scholarships
OFF-CAMPUS SCHOLARSHIPS
Bayramian Hall, first floor
(west of the Oviatt Library)
1-818-677-4085
Monday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
On June 3 and 17, and July 15, we will be open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, July 3, we will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Counseling HoursMonday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
(referral slip required from the first-floor financial aid window)
Please be in line at least 30 minutes before closing; hours are subject to change.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Students awarded the Gilman scholarship will be sent an email notification with instructions on how to accept the Gilman scholarship and submit the required documentation (i.e., transcripts, proof of citizenship, etc.).
All applications for the Gilman Scholarship Program are certified online by Kathi Maki, scholarship assistant. Once a student submits his or her online application, Kathi will then verify that the applicant is currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant and estimate the amount of financial aid, in grants and scholarships, that the student may apply to his or her study abroad program.
The Gilman Scholarship Program requires that student applications include transcripts before review and consideration for an award by the selection committee. All applicants will need to upload a transcript from their current college or university and any transfer institution listed in their application. Official transcripts may be opened for the purpose of uploading.
If the applicant is a first-year student and does not have a previous record at his or her home institution, then he or she will need to upload a high school transcript or transcript from a previous institution, along with a letter from the home institution verifying his or her current enrollment. Transcripts must be uploaded by the deadline assigned for the current application cycle. The Gilman Scholarship Program will not accept Web-based transcripts or degree progress reports.
Please remember, if selected to receive a Gilman scholarship, the applicant will be required to mail an official transcript.
For more information, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program website.
Governor's Scholarship Program
If you are the recipient of a Governor's Scholarship award, you must claim your award and complete a qualified withdrawal form. Make checks payable to:
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8307
Attention: Kathi L. Maki, Scholarship Assistant
Once you have completed the withdrawal form, it takes six to eight weeks for Northridge to receive the check. All checks will be split in half between the fall and spring semesters. If you would like your full check to be credited to one particular semester, please email scholarships@csun.edu.
Segal AmeriCorps Educational Award
To request funds:
- Visit the login page.
- Log in with your username and password. If you don't know or lost your username, look it up.
- Once you log in, indicate the amount you're requesting. Then, indicate the semester you'd like to have your funds awarded. You can choose to have funds disbursed during the fall, spring or summer semester, or anytime during the academic year.
- Choose an institution: California State Univ – Northridge.
After submitting a request to My AmeriCorps, you can expect to receive your award. Half of the funds will be disbursed the week before school starts and the other half two weeks after school begins.
If you visit the AmeriCorps website during peak season, the week before classes begin, you can expect funds to make it to your account two to three weeks after we receive the funds from AmeriCorps. If you have questions regarding your award, please contact scholarship assistant Kathi Maki. You may reach her by emailing scholarships@csun.edu or calling (818) 677-2269.
Web Sources
Web Sources
Each week, we post new information about open scholarship competitions on our Facebook page. Like our page to stay updated on the latest offerings and download our current list of recommended off-campus scholarships. Below is a listing of other available online sources.
Transfer Students
Disclaimer: The links listed above will take you to websites that are neither affiliated with nor developed by California State University, Northridge. The scholarship staff is not responsible for the content on these sites or the outcome. If you choose to visit these websites, you are entering at your own risk and must use personal judgment in applying to off-campus scholarships. Please be aware that you should not apply to any scholarships requesting a fee. The websites listed are intended to provide helpful and appropriate material for students.
Essay/Letter Help
Personal Essay Help
The personal essay is a chance for the scholarship committee to get to know you better. Here are some tips on writing a scholarship personal statement:
- Make sure it is typed; handwritten statements are unacceptable.
- Ask someone with strong writing skills to proofread it.
- Follow the guidelines set by the scholarship (e.g., don't go over the page limit).
- Hook the reader with a distinctive opening.
- Be honest and positive. Put some heart into it and be proud of who you are.
- Make sure you answer the who, what and how questions:
Who are you?
Write about your personal and family background, motivation for going to college, the journey to Northridge, and, if applicable, your experiences as a first-generation college student.
What is your plan?
Write about educational and career goals, why you want a college education and post-graduation plans.
How are you going to make it a reality?
Write about academic honors and accolades, extracurricular activities and how they keep you on the right track, interning and work experience, and community service.
Sample Thank You Letter
January 1, 2012
CSUN ID number: 123456789
Samuel Smith
12345 My Street
My City, CA 91234
Rebecca Ross
Director of Education Funds Selection Committee
30 Vista Heights
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Dear Ms./Mr. Ross,
I would like to thank you for the generous [name of scholarship]. I truly appreciate this award and know it will be a tremendous help in my continued academic success at California State University, Northridge.
I am currently a junior in college majoring in health education and minoring in women's studies. After I receive my bachelor's, I plan to open a women's and children's health center for those who cannot readily afford proper medical insurance. I'd like to focus on and raise awareness about reproductive health and substance abuse. These issues are important to me for a number of reasons and have always been top priorities.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, cycling, swimming and volunteering at my local church. I am also a big foodie and love to try different cultural specialties. Although I love doing these things in my leisure time, it can sometimes be difficult to balance my academic life with my personal one. But I stick with it because I think about individuals like you who walked the same path and became successful.
Thank you again and I will remember to keep you posted on all of my academic endeavors as I make my way as a Northridge student.
Thank You,
Samuel Smith
Why Apply?
10 Reasons to Apply
1. Time is money.
If it takes a total of 10 hours to look for scholarship opportunities and you receive a $500 scholarship, you will have made $50 per hour — more than most of us make at our jobs!
2. Scholarships are an investment.
Scholarships are not handouts. Even if you believe there are people who are more deserving, consider that you are worthy of an opportunity to learn and contribute as best you can to your community. There are some scholarships set up with exactly you and your talents in mind.
3. You don't need a high grade point average (GPA) to win.
Many scholarships don't have a GPA requirement. They may be based on your financial need, your interest in a particular career or major, the community you live in, your activities or any of several other criteria.
4. Parent income isn't always a factor.
Many merit-based scholarships do not even consider income, or the income and assets of your parents. They are based on your own academic achievements and promise for success. If you've studied long hours to get good grades, reward yourself!
5. Scholarships look great on a resume.
When it comes to applying for a full-time position, money talks! Employers look favorably upon students who take the initiative to apply for, and earn, a scholarship.
6. You might not have much competition.
The requirements for some awards are very restrictive. Many organizations offer money each year but have few applicants because students don't take the initiative to apply.
7. It doesn't have to take that long.
Some applications require little more than a one-page application. Take a half-hour study break and apply.
8. Practice makes perfect.
As you apply for scholarships, you will see that the process gets easier with practice. Writing an essay about yourself might not be an easy task, but its good practice for job interviews and can help you build a cover letter.
9. Scholarships are free money.
Unlike loans, scholarships don't have to be repaid. They are gifts! No interest. No payback. Free.
10. You might win!
One thing is certain — if you don't apply, you won't win.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
© California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St. Northridge, CA 91330
Phone: 1-818-677-4085
