The William and Janet Lahey Arts Scholarship at Lurie College of Education 2025

William and Jan Lahey Memorial Scholarship

The William and Jan Lahey Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of William Lahey, a longtime assistant vice chancellor at California State University, and Jan, an avid volunteer and passionate supporter of the arts. This scholarship supports graduate students in the visual arts field, particularly those pursuing art education.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the William and Jan Lahey Memorial Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Enrollment Status: Be enrolled at a California State University (CSU) campus at least half-time.
• Degree Requirements:Possess a bachelor’s degree in art or a visual art specialization.

Be enrolled in 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 (MFA) program in art or a visual arts specialization.
• A Master of Arts (MA) program in art or a visual arts specialization.
• Academic Standing: Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Priority Consideration:
• First Priority:
  • Students in a program leading to a teaching credential in the arts.
• Second Priority:
  • Students in a graduate program in art or visual arts specialization.
• Third Priority:
  • Students with a record of volunteer activities in the arts or who are engaged in arts volunteer activities in schools or community arts organizations. 

Award Value

Award Amount:

• Two (2) scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded for the academic year.This scholarship will be sufficient to cover tuition and fees, with a small stipend provided in addition. 

Application Process

Contact Financial Aid Office:

• Students should contact the financial aid department at their campus for detailed information and to confirm their eligibility.

Submit Personal Statement:

• Applicants must submit a personal statement (300 words for each of the following questions):
• 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?

Submit Supplemental Question:

• A 300-word response to the following:Please share your commitment to arts education or to community arts organizations.

Recommendation Letters:

• If selected as a nominee, the CSU Foundation will request two letters of recommendation from faculty members who can certify the student’s enrollment in a qualifying program and their intent to contribute to art education or the visual arts.

Application Deadline

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