Gateway Scholarship

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Whittier College is proud to invest in the educational and professional futures of Southeast Los Angeles County's youth.

Beginning with the incoming class of 2023, Whittier will award all high school seniors enrolled in an accredited public, charter, or private school within the Gateway Cities region a $5,000 scholarship.

The Gateway Scholarship is renewable for the entirety of a student's enrollment at Whittier College and can be used to cover the cost of tuition, fees, or room and board. The scholarship is awarded in addition to a student's earned merit scholarship, which is based on their 9th to 11th grade weighted GPA. The Gateway Scholarship is awarded regardless of a student's household income. No additional application is required for the scholarship - students are automatically considered based on the location of the most recent high school listed in their admission application and official transcript.

High school students enrolled in an accredited public, charter, continuation, or private high school in any of the following cities automatically qualify for and will receive Whittier College's Gateway Scholarship.

Artesia, Avalon, Bell, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Cerritos, Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Park, City of Industry, La Habra, La Mirada, La Puente, Lakewood, Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Norwalk, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Signal Hill, South Gate, Vernon, Whittier.

What are the Gateway Cities?

The Gateway Cities region is comprised of 27 communities centrally located between Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Several communities within the Gateway Cities are among the most densely populated in the United States. Whittier College is the only four-year, private liberal arts college within the Gateway Cities region.

How do I apply for the Gateway Scholarship?

There is no additional application required for the Gateway Scholarship. All students who apply to Whittier College using the Common Application or via Instant Decision automatically qualify for the Gateway Scholarship if they attend school in one of the Gateway Cities.

Do I qualify for a Gateway Scholarship if I reside within a Gateway City but attend school somewhere else?

No. Your high school must be located within one of the listed Gateway Cities in order for you to qualify for a Gateway Scholarship.

Is there a minimum GPA required for the Gateway Scholarship?

All qualifying students who are admitted to Whittier College will receive the Gateway Scholarship.

Is the Gateway Scholarship need-based?

The Gateway Scholarship is awarded to all qualifying admitted students regardless of household income.

How can I learn more about the Gateway Scholarship?

Contact the Office of Admission at admission@whittier.edu or 562.907.4974.