This prestigious community of high potential, curious learners is creating a strong foundation for career success. Our founding principles:
Potential is not reflected in test scores or grades
Careers are profoundly shaped on the strength of the personal relationships you form along the way
Curiosity and learning capacity are more important to your career than any class
Problem solving skills, collaboration capabilities and curiosity are the true foundation of future success
About the scholarship
The Diamante Scholars program helps high school students with overlooked and unseen potential identify a career path and build the professional skills for success. The Diamante experience starts with a 1.5 unit DVC CAREER 100 Class: College & Career Success.
Apply in the fall
Students apply fall of senior year to begin program in last semester of senior year.
Take a class
Take one class at DVC in the high school senior spring semester, enroll full time upon graduation.
Career Exploration & Connection
Participate in summer internships, industry visits, and career guest speaker series.
Buy supplies
Students will receive a $150 stipend per semester to help with school supplies.
Community & DVC Support
Personalized 1:1 support along your path.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum grade point average to be considered?
Do I need to know what I want to study or major in?
What does the Diamante Scholars Program Coordinator do?
Why is my family included in the Diamante Scholar events?
What if I want to learn a trade and not go to college?
Why are there seminars and guest speakers?
Because there are many, many people like you who have gone down this path and found their success
Apply to be a Diamante Scholar today
Have you been told you’re not college material? Have people said your grades aren’t “good enough” and are somehow an indicator of your potential? Do you know, deep down, you see your successful future? Diamante Scholars is here to help you unlock your potential.
What You Need to Apply
- Submit an online application
- Participate in a student interview
Qualifications
- A senior or mid-year graduate from one of the following high schools: Concord, Mt. Diablo, Olympic, or Ignacio Valley
- Determined to graduate from college
- Available to attend required programming – approximately 2 to 3 events per semester
- Committed to achieving and maintaining a 2.5 GPA or greater
- Committed to going to school full-time at DVC (minimum of 12 units in the Fall & Spring)
Required Activities (Spring of H.S. Senior Year)
- Welcome Reception
- Speaker Series Event: February, March, April, May
- End of the Year Celebration: June
- Career 100 – College and Career Success, a 1.5 unit DVC college course
About Diamante Scholars
The Diamante Scholars program is focused on helping high-potential high school students find their path to higher education and career success.
Our belief is that the skills and capabilities that make for a successful career for many people have little to do with academic success and very much to do with a desire and capacity to learn, to be effective problem solvers, and to develop trusted working and personal relationships.
The name “Diamante” speaks to these scholars as diamonds. Diamonds in the rough. And diamonds are tough. We chose the Spanish term for diamond to reflect the heritage of the founder, Peter Zaballos — two generations ago his grandparents Pedro and Juana Zaballos emigrated from Spain to California, working first in the fields and eventually in the Del Monte canneries.
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