Since its inception in 1998, BASIC has awarded approximately $690,000 in scholarships ​and grants to 475 Borrego youths and adults.

BASIC scholarships are awarded to high school seniors, continuing college students, and adults for college, career and vocational studies.  Criteria are economic need, likelihood for academic or vocational success, and personal essays demonstrating maturity.  

First time applicants must reside or work in the geographic area of the Borrego Springs Unified School District or be an alumnus of the Borrego Springs Unified School District. 

Past scholarship recipients who have continuing educational needs ​are encouraged to reapply annually.

BASIC is both proud and humbled to be awarding several named scholarships, many of which are memorial.  All the scholarships have been sponsored by, or honor, long time Borregans, all of whom share a commitment to the value of higher education. 

Click on each one to read the stories behind many of these awards.

• Sandra Angle Memorial Scholarship - For studies leading to a career in education
• Jon M. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship - For students studying for careers using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
• Jerry R. Goldsmith Memorial Scholarships - For students pursuing careers in healthcare or science, or in special need
• Jim McFarland Memorial Technical/Vocational Scholarship - For a student pursuing a career in automotive technology
• Dr. Edith A. Schmitt Memorial Scholarship - For a student planning to pursue a career in the healthcare/medical field
• Christopher H. Smith Memorial Scholarship - For students pursuing studies in natural sciences
• Williamson Memorial Scholarship - Our oldest memorial scholarship, for scholars making the transition from a community college to a 4-year school
• Bill Wright Memorial Scholarship - For students pursuing careers in business & innovation. Bill Wright was a BASIC founder, and at his death he remained a champion of BASIC and especially of the expanded C2G strategy and programs.
• Paula Matthews & Mark Remy Scholarship - For student pursuing studies in environment, sustainability and policy
• Don Nicholas Memorial Scholarship - For a student planning a career as an educator
• Borrego Valley Endowment Fund Scholarship - For a student pursuing part-time studies
• PEO Scholarship - For a woman pursuing her studies
• Richard & Rosemary Fausel Scholarship - For students pursuing studies in science, mathematics or engineering
• Joanne & Richard Ingwall Scholarship -  For academic excellence with GPA = or > 3.67
• Joann & David (in memory) Stang Scholarship - For academic excellence with GPA between 3.33 and 3.66