California Scholarship Federation

What is CSF?

CSF, The California Scholarship Federation. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize and encourage academic achievement and community service among middle and high school students in California. CSF was established in 1921. There are approximately 1500 chapters in middle school and high schools throughout the state, and each chapter is comprised of student members who meet eligibility requirements.  Each chapter is led by a staff adviser. Eligible students become members by submitting applications based on their report card grades. Membership is for one semester, and membership drives are held each semester within established periods dictated by the State bylaws.

Terra Linda High School Chapter:   714 Central Coast Terra Linda High School Advisors: Marisa Ramia College and Career Center Counselor                 Susan Gatlin, School Counselor

How Does a student apply?

Per California Scholarship Federation bylaws, students apply approximately four weeks after the completion of finalized semester grades.

Terra Linda High School application deadlines:   

For the FALL semester:      February 10

For the SPRING semester:      October  10                                           

Exception to the rule: Seniors do not have to submit final spring semester applications, the CSF advisors check end-of-the-year standing.

CSF applications are available at the College and Career Center, the Counseling office.

WHAT KIND OF AWARDS DO LIFE MEMBERS GET?

Life members and 100% life members receive:

• CSF gold seal on their diploma
• Notation on their transcript ‘CSF Sealbearer’
• Honors cord and CSF lamp pin to wear at graduation
• Scholarship opportunities
• Ability to list CSF status on their college applications under ‘awards’

The requirements for Life Member (also called “Sealbearer”) status are the CSF lamp pin and the gold seal on the diploma; Sealbearer status must also be recorded on the student’s transcript. All other awards are optional. The chapter may provide other awards and may also distinguish between active and inactive membership in the granting of other awards..

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Since the organization’s inception, over 1500 CSF chapters have been approved. Today’s chapters continue to foster the recognition, motivation, and education of academically talented students. Chapter memberships promote the CSF ideal of service to their communities.

At TLHS proof of service as a member of CSF is submitted.  The minimum requirement is 5 hours per semesters.

• The Life members get a superb dinner banquet in their honor put on by their underclassmen with beautiful certificates and pins for their achievement.
• They wear the cords at graduation and get their names announced.
• They get a gold seal on their diplomas
• CSF Life or 100% Life is indicated on official transcripts
• Many colleges have CSF scholarships if you are a life member.
• Life member: 4 semesters (soph - senior) with one semester as a senior
• 100% Life Member: 6 semesters (soph-senior)