Richard K. Leffingwell Scholarship

After graduating with a bachelor’s of science degree from CSU Northridge, and serving as an officer in the US Army, Richard Leffingwell joined the CSU’s Chancellor’s Office as a member of the trustees’ audit staff. He directed the CSU’s self-supporting financing activities, and later became the Director of Financing and Treasury. Richard worked with trustees, campuses, and the municipal financing community to establish viable systems for financing non-state projects at the 23 CSU campuses before retiring in 2004. This scholarship reflects his admiration for the university’s commitment to provide opportunities to foster the next generation of students who wish to be instrumental in serving the public.

Two (2) $3,500 scholarship will be awarded. Applicants must:

  • Have a course of study within the fields of business, economics or other disciplines that will serve the applicant in achieving goals relating to nonprofit or public service.
  • Have demonstrated an interest in and aspire to a career in nonprofit or public service.
  • Demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid office.
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent upper division or graduate student at a California State University campus and must remain a full-time equivalent student during the scholarship period.
  • All students meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply. A student who is a military veteran, meets the criteria, and is otherwise equal to others in qualifications, will receive favorable consideration.

Award
Varies
Deadline
03/03/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. I am currently in good academic standing with the university.
  2. I am interested in pursuing a career in public service.
  3. You must submit an unofficial copy of your academic transcript.
  4. Are you a military veteran?
  5. Personal Statement. Please provide a response to each of the four questions below (300 word count for each).
    • 1. What experience has impacted your personal growth?
    • 2. Tell us about a time you failed. What did you learn from that experience?
    • 3. Why are you pursuing your major? How does it relate to your career aspirations?
    • 4. Provide an example of service beyond the classroom (i.e., have you taken on significant family obligations, helped others in a specific way, been involved in political action, worked/volunteered/interned at a particular organization, etc.). Why is this example significant to you?
  6. Supplemental Question (300 word count): What are your motivations and goals for a career in nonprofit or public service? What are your experiences or involvement to date in nonprofit or public service activities?
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