Pars Youth Grant

Goodarzi Scholarship Grant (A)

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Qualifications

Goodarzi Scholarship Grant (A) – PARS Equality Center

Funded by Sasan and Shirin Goodarzi, the Goodarzi Scholarship Grant expands educational opportunities for immigrant women pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The scholarship is designed to help talented students overcome financial barriers, achieve academic excellence, and build successful careers that contribute to innovation and their communities.

This scholarship is available to women who have legally immigrated to the United States within the last seven years and are pursuing higher education in California.

The maximum award is up to $10,000 per academic year. Recipients who continue their undergraduate or graduate studies while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may be considered for continued funding throughout the duration of their degree program, subject to annual review and the discretion of Sasan and Shirin Goodarzi.

Having immigrated to the United States themselves, Sasan and Shirin Goodarzi understand the transformative role education plays in creating opportunity. Through this scholarship, they seek to empower immigrant women pursuing STEM careers by reducing financial barriers, encouraging academic achievement, and investing in the next generation of innovators, researchers, engineers, and technology leaders.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a female immigrant who is legally present in the United States.
  • Have immigrated to the United States within the past seven (7) years.
  • Be a California resident.
  • Be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited community college, college, or university in California.
  • Be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Demonstrate significant financial need. Preference will be given to applicants whose financial circumstances would otherwise limit their ability to pursue or complete their education. The scholarship committee will consider household income, financial obligations, educational expenses, available financial aid, and other factors affecting the applicant's ability to afford higher education.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted annually between July 15 and August 1 for the upcoming academic year. Scholarship recipients will be announced by August 15.

Applicants must submit:

  • A completed scholarship application form. Applicants must sign in using a Google account to complete the application and upload all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Documents

  • Official transcripts from your current or most recent educational institution.
  • A letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment from an accredited California community college, college, or university.
  • Federal income tax returns (or equivalent proof of income) for the applicant and/or parent(s) or guardian(s) for the previous two years, or other documentation demonstrating financial need if tax returns are unavailable.
  • A personal essay (750–900 words, double-spaced) discussing:
    • Your background and personal journey.
    • Your academic and career goals.
    • Why you chose your STEM field.
    • The financial challenges you have faced in pursuing higher education.
    • How receiving this scholarship would impact your education and future career.
  • One letter of recommendation from a current or former professor, instructor, academic advisor, or mentor on official letterhead addressing your academic achievements, character, leadership potential, and future promise.

Applicants must also agree to participate in scholarship-related promotional and recognition activities, including photographs, interviews, or testimonials, if selected.

Application Process

  1. Submit a completed application by August 1.
  2. Applications are reviewed by the scholarship committee.
  3. Selected semifinalists advance to the final review.
  4. Sasan and Shirin Goodarzi may interview finalist candidates.
  5. Scholarship recipients are selected and notified by August 15.
  6. PARS Equality Center publicly announces the scholarship recipients.
  7. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient's educational institution and applied toward tuition and other eligible educational expenses.
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Equal Opportunity Statement

PARS Equality Center welcomes applications from all eligible individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

For questions about the scholarship, please contact info@parsequalitycenter.org.