Volunteer
as a scholarship evaluator.
Shape a brighter, more inclusive future.
Why
volunteer?
Support educational equity.
Help us provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ students to achieve their educational goals.
Give back to the community.
Use your skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Be part of a supportive team.
Join a network of passionate individuals dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity in education.
What
you’ll do
Review applications.
Assess scholarship applications based on set criteria, including financial need, personal statements, and academic achievements.
Provide feedback.
Offer constructive feedback to applicants to help them improve their applications and future prospects.
Maintain confidentiality.
Ensure all applicant information is handled with the utmost privacy and respect. Applicant names and identifying information are masked from volunteers during this review process.
This video provides an overview of the scholarship evaluation process for volunteers, highlighting how to fairly assess applicants’ essays, personal stories, and achievements while maintaining privacy and minimizing bias.
National Rainbow College Fund Application 2025 – 2026
Evaluation
If you are a Scholarship Evaluator, please click here to log in and access your applications.
Join our Scholarship Evaluator Team
Interested in a hands-on volunteer opportunity to read, evaluate and make scholarship decisions for our local San Diego County students?
Then you may be a great fit as a scholarship application evaluator with the San Diego Foundation Community Scholarship Program!
With nearly 140 scholarship funds, 3,000 applicants and more than 900 recipients annually, we rely on our evaluators to make informed and thoughtful award decisions. We are inspired by the commitment our evaluators have made to students and are excited to work together to award a record amount of scholarships each year.
Timeline
- January 15, 2025: Common Scholarship Application Opens
- March 5, 2025 at 2:00 P.M: Common Scholarship Application Closes
- March-April 2025: Foundation staff qualifies applications
- April 2025: Scholarship Application Evaluator training and assignments begin
- April-May 2025: Application Evaluators read and score applications online
- June 2025: All students are notified of award
Responsibility
The scholarship selection process runs from January to mid-May. Scholarship evaluators are typically responsible for:
- Reviewing and scoring applications online
- Attending in-person or remote interviews with applicants
Scoring applications will take an average of 1-2 hours per pool. Each pool has an average range of 10 – 20 applications, though some may be larger or smaller. Evaluators may sign up to score as many pools as their schedule permits.
FAFSA Changes
To apply, students must complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. If students can’t complete either, they must use the Federal Student Aid Estimator Tool at studentaid.gov/aid-estimator, complete the Estimated SAI page and submit it. Students are also encouraged to share details about their financial situation in the “Other Financial Circumstances” section of the application. If extreme financial challenges prevent students from doing any of the above, they can explain their situation in the same section. If they are eligible, we may request more information for clarification.
We will cover the FAFSA in more detail when we host our evaluator trainings in early April and will announce dates when they are confirmed.
Frequently asked
questions
What are the responsibilities of a volunteer evaluator?
Volunteer evaluators review scholarship applications, assess them based on set criteria, and provide constructive feedback to applicants.
How much time is required to volunteer as an evaluator?
The time commitment is flexible and depends on the number of applications you choose to review. Most evaluations take place between April and May each year.
Do I need any specific qualifications to become a volunteer evaluator?
While no specific qualifications are required, experience in education, counseling or related fields is beneficial. Training will be provided.
How will I receive training and support?
Comprehensive training is provided through virtual sessions, and ongoing support is available from the NRCF team.
Can I volunteer remotely?
Yes. Most evaluations can be completed remotely, allowing you to volunteer from the comfort of your own home.
Is there a confidentiality agreement for evaluators?
Yes. All volunteer evaluators must sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure the privacy and security of applicant information.
How do I apply to become a volunteer evaluator?
Fill out the Volunteer Application Form. Our team will contact you for next steps.
Volunteer to be a Scholarship Evaluator
Still have questions? Contact us and we will be happy to help!
He/him/his
Manager, National Rainbow College Fund
(619) 814-1366
