Whittier Scholars Program
Investing in our Future. Influencing our World
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
The Whittier family, one of the pioneer families in Southern California, has a long history of supporting educational programs in Southern California communities. The family recognizes that intelligent, talented students are important resources to society and that the best students invigorate the academic and social climate of a school. The Whittier family has made an enduring commitment to prepare young people for academic success, leadership, and citizenship in our communities and the world.
THE PROGRAM
The Whittier Scholars Program provides full tuition assistance to academically qualified, motivated students who demonstrate financial need to attend Laguna Blanca School so they may benefit from a rigorous college preparatory education. This exciting scholarship initiative offers advanced educational opportunities for talented students who otherwise might not be able to attend Laguna Blanca.
THE LAGUNA BLANCA TRADITION
Laguna Blanca School is an independent, K-12 college-preparatory day school with a 75-year tradition of excellence in Santa Barbara. At Laguna Blanca, students achieve their highest academic potential by reaching beyond familiarity to discovery and beyond self to social responsibility and ethical leadership.
Laguna faculty members are exceptionally gifted and are known for their ability to imbue students with a passion for learning. Their classrooms are vital, interactive places where students and teachers exchange ideas, refine their points of view, and pursue new critical ways of thinking. Through imaginative teaching, faculty helps kindle in students a sense of intellectual curiosity and a lifelong fascination for the world around them. The bonds of friendship that develop between individual students and their teachers are a natural outgrowth of Laguna’s small class sizes and create an atmosphere of mutual trust and high expectation. This level of interaction fosters original, creative, independent thinking. As scholars and as people, students at Laguna see the interrelatedness of knowledge and recognize the connections that lead to deep intellectual accomplishment and to a sense of investment in the world.
SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
Every ninth grade applicant to Laguna Blanca School who has financial need is considered for the Whittier Scholars Program. There is no separate application procedure. Students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual promise; reflect an inquisitive, creative spark; show leadership potential; and contribute to the dignity and worth of their school communities may be considered as candidates for the Whittier Scholars Program. The admission committee of Laguna Blanca School identifies Whittier Scholar candidates from the overall pool of applicants and forwards its recommendations to the Whittier Foundation.
Students interested in being considered for the Whittier Scholars Program should contact the admissions office at Laguna Blanca School and arrange an appointment to learn more about the school and its programs, as well as gather information about the application process.
Office of Admission
805.687.2461 x210
jbalak@lagunablanca.org
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A student must complete both the Laguna Blanca School admission and financial aid applications. Laguna Blanca School requires the application, student and parent questionnaires, school records and test scores, teacher recommendations, a graded essay, and a class visit and personal interview.
To identify financial need, the family submits a Parent Financial Statement (PFS) to School and Student Service by NAIS (SSS) and provides by March 1 directly to Laguna Blanca School hard copies of parents’ current and previous years signed Federal Income Tax Returns with all schedules and W-2s attached. For separated or divorced families, please carefully read the school’s Financial Aid Policy Statement and submit the required documentation for both parents.
Laguna Blanca School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any characteristic that is legally protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. This nondiscrimination policy includes but is not limited to admission, financial aid, educational programs, athletics, and employment.
SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION PROCESS
The Upper School admission committee reviews all applicant files. Offers of admission are extended and notification is given to those identified as candidates for the Whittier Scholars Program. Applicants selected as candidates for the Whittier Scholars Program interview with members of the Foundation, who ultimately select the recipient.
Whittier Scholar candidates will demonstrate exceptional academic potential, a love of learning, and a spirit of inquiry. They will be students who go beyond expectations and radiate an enthusiasm for learning that is contagious. They will be ambitious, curious, motivated, and welcome a challenge. They will understand that in taking academic risks, they become agile learners—stronger, better, smarter.
INFLUENCING OUR WORLD
Identified as a Whittier Scholars recipient, you are a student of uncommon ability and talents, a student who possesses the skills, flexibility, and confidence to meet with enthusiasm the demands and challenges of the future and who will push the edge of change to invent solutions. You will join a community of learners who share in common a love of learning and spirit of inquiry, who think passionately about their responsibility to the wider world, and who care intensely about each other. Deciding to attend Laguna is a defining moment. It brings into focus the core of who you are and the wonder of what you can become. It says your view of the future embraces possibilities, not limitations.
