California Scholarship Federation
What is the history of the California Scholarship Federation?
The California Scholarship Federation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize and encourage academic achievement and community service among middle and high school students in California. There are approximately 1500 chapters in middle school and high schools throughout the state, and each chapter is composed of students 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.
Conferences are held annually, and student awards recognizing scholastic achievement and community service are presented.
What are the requirements to be in the California Scholarship Federation?
Membership in CSF is through school chapters. Each chapter is composed 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.
Conferences are held annually, and student awards recognizing scholastic achievement and community service are presented.
Requirements for Semester Membership
Students earn membership in CSF if they apply and have earned 10 (ten) CSF points. Points are earned on grades from the previous semester according to the following scale.
A = 3 CSF points*
B = 1 CSF point*
C = 0 CSF points
D or F in any course, even if not counted for CSF, disqualifies the student from membership
*1 extra point for an A or a B in an AP, IB, or Honors-designated course, not to exceed two such points per semester
- 4 (Four) of the 10 (ten) points must come from List I courses.
- 7 (Seven) of the 10 (ten) points (including the four List I points) must come from List I and II courses. Of course, all seven points may come from List I.
- The last 3 (three) points may come from any list.
- Only 5 (five) courses (or 25 credits) may be used to earn the 10 (ten) points.
Keep in mind that courses such as P.E., teacher assistant, office aide, or repeated courses do not earn any CSF points. See the description of List I, II, III courses in Article IV, Section 6, of the CSF Bylaws on CSF Chapter Resources.
What are the key benefits of being a member of the California Scholarship Federation?
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Inc. provides scholarships to qualified California High School Students towards a Life Membership or Sealbearer. This scholarship, founded in 1921, is one of the highest scholastic honors given to secondary school graduates in the state of California. Not only do the scholarships benefit the high school student while in high school, but they also provide funding for their college or university education. However, you’ll have to be a citizen of California to be a CSF member, and you’ll also have to maintain excellent academic grades.
Based on the information, here is our review:
Our first observation is: that this society has its own point-system, which is very unique compared to a cut and dry GPA requirement, which most honor societies have.
Our second observation was: that poor citizenship may disqualify students from membership. It is the adviser and principal’s prerogative to determine disbarment.
Our third observation was: that official membership only lasts for one semester, and after each semester, people are reviewed for possible continued membership.
