarship in Honor of Iris Ruiz

  • Kathlyn Arellano Hernandez, Barstow High School

Honorary Mayor of Wilmington/Rotary Club of Wilmington Scholarship

  • Alexa Ferrer, Phineas Banning High School

Valero Community Service Scholarship

  • Alicia Medina, Phineas Banning High School