District 5 Employees Scholarship Program
Each year, the employees of Caltrans District 5 and the California Transportation Foundation (CTF) offer a minimum $750 scholarship to a high school senior. 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) $1,500 scholarships to be awarded 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.
Please apply here:
https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/CaltransDistrict5Employee2026
Required Application Materials
- A one-page 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
- A minimum of one letter of recommendation
Selection and Announcement
The Caltrans District 5 Scholarship Selection Committee will review all applications. After careful review, the winners 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 16, 2026
Mail applications to:
Caltrans District 5 Scholarship
Attn: Debbie Barlow
50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401