Scholarships and Awards

Anthropology students can apply for scholarships by completing the Wildcat Scholarship Application, which connects them to multiple award opportunities through one form.

Dr. Cindy Ratekin Child Development Scholarship
Annual scholarship for declared Child Development majors at Chico State, intended to support promising students toward completing their degrees and becoming skilled professionals in early childhood education. Supported by a 2002 University award recognizing CHLD as a “high quality learning environment” and by endowed funds from Dr. Cindy Ratekin and Dr. Gary Bess.

Florence V. Ritchie Scholarship
Available to students majoring in Child Development, Nutrition and Food Science, or Art (Interior Design option). One or more scholarships per major. Applicants must be full-time undergraduates with at least a 3.0 GPA, be juniors or seniors with at least one semester remaining, and service to the department/major/university and financial need are considered.

Doris Woods Lynch Scholarship
For full-time Chico State juniors or seniors in good standing who demonstrate financial need. Rotates between Child Development and Nutrition & Food Science (Child Development in even years).

Luella Hopton Madsen Scholarship
For students majoring in Child Development, Nutrition and Food Science, or Art (Interior Design option). Requires full-time enrollment, demonstrated financial need, and graduation from a high school in Butte County or an adjoining county.

Child Development Emeriti Faculty Scholarship
For full-time Chico State students in good standing who have demonstrated financial need; awarded to students majoring in Child Development.

Betty Densmore Scholarship
More information is available through the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.

Rawlins Merit Award
University-wide award; students must be nominated by a Chico State faculty member and be full-time undergraduates or graduates enrolled for the full academic year. Selection emphasizes scholarship, extracurricular activities, and outstanding professionally related or academic accomplishments; approximately 30 awards are available.

External Scholarships

California Student Aid Commission Child Development Grant
For students pursuing a career in early childhood education and working toward a Child Development Permit (Teacher, Site Supervisor, Master Teacher, or Program Director). Up to $2,000 per year, renewable for one additional year. Recipients must maintain at least half-time enrollment, make satisfactory progress, demonstrate financial need, and commit to one year of service in a licensed children’s center after completing the degree (two years if the award is renewed). Deadline is open-ended or until funds are depleted.

California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC)
External organization that lists scholarships and grants relevant to students in early childhood education.

Economics Awards and Scholarships
The Department of Economics gives out one scholarship and four awards every year. Recipients are selected in the spring for the following academic year. Scholarship applicants must follow the FAFSA timeline and deadlines to be considered. For all awards and the scholarship, the Economics Department requires a supplemental form, available in the department office. The supplemental application is due at the end of February.

These awards and the scholarship are based on academic performance, contributions to the department, and financial need. Two of the awards are reserved for juniors entering their senior year. Awards are presented during the spring graduation ceremonies or the annual Economics Awards Ceremony held the week of spring graduation. The scholarship is awarded over the summer and presented in the fall.

Annual Awards

• Outstanding Student in Economics Award
• Honors in the Major Awards
• Award for Academic Achievement and Service in Economics
• John G. Smale Scholarship for Excellence in Economics (for an undergraduate Economics student)
• John G. Smale Academic Award in Academics
• Francis Economics Award (for an undergraduate Economics student)
• Hefner Economics Award

Henry and Doris Peterson Memorial Scholarship
The recipient must be a student in one of the Behavioral and Social Sciences departments or programs. Preference is given to first-generation students and students who volunteer or work in the community on behalf of those less fortunate.

Jen O’Hare Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Women’s Studies Program and Jen’s mother, Linda Pfost, to honor Jen, a Women’s Studies student who died in an automobile accident in fall 1999. Jen was passionate about growing as a person and lived her education with this as her primary goal.

Natividad G. Lucero Scholarship
Established in 1990 in memory of the donor’s grandmother, this scholarship honors Dr. Nancy Barceló’s grandmother by providing support to students pursuing Chicano Studies who demonstrate an intention to use their education to support and make a difference in Latino communities.

Ethnic, Gender, and Queer Studies Scholar-Activist Scholarship
Created by President Paul Zingg to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment within the Ethnic, Gender, and Queer Studies program. The scholarship promotes students who exhibit social responsibility and seek to contribute to an increasingly diverse world.

Bob Sherrard Award
For students majoring in Political Science, Social Science, Social Work, or Economics, with preference given to those who minor in Multicultural and Gender Studies. Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, have completed at least 12 units at Chico State, and be seniors when the funds are disbursed. Selection is based on academic achievement, campus and community leadership, and potential for contributing to the improvement of economically disadvantaged members of society through political and social change.

Political Science and Criminal Justice scholarships are awarded during the summer and are applied for through the Chico State Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. Please see departmental scholarships below: 

Scholarships

• Alice W. Patten and Lois Needham Memorial Scholarship
• Bob Sherrard Scholarship
• Carl and Katie Thomas Scholarship
• Honorable Mike Thompson Political Science Scholarship
• John G. Sanzone Memorial Scholarship
• Lew D. Oliver Scholarship
• Matilda K. and Maurice E.S. Brunelle Scholarship
• Nicholas G. Fosco Memorial Scholarship
• Paul DiGirolamo Memorial Scholarship
• Ralph and Ruth Choisser Law Scholarship
• Royce D. Delmatier Scholarship
• Sarah Libby Mahood Merit Scholarship
• Willis Clay Geer Memorial Scholarship

For information about applying for scholarships, contact the Chico State Financial Aid and Scholarship. 

George L. Parrott Awards
Awarded to psychology students who will be attending a graduate program in the upcoming year. Recognizes academic excellence and preparation for advanced study in psychology. Applications are typically due in the spring semester.

Winzenz Family Psychology Awards
For undergraduate psychology students successfully completing the major who have firm plans for pursuing advanced training or degrees in psychology. Recognizes outstanding achievement and dedication to the field.

Psychology Undergraduate and Graduate Research Awards
Sponsored by Dr. Sandra Machida and Mr. Geoff Fricker. Awarded to psychology undergraduate or graduate students conducting research under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. Supports student research activities and projects presented through the department.

Edith Brask Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to psychology students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the study of human behavior.

Hugh and Eva Bell Memorial Psychology Scholarship
Recognizes psychology majors who demonstrate academic achievement and promise for professional success.

Joell A. Williams Memorial Scholarship
Honors the memory of Joell A. Williams by supporting psychology students who demonstrate academic excellence and dedication to helping others.

Melinda Norlie Scholarship
Awarded to psychology students with academic merit and potential for contribution to the field of psychology.

Paul Spear Memorial Scholarship
Honors Paul Spear by supporting psychology students who demonstrate scholarly achievement and dedication to research.

Peter C. Apostolakos Psychology Scholarship
Provides financial support to psychology majors who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and a commitment to the discipline.

Psi Chi Student of the Year Scholarship
Awarded to a member of the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society who demonstrates exceptional academic success and contributions to the psychology community at Chico State.

Warren R. Coleman Memorial Scholarship
Presented to psychology students who show leadership, service, and academic excellence in the department.

Dr. Aldrich M Patterson, Jr. Award
Established to honor the legacy of Dr. Aldrich "Pat" Patterson by supporting Chico State psychology students in attending conferences sponsored by the National Association of Black Psychologists (NABP) or other Black-specific orgainizations.

Evelyn G. Narad Health Science Scholarship
An endowed scholarship awarded annually to Public Health majors. This $300 award encourages interest in diabetes education as a career. Applicants must have an interest in diabetes education, be majoring in Health Science with an option in Health Education or Public Health, have a Chico State GPA of 3.0 or above, and be at least a junior by the following fall semester. Applicants must complete both the university scholarship application and the Public Health & Health Services Administration supplemental application. Evelyn Narad dedicated her life to diabetes education and community health leadership, and this scholarship honors her legacy.

Health Services Administration Scholarship
An endowed scholarship awarded annually to a continuing student majoring in Health Services Administration. Funded by donations from friends and alumni of the program, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the field of health administration.

Alan F. Jensen Memorial Scholarship
For students majoring in Sociology or Social Work with a career plan in teaching or public service. Applicants must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to reentry students and those with financial need. Established in 1992 by Dr. and Mrs. Archie McDonald.

Archie McDonald Social Work Academic Excellence Scholarship
For BSW and MSW students who demonstrate professional promise in the field of Social Work. Recognizes academic excellence, service, and commitment to the profession. Established in 1992 by Dr. and Mrs. Archie McDonald.

Archie McDonald Social Work Sophomore Scholarship
For undergraduate Social Work students who are second-semester sophomores at the time of selection. Recipients should show professional promise in the field of Social Work. Established in 1992 by Dr. and Mrs. Archie McDonald.

Arthur Preciado Memorial Scholarship
For BSW students entering the senior year phase of study in the fall. Honors Professor Arthur Preciado for his dedication to students, cultural diversity, and child welfare. Established in 1995 by Mrs. Sally Preciado-Taylor, Mr. Terry Taylor, family, and friends.

Froilan Frias Master of Social Work Memorial Scholarship
For MSW students who demonstrate promise in the field of Social Work. Established in 2015 in memory of Froilan Frias, an engaged and generous student who inspired others through service and perseverance.

Gary Bess Associates Macro Social Work Scholarship
For MSW students accepted into the graduate program who demonstrate interest in macro social work practice, including community organizing, program evaluation, and health or human services management. Requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Established in 2015 by Dr. Gary Bess and Dr. Cindy Ratekin.

J. Rycraft BSW Scholarship
For undergraduate Social Work students with junior or senior standing. Recognizes academic excellence and professional promise. Requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Established in 2018 by Dr. Joan Rycraft, Chico State alumna and Professor Emerita at the University of Texas at Arlington.

J. Rycraft MSW Scholarship
For graduate Social Work students with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Preference given to students with at least one year of professional experience in social work or a related field. May be renewed for up to two years. Established in 2018 by Dr. Joan Rycraft.

Jan O’Donnell MSW Scholarship
For graduate students accepted into the Master of Social Work program. Recognizes academic achievement, professional experience, and financial need. Established in 2015 to honor Dr. Jan O’Donnell’s leadership and dedication to developing the MSW program at Chico State.

Lois McDonald Master of Social Work Scholarship
For continuing graduate students entering their MSW concentration year. Recipients must not be receiving stipends or paid internships from other sources. Established in honor of Lois McDonald, wife of Dr. Archie McDonald, who founded Chico State’s Social Work program in 1959.

Mary D. French Memorial Scholarship
For undergraduate and graduate students in Social Work who demonstrate financial need. Established in 1988 by Richard French and friends to honor Mary D. French, a dedicated social worker and advocate for the profession.

Aurelia Haehn Memorial Scholarship
Established by Dr. James O. Haehn in memory of his mother, Aurelia Haehn. This scholarship provides financial assistance, recognition, and incentive to promising students majoring in Social Science. Mrs. Haehn believed in the value of education and the benefits of hard work, and this award honors her legacy by supporting students with financial need who are pursuing their educational goals.

Social Science Alumni Scholarship
Established in 2016 with the generous support of Social Science alumni, this scholarship helps ensure student success in the field of Social Science. Applicants must complete the general university scholarship application to be considered.

Gerontology Award
Recognizes outstanding work by Chico State students in advancing gerontology education and training. This award fosters interdisciplinary learning, promotes professional competency, and supports projects that enhance healthy outcomes for older adults in Northern California.

Social Science Teaching Award
Supports Social Science majors pursuing careers in education. This award recognizes excellence in multidisciplinary study, professional preparation, and the promotion of the social sciences in California public education.

Alan F. Jensen Memorial Scholarship
For students majoring in Sociology or Social Work with a career plan in teaching or public service. Applicants must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to reentry students and those with financial need. Established in 1992 by Dr. and Mrs. Archie McDonald to encourage service, academic achievement, and professional development in the social sciences.

Barbara Holland Peevers Memorial Scholarship
This is a need-based scholarship for students majoring in Sociology with a minimum Chico State GPA of 3.0 who will have completed at least 60 units by Fall 2021. Your essay for this scholarship should outline your academic goals and identify how winning the scholarship will help you. 

Michael Messner Social Justice Scholarship
The Michael A. Messner Social Justice Scholarship will be awarded annually to a junior majoring in sociology whose work promises to make important contributions to understanding and/or alleviating social inequalities. The awardee will have shown evidence of engaged commitment to advancing scholarly research and/or community activism that addresses the causes or consequences of persistent social inequalities along lines of social class, gender, race, or national origin.

Paiva Family Scholarship
This is a needs-based scholarship for students enrolled in in the online distance education program.