MEMBER FOCUS
CSEA Scholarships and Grants
CSEA Scholarships and Grants
Members and their dependents are offered Member Career Grants and Dependent Scholarships
Over 100 members and their dependents have been offered life-changing scholarships and grants in the most recent cycle. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000 can make a big difference and allow CSEA members and their families to pursue life-changing learning opportunities. CSEA scholarships and grants are an essential part of our union’s mission to improve the lives of our members, students and community. These education benefits help relieve some of the financial burden of pursuing higher education, whether by covering books, supplies, or even tuition. “I am honored to support the important work we do to provide financial assistance for education and professional development,” said Rebecca Munguia, chair of the Scholarship Committee and a member of Sylvan Chapter 73. “Our committee directly invests in our members and their families by helping to reduce financial stress, expand opportunities, and strengthen the overall solidarity and long-term success of our union. Applications open in the summer for the Member Career Grant that supports member students interested in furthering their education. The grants are awarded to members going to school part- or full-time and are enrolled either at the time of the application or are planning to enroll in the term immediately following the grant award.
Daniel Gonsalez, a paraprofessional and member of Monterey COE Chapter 35, has been offered a Member Career Grant as he pursues a degree in Psychology. His goal is to “make a difference in the lives of students with special needs by helping them reach their goals, both in school and in life.”
“My dream is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel understood and encouraged to succeed,” said Gonsalez
While CSEA members benefit from the Member Career Grant, their family members can apply for the Dependent Scholarship. Vivian Chang, dependent of Center Chapter 610 member Jenny Lee Chin Hu, has been offered a Dependent Scholarship. In the fall, member dependents and spouses can apply for the Dependent Scholarship to continue their education after high school in community college, college/university or trade and vocational schools. Chang’s goal is to attend dental school and to become a doctor of dental surgery. She aspires to provide accessible dental care, implement preventative oral health programs in marginalized communities, and bridge the gap between healthcare access and patient awareness.
“This scholarship would greatly support my educational journey, allowing me to continue dedicating my time and energy to serving communities in need. I am deeply committed to using my education, skills, and passion to make a meaningful impact in the field of dentistry and public health,” said Chang.
The Scholarship Committee carefully selects scholarship and grant recipients based on financial need, career goals and objectives, leadership, character, community service, and participation in CSEA activities. Hear from more members and their dependents who were offered scholarships and grants:
Dylan Bruce
Dependent of Trisha Wheeler, Norwalk-La Mirada Chapter 404 Dependent Scholarship
“I am pursuing a college education because education is very important; it’s the building blocks of your future. You are nothing without an education and the qualities it brings. I would be the first in my family to go to college and graduate. I believe it would give me a very big opportunity to better my life and the people around me.”
Mackwin Lawrence Menezes
Dependent of Greena Menezes, Tracy Chapter 98 Dependent Scholarship
“I want to learn as much as I can about the fundamentals of engineering. Using this knowledge that I learned during college, I want to create a company which specializes in improving the efficiency of air travel. My goal is to make air travel faster, and more environmentally friendly.”
Sruti Vadgama
Western Placer Chapter 741 Member Career Grant
“I've always wanted to earn something from attending higher education. My children encourage me to go back to school and make my dream come true. I finally feel I can do something for myself now.”
All CSEA Scholarships and Grants
Dependent Scholarship
- For graduating high school seniors and those enrolled in community college, university or a trade school on a full-time basis. Learn more at csea.com/scholarship.
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. Learn more at csea.com/career-grant.
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. Learn more at csea.com/mrs.
Member Student Loan Reducer Program
- CSEA members with $10,000 or more in student loan debt and who have completed a degree program can apply for this grant in the amount of $500 to assist in paying down their student loan debt. Learn more at csea.com/loan-reducer.
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. Learn more at csea.com/scholarships.
Learn more about these educational programs, when applications open, and who is eligible at csea.com/education.
