The California Scholarship Federation, or CSF, is a state-wide organization that honors outstanding high school students for their academic achievement. It began in 1916 in one high school in San Diego County and has grown to over 1,000 chapters.
Eligibility for semester membership is based on the previous semester’s report card. A total of ten (10) points are required, with points assigned for “A” and “B” letter grades, and the applicability of coursework determined by the state CSF organization (no CSF points are given for PE, repeated courses, TA, office aide, pass/fail courses, or online courses taken when the course is offered on campus).
Palos Verdes High School (PVHS) sophomores, juniors and seniors who meet the requirements shall be eligible for semester membership (based upon their 10th, 11th, 12th grade report cards). Ninth graders who meet CSF requirements are considered associate members using their freshmen report cards.
Membership is not automatic. Eligible students must apply for membership during the enrollment period, which will be announced during the first several weeks of the semester. Students are notified of the enrollment period through Daily Bulletin and Edline announcements, “Live From 205” broadcasts, and campus signs. Applications are available in the library, main office, and online. Membership is for one semester only, and students must apply each semester. Retroactive membership is not allowed. If a student misses the deadline, he or she may not apply later (ref. State CSF bylaws).
Summer school courses cannot be applied. Check with the CSF advisor. A student may be disqualified from semester membership if judged an unworthy citizen by the advisor and principal. Grades of “D,” “F” and “U” in any subject disqualify a student from membership.
What are the Benefits of Membership?
- CSF chapter seal will be embossed on student’s diploma
- Special notation will be made on the graduation program
- It is an asset on College and scholarship applications
What is a Sealbearer?
A Sealbearer, or life member, or Gold Sealbearer, is a student who has been a member for at least 4 of the last 6 semesters of high school (membership using sophomore, junior and senior grades). One semester must be with senior grades.
Benefits of Being a Sealbearer
- Sealbearer status is noted on student’s permanent school records and final transcripts
- Student will receive an official life membership pin and Life Membership certificate
- Sealbearers are eligible for special scholarships designated only for sealbearers (Seymour Memorial Award, regarded as the highest scholar honor given to secondary school graduates in California; PVHS chapter scholarships)
- Active members (satisfied PVHS CSF service requirement) will wear a gold cord at the graduation ceremony
Community Service Requirements
Each semester, students must participate in a CSF-identified community service project in order to keep their membership “active.” Students who do not participate each semester still retain membership but as “inactive” members, which may affect eligibility to receive a gold cord if a Sealbearer, run for office, or be eligible for scholarships.
State Motto and Official Color
“Scholarship for Service” is the motto; gold is the official color. Dues: PVHS chapter dues are collected when the application form is submitted each semester. |
