Barbara J. “BJ” Wells Scholarship
The Barbara J. “BJ” Wells Scholarship benefits graduating Napa County high school seniors and community college transfer students who will find the cost of higher education a financial hardship and who grew up in a household where English was not their first language spoken. Recipients must be planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, either by enrolling directly at a four-year college/university or by beginning their studies at a community college before transferring. Recipients of the scholarship will receive funding for up to four years while working to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Who’s Eligible?
- Napa County graduating high school seniors who will be attending an accredited, non-profit, two or four-year college/university pursuing undergraduate study in any field during the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference given to applicants planning to attend a California public university (UC or CSU).
- Community college students residing in Napa County who will be transferring in fall 2026 to an accredited, non-profit, four-year college/university pursuing undergraduate study in any field. Preference given to applicants planning to attend a California public university.
- Students satisfying one of the above who identify as English language learners or who grew up in a household where English was not their first language spoken.
All Applicants Must:
- Be in good academic standing
- Have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0
- Be planning to attend an accredited, non-profit, two or four-year college/university pursuing undergraduate studies
- Demonstrate financial need
Award Amount:
$1,000 per year for up to four years ($4,000 total)
Application Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Two short essays to the following questions (250 words or less):
- What do you want to do after college? Describe the type of work or career you hope to have and explain why it matters to you or your family. You can also share who or what inspired your goals
- How would receiving this scholarship help you? You can talk about how it would support your education, your family, or your future goals.
- List the high school-related, community service and extracurricular activities, work experience, and family obligations in which you have been involved, the number of hours per week you devoted to these activities, and the roles and responsibilities you performed.
- A copy of your most recent unofficial transcript or a GED Certificate
- A copy of the page from your FAFSA Student Aid Report or California Dream Act Student Aid Report showing your Student Aid Index (SAI) — if applicable
Download a PDF of these requirements
Contact Us
For questions regarding scholarships, contact Lupe Reyes at (707) 254-9565 or scholarships@napavalleycf.org
Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda en español sobre las becas, llame a Lupe Reyes al número (707) 254-9565 o mándenos un correo electrónico a scholarships@napavalleycf.org