Linda Cushing Scholarship Program

Overview:
A scholarship program established by Part-Time Faculty United at College of the Canyons, named in honor of union organizer Linda Cushing (now AFT staffer). The program awards scholarships to qualified students and was expanded from initial awards.

Program Details:

• Established by: Part-Time Faculty United at College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita, CA)
• Named after: Linda Cushing, union organizer and AFT staffer, credited with supporting the part-time faculty union during its struggle for recognition
• Awards per year: Four $500 scholarships (as of 2013, expanded from original offerings)
• Award amount: $500 per scholarship

Selection Categories:
Scholarships awarded in three categories:

1. Financial need
2. Academic merit
3. Thriving returning student

Eligibility:

• Students must be nominated by faculty members
• Faculty nominating students must be members of Part-Time Faculty United
• Open to students at College of the Canyons

Use of Funds:

• Described as "open-ended expenditure" for educational purposes, including:
  • Textbooks
  • Tuition
  • Parking fees
  • Other educational expenses

Recipient Recognition:

• Award recipients invited to annual spring dinner celebration
• Recipients' families and nominating faculty also invited
• Designed to honor students and recognize union contributions to campus

Purpose:
Established to demonstrate that the union is "not narrowly self-interested but responsible citizens of the campus" and to give back to students, recognizing "they are the reason we are all here."

Application Process

Specific application procedures not detailed in source material.

Nomination Process:

• Faculty members who are members of Part-Time Faculty United submit student names for consideration
• Students are nominated in one of three categories: financial need, academic merit, or thriving returning student
• Selection committee reviews nominations and awards scholarships

To Apply:

• Contact Part-Time Faculty United at College of the Canyons for nominating faculty
• Faculty members can nominate students they wish to recognize