California Teachers Association Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by California Teachers Association
Introduction
These scholarships provide financial assistance throughout the academic year for education-related expenses to active CTA members, dependent children of CTA members, and members of CTA Aspiring Educators (CTA-AE, formerly Student CTA).
How to Apply
- A complete submission includes: the online application, two recommendation forms, and unofficial transcripts.
- If you are applying as a Dependent Child or as a CTA Aspiring Educator, email your unofficial transcripts to scholarships@cta.org.
Eligibility and Award Details
Dependent Children (General)
- Up to 56 scholarships are awarded; each may be worth as much as $5,000.
- Special named awards for the top three scoring applicants:
- Ralph J. Flynn Scholarship — highest-scoring applicant
- Ruthie Fagerstrom Scholarship — second-highest-scoring applicant
- Susan B. Anthony Scholarship — third-highest-scoring applicant
- Applicant requirements:
- Must be the dependent child of an active CTA member, a CTA/NEA‑Retired member, or a deceased CTA member, and must be claimed as a dependent on the member’s current year IRS form.
- Must be at minimum a graduating high school senior.
- High school GPA should show a strong unweighted average; college coursework should reflect strong academic performance. Applicants should describe any medical, physical, or emotional circumstances that may have affected grades.
Dependent Children — In Honor of Del A. Weber (Continuation High School / Alternative Education)
- One scholarship is awarded, up to $5,000.
- Applicant must meet the same dependent/IRS dependent requirement listed above and be enrolled in a continuation or alternative education program.
CTA Members
- Up to 10 scholarships are awarded; each may be up to $3,000.
- One is designated the American Indian/Alaska Native Memorial Scholarship in Honor of Alice Piper and goes to the highest-scoring applicant.
- One scholarship is reserved for an Education Support Professional (ESP) who intends to transition into the teaching profession, provided an ESP applies.
- Applicant requirements:
- Must be an active CTA member (this includes members working on an emergency credential).
- College coursework should demonstrate high academic achievement. Applicants should explain any medical, physical, or emotional difficulties that may have influenced grades.
CTA Aspiring Educators — In Honor of L. Gordon Bittle Memorial
- Up to three scholarships are awarded; each may be up to $5,000.
- One is designated the Pacific Asian American Scholarship in Honor of Philip Vera Cruz and is awarded to the highest-scoring applicant.
- Applicant requirements:
- Must be an active member of CTA Aspiring Educators and pursuing a career in public education as a student member.
- College coursework should reflect high academic achievement. Describe any medical, physical, or emotional circumstances that may have affected grades.
If you need further clarification about any eligibility criteria or documentation, contact the scholarships office at scholarships@cta.org.