$40,000 to reach your dreams

The Lucille Rader Education Foundation awards life-changing college scholarships to young Catholic women who excel in writing, sports, and leadership.

We believe in you — and in where you’re going

You’ve worked hard.
 You’ve led with faith, strength, and heart — on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We are excited for the future you’re going to help shape, and we want to help you take the next step toward achieving your dreams.

At the Lucille Rader Education Foundation, we believe college should be accessible to young women who are eager to lead, serve, and make a difference. Since 2003, we’ve provided over $1.2 million in college scholarships to young Catholic women just like you.

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Scholarship Award Details

Each year, the Lucille Rader Education Foundation awards two $40,000 scholarships, distributed over four years, to outstanding young women from Catholic high schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Recipients are selected based on academic performance, leadership, athletic participation, and character. In addition to financial support, scholars become part of a growing network of leaders who value mentorship, encouragement, and long-term success.

See Past Winners

Eligibility Requirements

  • Line art illustration of a young woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a collared shirt and carrying a backpack, on a black background.

    Enrollment

    Female 12th Grade Student

  • Neon outline of a church with a cross on top and two smaller wings, glowing against a black background.

    Los Angeles Based

    Enrolled in a Catholic school located within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

  • Black background with white outline of praying hands, rosary beads, and a cross.

    Faith

    Practicing Catholic, regularly attending Mass

  • Hand-drawn checklist with five items, each marked with a checkmark.

    Academics

    Minimum 3.2 unweighted GPA or 3.5 weighted GPA

  • Line drawing of two women playing soccer with a ball between them on a black background.

    Team Sports

    Active participation in a team sport while in high school

  • White outline of a torch with a flame on a black background.

    Character

    Demonstrated leadership and strong moral character

Apply Now

Application Process

Submit Your Application

1

Start by reviewing our online application to see what information you'll need.

Await Our Response

2

We’ll respond to every completed application, and if you’re a finalist, you will be invited to the interview round.

Complete an Interview (if selected)

3

As a final selection step, finalists complete an interview round with a panel of LREF Board Directors. In addition to the interview, finalists will be asked to write a supervised essay, which will be compared to the essay submitted with the application.

Application Details

About Lucille Rader

Lucille Rader believed deeply in the power of education.

Through faith, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to learning, she built a life dedicated to helping others reach their potential.

As a teacher, she saw potential in young people—especially young women—who needed someone to believe in them. Today, the Lucille Rader Education Foundation carries on that legacy by investing in students who are ready to learn, lead, and serve.

Your story is the next chapter.

Lucille Rader, founder of the Lucille Rader Education Foundation, wearing a patterned tennis shirt with purple accents
A black and white photo of seven women standing outdoors, dressed in similar dark tops with white collars, smiling and posing together.
An elderly woman playing tennis on an outdoor court, preparing to hit a tennis ball with a racket.
Learn More

“This scholarship has allowed me to make so many memories, expand my mind, and grow into the person I have always wanted to be.”

— Maryanne Baltierra, 2020 Winner; Sacred Heart High School, UC Santa Barbara

“I hope to continue to let Lucille’s passion for education and faith-driven action empower me as I continue through life.”

— Savannah Cragin, 2016 Winner; St. Monica Catholic High School, UC Berkeley

“I am so thankful for the Lucille Rader Foundation and its mission to support young women. I look forward to one day, in the spirit of Lucille Rader, giving back to my community.”

— Ashley Conde, 2017 Winner; Immaculate Heart High School, Fordham University

“The Lucille Rader Education Foundation has been integral in making everything I have accomplished possible.”

— Caitlin Arocho, 2015 Winner; La Reina High School, Johns Hopkins University