MSP Tanni Block Memorial LGBTQIA+ Scholarship

2023-2024 Academic Year Award

This scholarship serves to honor the memory of Tanni Block, an extraordinary student leader at CSUN, by recognizing on-campus leadership, involvement and advocacy efforts that support inclusivity on campus, particularly with and for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Taniella “Tanni” Block was an extraordinary women who showed true passion to the commitment for change. Tanni arrived at California State University Northridge in 2007 and began a mission to encourage community, to enable peer support, and to create safe spaces. Tanni found strength through her siblings while attending CSUN and utilized the EOP Program and the various clubs and organizations on campus she so quickly grew to love. Tanni served with LGBTQA (the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alliance) as Events Coordinator. She also worked with Queer Ambassadors and CSUN VDay, attended rallies and volunteered with various other organizations on campus and in the community. Her voice played a vital role in creating the first permanent Pride Center at CSUN, dedicated to providing support and increasing services for LGBTQIA+ students. Tanni’s bright smile brought empowerment, joy and comfort to all who knew her. She brought strangers together and worked to unite communities through their differences. With an intersectional identity as a Black pansexual women, Tanni’s motivational and organizational skills joined with her creative musical ability to raise awareness of unprivileged and marginalized communities and to help other students navigate difficult social landscapes. Tanni was a powerful advocate, activist, and ally for CSUN and for all LGBTQIA+ students. Tanni Block passed away in May of 2012, just before the opening of the Pride Center, leaving behind a legacy of work and a legion of people who will always remember her strong spirit.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
• International and undocumented students are eligible to apply.
• Undergraduate students must enroll in 6 units or more during the Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 terms.
• Graduate students must enroll in 4 units or more during the Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 terms.
  * Students currently enrolled part-time are eligible to apply.
• Must have a GPA greater than or equal to a 2.0.
• Must submit a resume that outlines professional, academic, community, and /or leadership experience.
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty, staff, peers, and/or community members will be submitted on my behalf via the myMatador Scholarships portal.
  -Recommendations letters must attest to your advocacy and involvement with LGBTQIA+ communities on campus.
• Selected recipient/s must submit a thank you letter.

Important note:

If you are receiving Financial Aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation.