MEMBER FOCUS
Scholarship recipients
Union scholarships awarded to CSEA dependents
One of the many benefits of CSEA membership is having access to educational scholarships for yourself and your dependents. Classified employees know as well as anyone, the transformative power of education, which is why CSEA and Union Plus have awarded 68 scholarships to help CSEA families reach their academic aspirations.
Union scholarships awarded to CSEA dependents
One of the many benefits of CSEA membership is having access to educational scholarships for yourself and your dependents. Classified employees know as well as anyone, the transformative power of education, which is why CSEA and Union Plus have awarded 68 scholarships to help CSEA families reach their academic aspirations.
“As a school employee and CSEA member, education has always been important to me,” said Olivia Vaughn, chair of the Scholarship Committee for nine years. “I feel strongly that if one works in education, opportunities should be made available to our classified employees and their families to pursue higher education.”
Awarding scholarships is a labor of love for the Scholarship Committee, who carefully follow a selection process that scores applicants on financial need, academic achievement and community leadership. Appointed by the Association President as volunteers, the committee dedicates long hours to reviewing all scholarship applications before determining awardees. “I sincerely care about people and giving opportunities to better one’s life,” said Vaughn. “I believe education is probably the most important gift we can give ourselves.” While CSEA offers member career grants and dependent scholarships, members and their families are also eligible for the AFL-CIO's Union Plus scholarship, which includes 10 winners from CSEA this year.
Saachi Baldwa graduated from American High School and will be attending Georgetown University.
Saachi Baldwa, daughter of Amrita Maliwal, a special education instructional aide from Fremont Chapter 204, is one of many CSEA member dependents to earn a scholarship.
“My mother works hard to educate students in her classroom, and she did the same for me at home,” said Baldwa, who was awarded a $4,000 Union Plus scholarship for first-year university students. “So, it means a lot for me to achieve this milestone and earn this scholarship.”
Applicants range from diverse academic pursuits, including community college, first-year university, trade and vocational school students. Recipients are selected based on need, achievement and, most importantly, academic perseverance. Kendall Block, daughter of Diane Block, an office assistant from William S. Hart Chapter 346, applied for a dependent scholarship after her mom heard about it from a CSEA bulletin.
Kendall Block graduated from William S Hart High School and will be attending the University of San Francisco.
“Higher education is extremely important to me and my family,” said Diane Block, whose daughter was awarded a $1,000 CSEA scholarship for the first-year university student category. “I come from a background where I had to start working full-time to support myself and could not afford to go to school.”
Part of receiving a scholarship is based on grades, but it can also be based on how applicants overcome personal challenges. “My daughter has done extremely well with the circumstances she and other students her age had during COVID, having to learn completely online,” said Block. “She managed to consistently keep her grades up and go after what she wanted despite the lasting mental effects it’s had on her.” In the last three years, students have been forced to circumnavigate unpredictable changes in their educational path to graduation. Many have had to complete schoolwork in difficult learning environments but have thrived, nonetheless.
Kimberly Schultz (left) with her mother, Celeste. Kimberly is currently studying at Skyline College with plans to transfer to San Francisco State University.
“I first heard of the CSEA Dependent Scholarship Program through an email from CSEA. When I found out my daughter was awarded a CSEA scholarship, I was elated!” said Kim Schultz, a library technician from Jefferson Elementary Chapter 233 and mother of Celeste Schultz. “She is so dedicated to her studies and works so hard. This scholarship will allow her to further her education and ultimately meet her goals.”
With $135,000 in scholarships and grants distributed annually to CSEA members and dependents, you can trust your union to help support your family’s academic ambitions. And through your CSEA membership, you can access financial assistance opportunities for college when the time comes. Here are this year’s scholarship recipients:
Scholarships
Dependent Scholarship
- For graduating high school seniors and those enrolled in community college, university or a trade school on a full-time basis. Applications are available starting mid-November and applicants must submit by March 1 every year. Visit here for more information.
Member Career Grant
- For CSEA members, these grants can help offset the cost of furthering your education. $1,000 grants are awarded based on a combination of criteria. Applications are now open and due October 31. Visit here to apply.
Union Plus Scholarship
- For AFL-CIO affiliated union members or their dependents, these scholarships are available to students enrolled at an accredited college, university, community college, technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Applications are now open and due January 31, 2023. Visit here to apply.
Member Reimbursement Subsidy
- For CSEA members, this subsidy is up to $250 and helps pay for various opportunities like necessities for No-Cost College classes, applying for citizenship, professional enrichment, and union activism.
- See more about what programs are eligible here.
