Awards
Applications for the following three awards are closed.
- Change the World Award
- Louis Goldblatt Award for Social Change
- Irma Williams Award in African American Studies
Winners of the awards will be announced in April.
- Outstanding Graduating Student Award
The Multicultural and Gender Studies department offers three $500 Outstanding Student Awards, one for each major: Multicultural and Gender Studies, Women's Studies, and Intersectional Chicanx & Latinx Studies.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Outstanding Graduating Student Award, you will need to meet the following criteria (in no particular order):
- Senior/graduate standing
- 2.0 minimum GPA
- Continuing/transfer enrollment status
- Involvement with the MCGS department
- Involvement with social justice in the community
- Leadership
- Personal contributions in class
- Participation in co-curricular activities
How to apply: If you feel you meet all the criteria and want to be considered for this award, reach out to a faculty member and ask for a nomination.
- Louis Goldblatt Award for Social Change
The Louis Goldblatt Award for Social Change supports excellence, inspiration, and empowerment in education. The award honors a student who is committed to education and service to others as part of a global, sustainable community. Available to MCGS majors and minors, this award recognizes the tireless work of advocates and freedom fighters who are committed to uplift and empowerment of LGBTQIA communities on and off campus. In moment of increased oppression, heightened anxiety, vulnerability, and the assault on civil and human rights, this award pays tribute to those who are fighting for a better tomorrow.
Eligibility:
- MCGS Major or Minor.
- An advocate for the LGBTQIA community both off and on campus
- Working to effect social change and social justice.
Award Amount: $1,500
Access the Louis Goldblatt Award Application Online(opens in new window)
- Change the World Award
The Change the World Award recognizes Multicultural & Gender Studies graduates who have made substantial contributions to social justice at Chico State and the broader community. This award will aid in their transition into their chosen social justice profession. We know that changing the world is hard work, and these activists, organizers, and social justice leaders will have demonstrated dedication and sacrifice for important causes. However, graduates face additional stress and expenditures as they relocate, shift wardrobes, and enter the job market. We would like to lighten that load a little, so that recipients of this award can get right to the activism and advocacy work they are all about—and that our world needs so urgently.
Eligibility:
- MCGS major
- Graduating senior (May 2025-December 2025)
- Experiences fostering social justice at Chico State
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: March 14, 2025
Access Change the World Award Application Online(opens in new window)
- Irma Williams Award in African American Studies
In 1921, Irma Williams became the first African American student to enroll at California State University, Chico. Honoring her legacy, the efforts of African American Studies and accomplices to make Chico State more inclusive, just, and accessible, this award recognizes the ongoing work of current students. It is intended to recognize students who, through course work, advocacy, service, activism, and so much more, are transforming our communities, just as Irma Williams did more than 100 years ago.
Eligibility:
- Be an African American Studies minor
- Completed at least one course in African American Studies
- Demonstrated advocacy, service, or contributions to African American communities
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 14, 2025
Access the Irma Williams Award in African American Studies Application Online