Generous Donors Support Students’ Academic and Professional Pursuits
The College of Education strives to ensure the continued success of our students, due in part to the generous donations we receive from various organizations and individuals. According to Interim Dean Dr. Shireen Pavri, in 2015-16 the College of Education offered 110 scholarships totaling $210,107. This academic year, we increased both the number of scholarships and the total dollar amount awarded, distributing 116 scholarships totaling $243,973! Dr. Pavri credits these efforts to our donors and their ongoing support and generosity. Receiving donations from our supporters makes it possible for students like Juliet Anne Formeloza, Cynthia Herrera, and Ali Gonzalez to attain their educational and career goals.
Juliet Anne Formeloza is working on obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and is pursuing both Special Education and Multiple Subject teaching credentials through the Urban Dual Credential Program (UDCP). For Juliet, the scholarship support she has received from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Assistance League of Long Beach and the California Retired Teachers Association Long Beach Chapter has helped her focus on becoming an excellent educator for herself and her students. When asked about her experience in the UDCP program, she expressed her passion in helping disadvantaged communities, noting that “people in underserved communities can reach their potential as long as they have someone that believes in them.” Juliet has a true vocation for teaching and is passionate about learning and implementing various learning and teaching styles.
Cynthia Herrera, who is working towards her M.A. in Education, Option in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education, chose CSULB because she found the education program to be very community based. Cynthia was awarded the Laura E. Settle, California Retired Teachers Association Scholarship and the Norman and Marjorie Cahn Memorial Scholarship. She is appreciative of both scholarships and shared that with “funding for teachers being short, this scholarship is very helpful . . . it has provided me, my family and my students an avenue for me to continue my education and fulfill my dream. With this extra support, I can push it forward outside of what I’ve been able to do.”
Ali Gonzalez, a doctoral student in the Educational Leadership program, received the Dr. Stuart L. Farber Graduate EdD Scholarship as well as the Mary Jo Lass Award for Educational Leadership. These scholarships provided Ali with additional support to complete his doctoral studies as they are invaluable in assisting with both tuition and research. When asked about what drives him in education, he explained that “I chose education as a profession because it has made a tremendous impact on my life . . . and has been transformative. My goal as a change agent and educational practitioner is to work on alleviating educational inequities.” Ali hopes to contribute in the development of dynamic and transformative programs, dialogues, and relationships with the goal of ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students.
For the 2017-18 academic year, the CED will offer over 100 scholarships to support students pursuing a career in education and affiliated fields. Scholarships range from $500-$7,000 and a single online application is required to apply! Students should visit the Center for Scholarship Information to submit an application now! The deadline is February 15th. Donors who are interested in supporting CED scholarships, may do so via the Development Office.
In addition to scholarships, students may apply for a TEACH Grant to receive up to $4000 per academic year while in an approved program. Students who are awarded a TEACH Grant have a service obligation to teach in a designated low-income school for four years in a high-need subject area.
