MSP Tanni Block Memorial LGBTQIA+ Scholarship

2025-2026 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.

This scholarship is open to continuing undergraduate students and graduate students. International students and undocumented students who have an approved California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540 Affidavit) on file with the University are eligible to apply. Students currently enrolled part-time are eligible to apply.

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:

• One letter of recommendation from faculty, staff, peers, and/or community members will be submitted on my behalf via the myMatador Scholarships portal. Reference letter must attest to your advocacy and involvement with LGBTQIA+ communities at CSUN.
• Continuing Undergraduate students must enroll in 6 units or more during the upcoming academic year.
• Continuing Graduate students must enroll in 4 units or more during the upcoming academic year.
• Must have a GPA greater than or equal to a 2.0 – as Undergrads
• Must have a GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 – for Graduate Students
• Must submit a resume that outlines professional, academic, community, and/or leadership experience.
• Selected recipient/s must submit a thank you letter.
  
  Please 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.