CSU William and Janet Lahey Art Education and Visual Arts Scholarship

2025-2026 Academic Year Award

This scholarship supports the CSU Summer Arts program and scholarships for visual arts students, furthering both William’s commitment to education and Jan’s passion for the arts. Scholarships are available for the academic year with priority going to students in a post-baccalaureate program leading to a high school single-subject teaching credential in the arts. The annual scholarship will be sufficient to cover tuition and fees and provide an additional small stipend.

William Lahey served as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Faculty and Staff Affairs from October 1966 until he retired on June 1986. He came to the California State University from federal civil service to the position of Statewide Dean of Faculty. Jan was an avid volunteer with the Long Beach Art Museum and William would invite staff to join them for special receptions and exhibit openings.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Open to both CSUN graduate and credential students
• Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 4 units or more during the awarding terms
  Any change to your eligibility status in any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
• Credential students must enroll in a minimum of 6 units or more during the awarding terms
  Any change to your eligibility status in any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
• Possess a bachelor’s degree in art or in one of the visual art specializations
• Be enrolled in or applying to one of the following programs:
  - A post baccalaureate program leading to a high school single subject teaching credential in the arts;
  - A Master of Fine Arts program in art or one of the visual arts specialization; or
  - A Master of Arts program in art or one of the visual arts specializations.
• Complete a Personal Statement questionnaire covering the following information:
  • What experience has impacted your personal growth?
  • Tell us about a time you failed. What did you learn from that experience?
  • Why are you pursuing your major? How does it relate to your career aspirations?
  • Provide an example of service beyond the classroom (i.e., have you taken on significant family obligations, helped others in a specific way, been involved in political action, worked/volunteered/interned at a particular organization, etc.). Why is this example significant to you?
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation must be submitted via the my Matador Scholarships system from faculty members who can certify the student’s enrollment in a qualifying program and intent to contribute to art education in the schools or to visual arts

Priority consideration will be given to scholarship applications in the following order:

1. First priority will be given to students enrolled in a program leading to a single-subject teaching credential in the arts.
2. Second priority will be given to students enrolled in a graduate program in art of one of the visual arts specializations.
3. Third priority will be given to eligible students who have a record of volunteer activities in the arts or who are currently engaged in arts volunteer activities in schools or community arts organizations.

Award amount: Two (2) $10,000 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year among the 23 CSU Campuses.

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.

For more information on this and other CSU Systemwide scholarships, please visit https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/csu-foundation