Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by California Teachers Association
Overview
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students who are preparing for careers in K–12 public education — including teachers, school nurses, counselors, and therapists — and fosters professional development for BIPOC teachers and Education Support Professionals (ESP).
Deadline
Friday, February 20, 2026
Required submission
A complete submission includes the online application plus two recommendation forms.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be actively pursuing a degree, credential, or certification for a teaching-related position in public education at an accredited institution of higher education.
- Self-identify as a member of a BIPOC group: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic.
- Be enrolled for the summer or fall 2026 semester.
In addition, the applicant must be one of the following:
- An active member of CTA, or
- A dependent child of an active CTA member, a CTA/NEA-Retired member, or a deceased CTA member (per IRS ruling), or
- An active member of CTA Aspiring Educators.
Note: CTA Aspiring Educators recipients must live in California and retain membership at the time scholarship funds are issued.
Evaluation criteria and scoring
Applications are reviewed and scored using these categories:
- Financial need — 30 points
- Applicant statement — 30 points (350 words maximum)
- Recommendation forms — 20 points
- Activities and achievements — 20 points
Applicant statement (350 words or fewer)
Dependent child applicants only:
1. Why have you chosen a public education–related career path?
2. What personal strengths and distinct qualities will help you thrive in a teaching-related profession?
3. Why is greater representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) educators important in education?
CTA and CTA Aspiring Educators members only:
1. In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work for civil rights and social justice, describe how you will continue that legacy in each of the following areas:
- Social justice, equity, and diversity
- Community engagement
- Advocacy in education
2. Explain why increasing the number of BIPOC educators in public schools matters.
Additional notes
- Two recommendation forms are required (these contribute to the 20-point recommendation score).
- Scholarship awards must be applied only to education-related expenses.