LEO Scholarship Application
Apply today! Application period May 5 through June 7, 2026. Essay prompts will differ for Graduate level and undergraduate level applicants.
Questions? Email us at LEOATCLB@GMAIL.COM
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Be a high school senior, undergraduate student, graduate student, or community college student transferring to a four-year university
Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale)
Be a Long Beach resident or attend a LBC school
Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university Fall 2026
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED
Academic transcripts (GPA)
Acceptance Letter or Proof of Enrollment
Recommendation Letters (2-minimum)
Proof of Identification: Residency/School Verification
SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY PROMPTS
UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL ESSAY PROMPT
In 800–1,000 words, respond to the following: Choosing a college major is not a neutral decision, it is shaped by access, opportunity, identity, and the world you are navigating. In today’s evolving social, economic, and political climate, your education is not only about personal success, but also about how you engage with and contribute to the communities around you. What led you to choose your specific major, and how is that choice influenced by your background, lived experiences, and sense of identity? To what extent do you believe your decision was shaped by passion, practicality, external expectations, or systemic factors such as access and opportunity? Critically reflect on the role your chosen field plays in society. Who does it serve, and who might it overlook? How might your presence in this field challenge, reinforce, or reshape existing systems? Finally, consider your responsibility as a student and future professional. How do you envision using your education not only to advance your own goals, but to contribute to equity, innovation, or positive change in your community or beyond? What excites you about this path, and what responsibilities come with it?
GRADUATE LEVEL ESSAY PROMPT
In 800-1,000 words, respond to the following: Why are you pursuing a graduate degree at this point in your academic or professional journey, and how does that decision reflect your values, goals, and sense of purpose? Describe how your experiences, background, and any opportunities or challenges you have encountered have shaped your path. Explain how your academic work (whether through research, a thesis, or a culminating project) connects to real-world issues you hope to address. How does your work align with LEO’s mission of advancing equity, opportunity, leadership, and service? Finally, reflect on the broader impact of your education. How do you hope to use your degree not only for personal achievement, but also to create meaningful change in your community, profession, or field?
AI LANGUAGE USAGE
LEO supports original work product because it aligns with our mission of embracing identity, background, and inclusivity. We uphold authentic voices, lived experiences, and personal insight. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including but not limited to generative writing platforms, to draft, edit, or substantially revise application materials is strongly discouraged.
Submissions that appear to be generated, heavily assisted, or significantly altered by AI may be subject to review and could negatively impact the evaluation of your application. The selection committee values sincerity, individuality, and personal reflection over polished or formulaic responses.
By submitting this application, you affirm that all materials represent your own original work and ideas.
APPLICATION CAP LANGUAGE
Applications are scheduled to remain open until June 7, 2026, 11:59 PM. However, due to high interest, we reserve the right to close the application portal early if we receive a sufficient volume of candidates. We encourage all interested parties to submit their materials as soon as possible.