CSEA members work hard to support California's promise of a quality education for all, not just for their students but for each other. That’s why CSEA provides quality education services like post-secondary scholarships, grants, and subsidies for members. Every year, members and their dependents can apply for CSEA and Union Plus (AFL-CIO) scholarships and grants. These programs not only help pay for financial costs, they also inspire and encourage CSEA members and their families to pursue their post-secondary education. “As a school employee and CSEA member, education has always been very important,” said Olivia Vaughn, Scholarship Committee Chair and retiree from San Jacinto Council 5024. “If one works in an educational environment, opportunities should be made available to classified employees and their families to pursue higher education.” This year, 32 CSEA members received career grants of $1,000 each and 45 CSEA member dependents were awarded CSEA scholarships of $1,000 each. CSEA member dependents also received a record-high 21 out of 199 national AFL-CIO Union Plus Scholarships that will go a long way in helping them get started on their college journey. “Attending college sometimes does not begin right after high school, some wait until later in life,” said Diana Hawkins, Scholarship Committee Member and President of Lynwood Chapter 411. “When you have that scholarship or grant to help you out, that motivates you to take that jump.”