Raoul Teilhet Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by California Federation of Teachers

Introduction
The California Federation of Teachers (CFT) has supported hundreds of students pursuing higher education through the Raoul Teilhet Scholarship program. Applications are currently open for the 2026 continuing college student competition.

Program overview and awards
- Eligible applicants include high school seniors and continuing college students who are children or dependents of CFT members in good standing. The parent or guardian must be a member in good standing of an AFT local union in California and the student must be claimed as a dependent on that parent’s or guardian’s tax return.
- Awards: students enrolled in four-year degree programs may receive $3,000; students in two-year programs may receive $1,000.
- Each scholarship covers a single year of higher education. High school seniors who have already been awarded a Raoul Teilhet Scholarship are not eligible to later apply as continuing college students. Likewise, continuing college students who have received a Raoul Teilhet Scholarship may not reapply.

History
The scholarship program was created in 1997 when delegates at the CFT Convention voted to provide financial support for children and dependents of members. The program honors Raoul Teilhet, who served as CFT president from 1968 to 1985. In 2003, convention delegates expanded the program to include continuing college students.

Eligibility details
- High school applicants must be current seniors. Continuing college applicants must have graduated from high school and completed at least one full college semester (minimum 12 units).
- The parent or guardian must belong to an AFT local union in California and be a member in good standing.
- The student must be listed as a dependent on the parent’s or guardian’s federal tax return.
- Selection factors include academic performance, talents and skills, extracurricular involvement, community service, financial need, and a required 500-word essay on a social issue chosen by the applicant.
- Applications are accepted only via the CFT’s online application system.

Application process & deadlines
- The online application portal requires account creation; note and retain your username and password. You may save progress and return to your application any time before final submission.
- Each Raoul Teilhet Scholarship application window remains open for six months.
- Allow approximately four weeks to complete the application. The process includes multiple sections, the 500-word essay, and requests for input from others (such as references), which can affect timing. Begin early to ensure all parts are submitted before the deadline.

If you are a continuing college student applying for 2026, please proceed to the CFT online application portal to begin your application. Read all instructions carefully and plan ahead to complete the application within the six-month window.