The Panda Cares First-Year Scholars Program is a postsecondary scholarship and college success program administered by UNCF for students entering their first year of college in the 2025–2026 academic year. It supports first-year college students attending accredited 2- or 4-year institutions across the U.S.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (unweighted, 4.0 scale)
• Demonstrated financial need verified by your institution
• Full-time freshman in Fall 2025 at a U.S.-located, accredited 2- or 4-year college/university

What to Submit

1. Personal statement (showing grit in pursuit of college)
2. Financial aid award letter from your college
3. Most recent FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
4. Final high school transcript with graduation date
5. Statement of extracurriculars, honors/awards, and community service

Disclaimer: The scholarship listed above will take you to a website that is neither affiliated with nor developed by California State University, Northridge. The scholarship staff is not responsible for the content on these sites or the outcome. The website listed is intended to provide helpful and appropriate material for students.