Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
H A V E Y O U O R A M E M B E R of your community made a positive impact on public education? Do you have a great project idea for your students and need funding? Has your involvement (or your colleagues' involvement) in local politics or human and civil rights made a difference? CTA offers many scholarships, grants and awards that recognize educa- tors and members of the community who promote quality public education and have a positive impact on their students and community. And now is the time to start preparing to apply for some of them. This includes working with your students on visual artwork and written essays for the César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta Education Awards Program (a few of last year 's winning artworks are on these pages). Deadlines approaching soon: • The State Gold Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose leadership and actions show they are true friends of public education. Deadline to apply is Jan. 5, 2024. • The Member-in-Politics Award in Honor of Ted Bass and the Chapter-in-Politics Award in Honor of Joyce Fadem recognize an outstanding teacher and chapters for their contributions to the education profession through political action. Deadline to apply is Feb. 2, 2024. • Applications for the CTA scholarships for CTA members, dependent children and CTA Aspiring Educators members of up to $5,000 are due Feb. 9, 2024. These scholarships, meant to be used for education-re- lated purposes, include: – The Scholarship for Dependent Children; 35 scholarships up to $5,000 each. – The Scholarship in Honor of Del A. Weber, for a dependent child of an active member of CTA, CTA/NEA-Retired or deceased CTA member who is attending or attended a continuation high school or an alternative education program; up to $5,000. – The Scholarship for Members offers a maximum of five scholarships of up to $3,000 each. Giving Thanks Recipients of CTA scholarships often send notes mentioning what the recognition and funds mean to them. A few examples from 2023 winners: " The scholarship serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement, inspiring me to make a lasting impact on the lives of students, just as Dr. King did. I am profoundly grateful for this life-changing opportunity, which will undoubtedly shape my future as an educator and empower me to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment." — David Ugonna Ifediba, recipient of a 2023 CTA Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship " My background as a Cambodian- American woman who grew up in poverty influences me to support underserved and diverse communities in Long Beach. I am thrilled to teach my students how to learn history, and also learn how to be critical thinkers, resourceful and kind." — Davy Yap, recipient of a 2023 CTA Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship " I have always been proud of my mom and her career as a teacher. I have watched as her passion as an educator made such a positive impact on the lives of the children she teaches, and today, CTA has made such an incredible impact on mine. It is an honor and a privilege to be the recipient of this scholarship." — Nikolas Gerber, recipient of a 2023 CTA Dependent Children Scholarship " Your belief in my abilities has instilled in me a renewed sense of determination to make the most of this opportunity. I promise to work diligently, push my boundaries, and strive for excellence in my studies." — Aiden T. Nevarez, recipient of a 2023 CTA Dependent Children Scholarship Student: Mario Enríque Pérez Sánchez, grades 3–4, Region 3; teacher: Griselda Fernández Herrera, Oxnard Education Association. Student: Mia Miranda, grades 9–12, Region 1; teacher: Rosa Baizas Valenzuela, San Jose Teachers Association. 49 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 24