2024 Caltrans Fallen Workers Memorial Scholarship

Honoring the memories of those who were killed while serving Caltrans and the people of the State of California.

Purpose:

The Caltrans Fallen Workers Memorial Scholarships are awarded to children of Fallen Caltrans Workers - as well as to those of Fallen Workers in California's transportation industry, including contractors - to help selected students meet their post-high school educational goals.

Amount:

Scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $1,000 - $5,000. The number and size of the scholarships awarded each year will be determined by the cash balance in the fund and the number of scholarship applications received.

Eligibility:

An applicant must be the child or stepchild of a Caltrans worker or a worker in California's transportation industry - including contractors - who was killed on the job. Further, the applicant must be currently enrolled in college, in a vocational school, or is a senior in high school who after graduation is planning to continue his/her education.

The scholarship award may only be used to attend a post-secondary school or institution. This may include any public or private four-year accredited college or university; a two-year accredited college an accredited vocational-technical college; or an accredited training institution.

Application Information:

  • Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, March 20, 2024
  • Selection(s) will be made and announced by Wednesday, April 3, 2024
  • Scholarships will be awarded at the Caltrans Fallen Workers Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the State Capitol

Application Requirements:

All scholarship applicants must submit each of the following:

  1. A completed and signed 2024 Caltrans Fallen Workers Memorial Scholarship application form.
  2. A typed essay of no more than 2 pages, double spaced, using font 12, explaining what receiving the scholarship would mean to the applicant and how the scholarship would make a difference in the applicant's education and life.
  3. A copy of the applicant's transcripts and/or grade report from the school currently or most recently attended.
  4. Proof of enrollment for the post-secondary school or institution that the applicant is/will be attending.
  5. Name of parent/stepparent who was killed on the job. Please include the year of passing, job title, and, if available, the government agency or company he/she worked for.

Selection Criteria and Presentation:

All applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges on the following criteria:

  • Justification presented in the essay for financial assistance 30%
  • Academic performance 25%
  • Leadership and participation in school activities 15%
  • Volunteer activities in the community 20%
  • Overall Application presentation 10%

Application Submission Instructions:

Download the Application

Email the application, with all attachments in one email, to Jay Connerley at jay.connerley@dot.ca.gov with Fallen Workers Memorial Scholarship Application in the subject line. Applications must be submitted no later than Wednesday, March 20, 2024.