English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Annual scholarship

What is a scholarship?

  • Scholarships are money that a student gets from a college or organization.
  • Scholarships are used to help pay for a student’s education.

What is the difference between a scholarship and a student loan?

  • A student loan is money that a student borrows to help pay for classes.
  • The student must pay back the money later.
  • When a student receives a scholarship, they do NOT pay any money back.

What is the ESOL Annual Scholarship?

  • The ESOL Annual Scholarship is only for students in the ESOL program at PCC.
  • It provides money to help pay for ESOL credit classes at PCC.

Which students can apply for the ESOL Annual Scholarship?

  • Students must have started the ESOL program at PCC in level 1-3.
  • They must be currently enrolled in levels 4-7.
  • They must have a C+ grade or higher in their ESOL classes.

How can I apply for this scholarship?

You’ll need to:

  • Complete the online scholarship application. (You will need your PCC user name and password)
  • Provide contact information (the names and email addresses) of two of your ESOL teachers who can write letters of recommendation for you.
  • Write three essays on three given topics.

Can you tell me more about the essays?

  • They must be no be more than 1.5 pages long, double spaced (this is about 350 words). But they can be shorter.
  • The three essay topics are:
    • Essay 1: What is your career goal and educational plan to meet this goal? What inspired you to choose this field of study and career?
    • Essay 2: Describe a significant challenge or change that has occurred in your life in the last ten years. How did you respond and what did you learn about yourself?
    • Essay 3: Describe something about yourself that you haven’t addressed already in your essays. Why is this important to you?

Can I get help with my essays?

  • One of the ESOL teachers may be available to mentor you. They will be able to help with the application process. This includes coaching you on your essays.
  • You can also get help with your essays at the Tutoring Center or Writing Center on your campus.
See a sample student essay

Sample essay:

Many children have elders in their family who help guide their lives. I come from a vibrant indigenous community in Guatemala. Our family was involved in agriculture. We used our bodies to work hard and for that reason, education was not valued because it didn’t create commerce in our village. Growing up, my father never sent me to school, and in fact, he told me that going to school was a waste of time. I watched other children going to school and I became very sad because I had a deep desire to have that opportunity for myself. I had a dream that I would be an adult that was wise and educated.

When I was 17 years old, I decided to come to the United States to fulfill my dream of being educated and to pursue a career. I arrived here in 2005. I imagined that I would immediately being school and be successful, but upon my arrival, I found that the United States was not as easy as I imagined. I had to pay for rent, utilities, and other necessities. Instead of going straight to school, I looked for a job.

After sometime, I was able to begin classes and begin learning English. I felt very encouraged and hopeful. But in 2011, all of my dreams disappeared. I had a car accident that changed my life. I became a paraplegic. When I learned my fate, I felt that my life no longer had worth. I fell into a deep depression that lasted over three years. I was a young man, but my life had ended.

Over one year ago, I woke up from my depression, remembering that I have a dream to study and become a wise and educated adult. Last year I started to study at PCC and I have been very successful. Although I can no longer do the physical jobs that were valuable in my community in Guatemala, I can be educated and find jobs that those who are differently—abled can do effectively. My life has worth and that’s why I’m here at PCC.

If you would like to apply for the ESOL Annual Scholarship:

  • Please email the contact person on your campus if you are interested.

Scholarship contacts