Where to start in California
Most California awards come from the California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA). Five endowed scholarships of $2,000 to $3,000 close December 11, 2026, and two $5,000 mental health service awards close January 31, 2027. Each of these requires CAPA membership, so join before you apply.
Read the terms first. The endowed awards ask for a statement of intent to practice in California, take the PANCE within 60 days of graduating and serve as a CAPA volunteer leader for at least a year within 5 years of graduating. The mental health awards ask for a year of full-time mental health work in a rural or underserved community after licensure. USC's two program awards do not state a process, so ask the program.
California awards
Across California
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California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA)
PA students enrolled in a California ARC-PA-approved program who are California residents or intend to practice in California, in good standing, with financial need.
Service: Statement of intent: practice as a licensed PA in California, take the PANCE within 60 days of graduating, and serve as a CAPA volunteer leader for at least 1 year within 5 years of graduating.
- Window
- Due December 11, 2026
- Membership
- CAPA student or interim student member
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California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA)
PA students enrolled in a California ARC-PA-approved program who are California residents or intend to practice in California, in good standing, with financial need.
Service: Statement of intent: practice as a licensed PA in California, take the PANCE within 60 days of graduating, and serve as a CAPA volunteer leader for at least 1 year within 5 years of graduating.
- Window
- Due December 11, 2026
- Membership
- CAPA student or interim student member
-
California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA)
PA students enrolled in a California ARC-PA-approved program who are California residents or intend to practice in California, in good standing, with financial need.
Service: Statement of intent: practice as a licensed PA in California, take the PANCE within 60 days of graduating, and serve as a CAPA volunteer leader for at least 1 year within 5 years of graduating.
- Window
- Due December 11, 2026
- Membership
- CAPA student or interim student member
-
CAPA James Delaney Award $2,000
California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA)
PA students enrolled in a California ARC-PA-approved program who are California residents or intend to practice in California, in good standing, with financial need.
Service: Statement of intent: practice as a licensed PA in California, take the PANCE within 60 days of graduating, and serve as a CAPA volunteer leader for at least 1 year within 5 years of graduating.
- Window
- Due December 11, 2026
- Membership
- CAPA student or interim student member
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California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA)
California PA students who self-describe as African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Alaskan Native, Native American, LatinX and/or LGBTQIAP+, with financial need.
Service: Statement of intent: practice as a licensed PA in California, take the PANCE within 60 days of graduating, and serve as a CAPA volunteer leader for at least 1 year within 5 years of graduating.
- Window
- Due December 11, 2026
- Membership
- CAPA student or interim student member
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CAPA PA Mental Health Service Scholarship $5,000 each (2 awards)
California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA)
CAPA members in clinical rotations (or graduated within the nine months before the deadline) from a California ARC-PA program, GPA 3.0+, US citizen or permanent resident, committed to rural or underserved mental health care.
Service: One year of full-time employment in a rural or underserved community providing mental health services after graduation and licensure
- Window
- Due January 31, 2027
- Membership
- CAPA member
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California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA)
Future PAs with prior healthcare experience who aim to improve public health and bring a diverse cultural perspective.
Limited to one PA program
University of Southern California (Keck)
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Priority for single parents with financial need raising children in school. Students in committed relationships with young children may be considered if no eligible single parents apply.
- How
- Process not stated
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Scholarship support to students in the Primary Care PA Program, tied to serving underserved communities in the LA region.
- How
- Process not stated
Awards open in every state
California students can also apply for national awards. The full directory lists 36 of them, including PA Foundation, specialty society and service program awards, and awards open to other fields.
Before you accept any award, read how outside scholarships affect your financial aid and taxes.
