Scholarship FAQ

Scholarship Program Mission Statement

Since its founding in 1951, the Women’s Guild Scholarship program has had one goal: to help 8th grade local students who have been accepted to a Catholic High School with a scholarship to help them in their first year of Catholic High School.

For many years, the Guild has awarded five (5) students scholarships in the amount of $500 each. In 2022, we were able to increase that to $1000 each, then in 2023 we were able to increase the scholarship to $1,250. We did this through the generosity of members who donated to the fund during the membership drive, and through the profits from our Women’s Guild Christmas Luncheon Raffle and Auction.

The Women’s Guild’s 2024-2025 Goal was to raise $10,000, and to set aside 15% of that to be earmarked for 2025-2026 Scholarship Fund. Because of the hard work and dedication of the Ways and Means Committee, the generosity of the attendees of the Christmas Luncheon who participated in the Silent Auction, the attendees of the Casino Trips, and donations through the membership drive, the Women's Guild was able to raise $10,478.71 for the Scholarship Fund. The Women's Guild has approved five $1400 scholarships and two $1000 scholarships, which will allow us to set aside 14% of the Scholarship Fund to be earmarked for the 2025-2026 Scholarship Fund.

Let us not lose sight of the increasing cost of attending a Catholic High School and the important contribution that a Catholic education makes to our society. Ultimately, the Women's Guild goal is to help qualifying 8th grade students to realize the dream of a Catholic High School education.

Scholarship Program FAQs

Who can apply?

8th Grade Public, Private, or Home-educated Students planning to attend a Catholic High School who either:

a. Reside in the City of Downey; or

b. attend one of the following Catholic Schools*:

St Raymond's School in Downey; or
St Domininc Savio School in Bellflower.

*In compliance with directives from Fr Danny Garcia, we are unable to accept applications from OLPH students at this time.

2. What do I need to apply?

Completed Application Form (available for download on OLG website)
Letter of Acceptance to a Catholic High School
7th and 8th Grade Transcript from current school (including attendance, citizenship and GPA)
Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher(s) and/or Pastor
Copy of Catholic High School Placement Exam Results
Personal Essay to include:
- Tell about yourself and your interests
- Details of your involvement in service and participation in Parsh, school, and community
- How does your Catholic faith influence you in your participation in home, Parish, school, and community?
- Why are you interested in attending a Catholic High School?

3. Once I've completed my porfolio, how do I apply?

Submit completed portfolio via email to: OLGScholarship@gmail.com

4. What is the due date to apply?

2024-2025 deadline to apply has now passed. Check back next winter for details concerning the 2025-2026 Scholarship Program

5. How will my Personal Essay be assessed?

Your Personal Essay will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Ability to communicate in written form with grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Provides student background, family, and interest
Details parish, school, community involvement
Clearly explains the influence of Catholic faith
Clearly explains rationale for attending a Catholic High School

6. When will I know if I've been awarded a scholarship?

Letters of notification will be mailed out to parent(s)/guardian(s) at the end of May/early June.

7. When will I receive my scholarship?

Scholarship checks will be sent directly to your accepted Catholic High School by the end of June.

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