What is CSF?
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide honor society that recognizes high school students for outstanding academic achievement. CSF encourages scholarship, service, and citizenship by honoring students who demonstrate strong academic performance each semester. Membership provides students with opportunities for recognition, leadership, and eligibility for special honors at graduation, helping them build a strong academic record for college and career pathways.
For more information, please visit the CSF website
Who can join CSF?
Students who can join the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) are high school students in grades 9-12, who meet specific academic eligibility requirements based on their previous semester grades. CSF membership is earned, not automatic, and students must apply each semester term they qualify for.
What are the benefits of CSF?
CSF recognizes students for academic excellence and provides opportunities for scholarships, leadership, and community service. Membership highlights dedication to learning and enhances college applications, while motivating students to maintain strong grades and personal growth.
How to earn semester membership?
In order to earn semester CSF membership, students must:
- Submit a completed application
- Submit a chapter contribution ($10 each semester)
- Provide an official transcript or report card (NOT a PowerSchool or Canvas print-out)
- Meet the membership requirements laid forth by the California Scholarship Federation (see below)
How do I qualify?
Eligible students become members by submitting applications based on their report card grades. Membership is for one semester. Earn qualifying grades in approved college-prep courses. To qualify students must:
- Meet the required CSF point total using their semester report card
- Follow CSF course list guidelines when selecting classes
Students must meet the following criteria on the Hallmark’s Approved CSF Course List 2025-2026
Students earn membership in CSF if they apply and have earned 10 CSF points.
- Students must earn a minimum of 10 CSF points using the following grading system:
- A = 3 points (AP or Honors courses receive 4 points)
- B = 1 point (AP or Honors courses receive 2 points)
- C = 0 points
- D or F in any course disqualifies a student from membership
- Honors and AP students can only earn up to 2 bonus points toward the 10 total points needed to qualify
- At least 4 points must come from List I
- At least 7 of the 10 points must come from academic subjects (List I or II).
- The last 3 (three) points may come from any list.
- Only 5 (five) courses (or 25 credits) may be used to earn the 10 (ten) points.
- Keep in mind that courses such as P.E., teacher assistant, office aide, or repeated courses do not earn any CSF points.
Note:
- Semester membership is based on work completed in the previous semester. Summer school courses do not count toward CSF.
- Students must reapply each semester.
- Completed applications do not guarantee membership. Students must meet the minimum point requirements as laid forth by the CSF.
When do I apply?
There is an application window at the beginning of each semester. Because students use their previous semester grades to qualify for membership, freshmen cannot apply until the beginning of their second semester. Seniors who want to qualify for membership during the spring semester of their senior year may apply in Jan/Feb.
How do I apply?
Students can acquire an application from Mrs. Beard.
What is CSF Lifetime Membership?
To earn Lifetime Membership, students must:
- Earn four semesters of membership from Sophomore to Senior year
- One semester must be from Senior year
- Total of 60 volunteer hours (accumulated throughout Freshman-Senior year, 15 hours per semester of membership) logged and submitted. You can obtain the volunteer log from Mrs. Beard.
Students who earn Lifetime Membership will receive:
- Recognition for sustained academic excellence
- Special awards, pins, cords, and/or certificates
- Priority consideration for scholarships and honors
- Opportunities to showcase achievements, such as on a Hallmark letterman jacket