Jolene Koester Presidential Scholarship

2026-2027 Academic Year Award

In honor of President Jolene Koester’s 11-year Legacy of Leadership at California State University, Northridge, a scholarship endowment has been established in her name. The scholarship is funded entirely by private philanthropic support.

In fulfillment of President Koester’s wishes, the scholarship will be awarded annually to a member or members of the CSUN University Staff or Administration pursuing a degree in any field of study at CSUN and is intended to cover costs exceeding the amount of any fee waivers in effect. Faculty members are not eligible for this award.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a member of CSUN Staff or Administration.
  • Must be eligible for Tuition Fee Waiver/Reduction Program through CSUN Human Resources.
  • Must be in good professional and academic standing.
  • Undergraduate students must have at least a 2.00 Cumulative GPA.
  • Credential students must have at least a 2.75 Cumulative GPA.
  • Graduate students must have at least a 3.00 graduate CSUN GPA.
  • Undergraduate students must enroll in 3 units or more during the awarding semesters.
    Any change to your eligibility status in any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
  • Graduate students must enroll in 3 units or more during the awarding semesters.
    Any change to your eligibility status in any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.

Students enrolled through the Tseng College are NOT eligible to apply.


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

Award
$1,000
Deadline
08/15/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. I am a university staff member or MPP Administrator I or II, eligible for tuition fee waiver. * Please see help text.
  2. List your title, department, and classification:
  3. I am an employee "in good standing" as described in the letter of recommendation written by my supervisor.
  4. I am matriculated in a degree granting program at California State University, Northridge.
  5. I am or will be enrolled in a CSUN credential program for the upcoming Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 terms.
  6. Expected term of graduation:
  7. If you have previously received this award, please indicate when.
  8. Please describe your motivation or purpose for pursuing a degree. Your response should be between 500 and 750 words.
  9. Please upload a copy of your transcripts. If you are a newly admitted student to CSUN, please upload the most recent transcript from your previous institution.
  10. Letter of recommendation from supervisor/manager that provides examples of how applicant is a contributing member of our campus community in support of student success, university goals, and values. Please ask your reference provider to mention qualities such as motivation, self-confidence, leadership and/or commitment, as this will help give the review committee a greater insight to your strengths.
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