Richard K. Leffingwell Scholarship at Lurie College of Education 2025

Richard Leffingwell Public Service Scholarship
The Richard Leffingwell Public Service Scholarship supports students who aspire to careers in nonprofit or public service, reflecting Mr. Leffingwell’s dedication to fostering the next generation of students committed to making a difference in the public sector.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Richard Leffingwell Public Service Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Course of Study:

• The applicant must be enrolled in a course of study related to business, economics, or other disciplines that will support the applicant in achieving goals in nonprofit or public service.

Career Aspirations:

• Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and a strong desire to pursue a career in nonprofit or public service.

Academic Standing:

• The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.

Financial Need:

• The applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid office.

Enrollment Status: 

• Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time equivalent upper-division or graduate student at a California State University (CSU) campus and must remain a full-time equivalent student during the scholarship period.

Military Veterans:

• Military veterans who meet the eligibility requirements and are otherwise equally qualified will receive favorable consideration. 

Award Value

Award Amount:

• Two (2) scholarships of $3,500 each will be awarded for the academic year. 

Application Process

Contact Financial Aid Office:

• Applicants should first contact the financial aid department at their campus to confirm their eligibility and get more details about the scholarship application process.

Personal Statement:

• Applicants must submit a personal statement (300 words for each of the following):
• 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.
• Why is this example significant to you?

Application Deadline

Deadline Information:

• Contact the financial aid department at your campus for the spring application deadline.