Dan Peña Scholarship

2026-2027 Academic Year Award

Dan Peña’s Private Scholarship for Student Veterans supports honorably discharged U.S. military veterans pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Established through the generosity of Dan Peña and the Peña Charitable Foundation, this private scholarship provides financial assistance to student veterans as they pursue their educational and professional goals.

About Dan Peña and the Peña Charitable Foundation

Before establishing his business career, Dan Peña voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army, graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. During his military career, he served in military police, intelligence, and security roles, including service at NATO Headquarters in Europe.

Following his military service, Peña used the GI Bill to pursue higher education at San Fernando Valley State College, now known as California State University, Northridge (CSUN), graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He has maintained a longstanding relationship with CSUN through service on the Alumni Association Board, Trust Fund Board, and Foundation Board, as well as teaching entrepreneurship to students.

Through the Peña Charitable Foundation, Dan Peña continues his commitment to educational opportunity and support for military veterans. This scholarship reflects his personal experience transitioning from military service to higher education and his desire to help future generations of student veterans pursue similar opportunities.

Award Amount
Selected recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help support educational expenses, including tuition, books, and living costs. The scholarship may be renewed annually for up to four years, provided recipients continue to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and meet applicable renewal requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student (minimum of 12 units) or graduate student (minimum of 8 units) at CSUN.
• Must have served in the United States Armed Forces, been honorably discharged, and have veteran status.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Must submit an essay addressing the scholarship’s required questions.

How to Apply
This scholarship is administered privately by the Peña Charitable Foundation. Interested students must complete the Foundation’s external scholarship application.

Questions?
Contact Katherine at the Peña Charitable Foundation.
Email: katherine@penafoundation.org

Disclaimer: External scholarship opportunities listed on this website may direct students to third-party websites that are neither affiliated with nor developed by
California State University, Northridge (CSUN). These external websites are provided for informational purposes and are intended to offer helpful scholarship resources for students. CSUN is not responsible for the content of external websites, scholarship administration, application review, recipient selection, or award outcomes. Students are responsible for reviewing each external scholarship provider’s eligibility requirements, application instructions, deadlines, and official rules. All applications and scholarship-related inquiries must be directed to the respective external scholarship provider.

If you are receiving financial aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship that exceeds your total aid limit or Cost of Attendance (COA). Speak with a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours for a detailed overview of your individual situation.