Arcadia High School’s California Scholarship Federation (CSF), reached 500 members for the spring semester of 2021!

CSF is a nonprofit organization, which is set in place to encourage students’ academic achievements throughout their middle and high school career. There are about 1500 chapters throughout the state, and Arcadia High School (AHS) is Chapter 434. This program’s advisors are Ms. Janet Chuang, Mrs. Mylinh Crew, Ms. Amanda Fitts, Ms. Jean Hong, and Mr. Matthew Wong. Although this program mainly revolves around students’ grades, there are other benefits. 

“Students who believe they have earned noteworthy grades in their academic coursework should consider applying every semester,” suggested the CSF advisors. 

In order to  become eligible to apply for a CSF membership, students must follow a set of guidelines. There is also a membership fee of $5. There is a CSF course list, which has a list of classes categorized into “List I”, “List II”, or “List III.” Students earn points for the letter grade they receive in classes, with an A worth 3 points, B worth 1 point, and C worth 0 points. One additional point is granted for a letter grade of A or B in an AP or Honors course, with a maximum of 2 points per semester. When a student has a minimum of 10 points from the last semester, 4 points from List I, 7 points from List 1 and List II combined, and the remaining from List I, II, or III, they can apply for a membership. 

“It is primarily grades, but we also look at citizenship and work habits too,” said Mr. Wong.

This is true, as having a U or more than one N in work habits/citizenship will disqualify a student from having a CSF membership. 

It does take some work to apply, but the reward for students, who earn membership for 4 out of 6 semesters beginning sophomore year, will earn a Gold cord at graduation. In addition, the CSF advisors have mentioned that they are “exploring expanding [the] program to potentially include student leadership at a future date.” 

What is so special about CSF having reached 500 members? 

“That is about 15 percent of the total student population!” said Mr. Wong. “The number will likely grow when we include this year’s current freshmen.”

Since CSF is academically centered, having such a vast number of AHS students in it just goes to show that AHS’ academic standards are growing higher and higher. For the current class of 2025, the applications start in January 2022 for first semester grades. 

“I would encourage any eligible freshman or student at a different grade level to apply,” said Mr. Wong. “Do not wait until your sophomore or junior year. We want to recognize your academic achievements!”

It is important to view this membership as an opportunity and motivation, rather than a form of comparison. AHS students continue to excel in many aspects, and students should not be afraid to try. 

Photo courtesy of CSF