Koshland Young Leader Awards is limited to 11th-grade students attending San Francisco Unified School District high schools. It recognizes young people who maintain academic promise and community leadership while facing economic, family, health, housing, or language challenges. For the 2026 cohort, the Foundation announced eleven $14,000 awards for tuition and education expenses; applications closed April 9. The amount and calendar for the 2027 cohort must be confirmed when the next call is posted.
The page lists a minimum 3.4 weighted GPA and plans to attend a college or junior college, along with leadership shown at school, work, in community activities, or through family responsibilities. Applicants also explain a significant challenge and how they responded. The file includes a recent transcript, a reference from someone who is not a relative, a leadership-activity list, and a video up to eight minutes; students unable to record one can ask about a written alternative.
This is a competitive leadership award, not a general fund open to every student in the metro area. Selection is not based on GPA alone: the Foundation invites applicants to tell their own story with specific examples rather than outsource essays or video. Read the current-year instructions before preparing sensitive materials, confirm whether the award renews, and ask what receipts or school records are required to document education expenses.
Before accepting aid, verify in writing who may apply, what costs it covers, whether it renews, and how it interacts with FAFSA and other scholarships. Confirm dates in the official portal and ask the college for your remaining net cost.
Read the program profile and FAFSA guide; ask for an individual review before committing.
Koshland Young Leader Awards — The San Francisco Foundation.
Leadership Programs and Awards — The San Francisco Foundation.
San Francisco Unified School District — SFUSD.
Information checked against official pages on October 13, 2026. Dates and award availability refer to the stated cycle and may change; confirm requirements in the current application. Promise awards are last-dollar funds and may not cover housing, food, transport, or other costs; loans must be repaid.
Verify the current cycle, remaining net cost, and any renewal or repayment obligations before accepting.
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Koshland Young Leader Awards
Koshland Young Leader Awards is limited to 11th-grade students attending San Francisco Unified School District high schools. It recognizes young people who maintain academic promise and community leadership while facing economic, family, health, housing, or language challenges. For the 2026 cohort, the Foundation announced eleven $14,000 awards for tuition and education expenses; applications closed April 9. The amount and calendar for the 2027 cohort must be confirmed when t
Local scholarship and college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The San Francisco Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The San Francisco Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
SFUSD · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
The San Francisco Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Koshland Young Leader Awards ↗
Primary source
The San Francisco Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Koshland Young Leader Awards ↗
Primary source
SFUSD · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.