CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #C2
DATE: November 12, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Joseph Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to review and approve the amended guidelines for the City’s Youth and Adult Scholarship Program.
SUMMARY
The City of Hawaiian Gardens has supported educational advancement through scholarship programs designed to assist both youth and adult residents. The Scholarship Program serves as an investment in our community’s future by promoting educational achievement, community service, and lifelong learning.
Staff conducted a review of the existing scholarship program guidelines and identified opportunities to simplify requirements and expand eligibility for Hawaiian Gardens residents, particularly for high school seniors preparing for college.
Eligibility requirements remain the same apart from the removal of the 20-hour community service requirement through the city and the one-day orientation. Students will be required to explain their involvement with Community Service through the essay component of the application and options to volunteer with the city will still be provided.
The city will offer up to 9 Youth Scholarships and 3 Adult Scholarships. The Award levels will be contingent on the approved budget for this program and may be modified on a year-to-year basis.
The City will develop a committee comprised of local school personnel, principals or designees to assist us in interviewing and evaluating the approved applicants. We will also work with Artesia High School to recognize the scholarship recipients at one of their Agenda Item #C2
November 12, 2025
existing school events. The city will also be presenting the scholarship winners at one of the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting.
The amended guidelines for the Youth and Adult Scholarship Program reflects the City of Hawaiian Gardens’ commitment to promoting educational advancement, supporting residents of all ages, and encouraging community service.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the scholarship program will be allocated from the City’s existing General Fund budget, subject to City Council approval during the annual budget cycle.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Scholarship Application
B. Scholarship Eligibility
C. Draft Scholarship Guidelines