Claudia K. Salewske Memorial Scholarship Grant

Claudia K. Salewske Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $3,000
Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Summary

The Claudia K. Salewske Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Claudia K. Salewske, a passionate educator, by supporting graduating seniors from Gilroy, California. Established in 2017, this scholarship encourages students who plan to pursue careers in English, literature, or education. Preference is given to those aspiring to become teachers, reflecting Claudia's dedication to nurturing future generations. This fund, supported by family and community contributions, aims to inspire and empower future writers and educators.

Overview

Background The Claudia K. Salewske Memorial Fund Scholarship was established in 2017 by Claudia’s husband, Michael Salewske, and daughter, Cassie Salewske, to honor her memory and her legacy. Mrs. Salewske was an English teacher at Gilroy High School from 1984 to 1998, and a Professor of English at San Jose State University from 1998 to 2006. Mrs. Salewske cared deeply for her students, and was passionate about teaching, literature, and writing. She was not only an outstanding teacher, but she encouraged many of her students to become teachers as well. Her commitments to education and to her community were inspirational. This scholarship fund was established with generous contributions from her family, colleagues, community members, friends, and former students. Because she touched so many lives, her family wants her memory to live on through her scholarship fund, supporting future writers and educators long into the future.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Graduating high school senior from Gilroy High School, Christopher High School, or Mt. Madonna High School, in Gilroy, CaliforniaAccepted to a four-year college or university, and matriculating in the fall following graduationPlanned course of study in English, English Literature, or Creative Writing and/or planned course of study in elementary or secondary educationPreference given to outstanding seniors who plan to become teachers/educators