CSEA Scholarship Services

Working families know how critical education is to improving their lives. However, the ever-rising cost of college tuition and vocational/technical training can make the goal of earning a diploma, and getting a better job seem out of reach. CSEA's Scholarship Program provides CSEA members and their families with a wide-range of educational assistance.

Dependent Scholarships
Since the early 1960's, CSEA's Scholarship Program has awarded more than a million dollars to union members and their dependents that want to begin or continue their secondary education. $1,000 scholarships are awarded to recipients based on academic achievement, character, leadership and extra curricular activities within the community. Financial need may also be taken into consideration on some. There are graduating high school senior, community college and college/vocational school scholarships. Return a completed application along with a copy of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) eligibility results.

Applications are accepted Jan. 1—March 31 and will be available on the web.

Member Grants
CSEA also offers grants to members who are going to school on a part time or full time basis. $1000 grants are awarded to recipients based on financial need, goals and objectives, citizenship, and CSEA activities.

Applications are accepted June 1—Oct. 31 and will be available on the web.

California Labor Federation Scholarship
Dependents of CSEA members can apply for a $2,000 scholarship from the California Labor Federation (CLF). Scholarships are only available to high school seniors planning to enroll in college during 2005. The deadline to apply is April 15. More details are available on the CLF Web site.

Union Plus Scholarship Program
The Union Plus Scholarship Program offers cash awards, ranging from $500 to $4000 to recipients based on academic achievement, potential, character, leadership, social awareness, career goals and financial need.

Education Planning
If you are embarking on a college career in today's world, then you have options, and with these options come questions—lots of questions: How can I prepare for the college entry exams? Where should I go to college? How am I going to pay for college? How do I make sense out of the FAFSA (financial-aid application process)?

The Union Plus College Planning Center provides you with comprehensive descriptions of thousands of campuses and higher education programs.You can also find applications, essay writing tools, a glossary of admissions office terms and get help navigating the financial aid maze.

To become eligible for federal student loans and grants, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and grade point average (GPA) verification forms. Students must meet certain financial requirements and have at least a 2.0 GPA.

Financial Aid Counseling
Navigating the maze of financial aid options is not easy, but we will help you find your way through. Talk one-on-one with a Union Plus education loan officer on our toll-free dedicated line, (877) 881-1022. Representatives are available to help you any day of the week, 24 hours a day.

College Entrance Test Preparation
Scoring well on the SAT or other entrance exams can make top choice schools take a look at you. Union Plus has created online resources to help students prepare for academic tests.

Textbook Purchases
Shop at the Web's only unionized bookstore, Powell's Bookstore, and avoid the long lines that plague most college bookstores. Both new and used texts—from grammar to stylebooks, and dictionaries to test guides—are available at a reasonable cost. Along with saving money, you will also save valuable time by shopping at this high-tech bookstore.

Section 529 Plans
Among the most popular education accounts are the Section 529 college savings plans, which take their name from Section 529 of the U.S. tax code. Sponsored by the state, it allows parents and grandparents to invest in a variety of stock and fixed-income accounts. Savings grow tax free, and earnings are exempt from federal taxes when they're withdrawn for a child's education expenses. There can be state tax breaks, too.
Each state has its own plan. For California, check out Golden State Scholar Share College Savings Trust
Plan Manager: TIAA-CREF
Type: Savings
Initial Year of Operation: 1999
(877) 728-4338