District 5 Employees Scholarship Program
Each year, the employees of Caltrans District 5 and the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) offer scholarships to high school seniors. The scholarship is intended to recognize and assist students who are planning to pursue a career in Transportation. We are pleased to announce that there are three (3) $1,000 scholarships available to award to successful candidates this year.
The field of transportation is broad and includes careers that Caltrans could potentially employ such as Engineers, Project Managers, Transportation Planners, Environmental Planners, Archeologists, Land Surveyors Mechanics, Electricians and many more.
The application is open to students graduating from a high school in District 5, which includes the counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. The candidates must also intend to enroll in a Community College, College or University, or Trade School in California. Caltrans hires in many areas that do not necessarily require a 4-year degree but require courses from a Community College or Trade School. We encourage all students, in all academic ranges, who plan to pursue a career in Transportation to apply.
Required Application Materials
- A completed application: Caltrans/CTF District 5 Employees Scholarship Application (PDF)
- A 250-500 word essay explaining why you think you would be the best choice for the scholarship and why you would like to pursue a career in transportation.
- A copy of your High School Transcripts.
- Name and phone number of a personal reference from a teacher, counselor, administrator, etc. at your High School
- List of Honors/Awards/Recognition
- Letters of Reference
Selection and Announcement
The Caltrans District 5 Scholarship Selection Committee will review all applications. After careful review, the winner and the scholarship coordinators at the high schools will be notified. The scholarship will be awarded in early June this year.
If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Barlow at (805) 556-5812 or by email at debbie.barlow@dot.ca.gov
Applications Due: May 15, 2025
Mail applications to:
Caltrans District 5 Scholarship
Attn: Debbie Barlow
50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401