2026 EXP Scholarships
Up to $1,000 to Fuel Your College and Career Dream!
Application Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
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
Visit this website to begin the application process.
Click “begin” tab in the box to the right to begin the application process.
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:
Patty Negrette, Senior Program Manager, at patty@expfuture.org.
Devyn Dupree, Program Coordinator at devyn@expfuture.org.
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