BENEFITS FOR YOU
Scholarship recipients
2024 CSEA Scholarship Winners
Classified employees are educators, and while you support your students with their education journeys, CSEA is here to help with yours.
Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000 can make a big difference and allow CSEA members to pursue life-changing learning opportunities.
“CSEA scholarships in some cases break the cycle of low educational attainment for some families and create new employment opportunities that not only benefit the student but our communities as well,” said Olivia Vaughn, an active retiree unit member and Scholarship Committee Chair.
These scholarships help relieve the stress of many members and, in turn, support their community and their students. They also help dependents continue their education after high school, allowing them to pursue their passions. CSEA’s scholarships are selected by the Scholarship Committee, who carefully follow a selection process that scores applicants on financial need, academic achievement, and community leadership.
Maya Campo was a recipient of a CSEA Dependent Scholarship as a dependent of Luz Bediale, an office manager and member of Conejo Valley Unified Chapter 620. Her “dream is to work in the entertainment industry, specifically music, on promotional campaigns and the public relations teams for record labels or artists.”
This scholarship will help Maya complete her goal of graduating in three years and follow her dream.
“I believe that a high-level education is very important in providing me with the insight and practice to thrive in such a demanding and competitive field like the entertainment industry,” she said.
Removing the financial barrier of pursuing an education creates opportunities many would not have access to.
Maya Campo, recipient of a CSEA Dependent Scholarship.
(L-R): Jaclyn Ford, recipient of the Member Student Loan Reducer Program, and her daughter.
Jaclyn Ford, an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing and member of San Luis Obispo Chapter 444, was a recipient of the Member Student Loan Reducer Program. Her priority was always to ensure any financial burdens didn’t affect herself, her family, or her ability to show up for her students.
With the help of CSEA, she has been able to continue pursuing her education without compromising her priorities.
“While working to support my family and daughter has weighed heavily on me, I chose to return to my role as an interpreter following my maternity leave,” she explained. “I look forward to coming to work and interacting with students and colleagues everyday while contributing to the greater whole.”
In partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, this year CSEA granted 90 scholarships to first-year college, trade, vocational, and current community college students, and reduced the student loans of current members.
The committee tirelessly reviews every application in which members and dependents are asked to write short essays. Scholarships are then announced and awarded no later than the end of April every year.
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 February 1 every year. Click 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. Click 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 available mid-June and due January 31, 2025. Click 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.
