CFT Raoul Teilhet Scholarships
Offered by California Federation of Teachers
About This Scholarship
The California Federation of Teachers, the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, has run the Raoul Teilhet Scholarship program since 1997, awarding 877 scholarships totaling more than $2.4 million to the children of its members. The program pays $3,000 to students entering or attending four-year programs and $1,000 to students in two-year programs.
Eligibility is tied to union membership: the applicant must have a parent or guardian who is an active member of an AFT local union in California and must be claimed as a dependent on that parent's tax return. High school seniors and college students who have completed at least one full semester (12 or more units) may apply, but past Teilhet recipients cannot win a second time.
The program runs two application windows each year. High school seniors apply between June 15 and December 15 for awards announced in the spring, while continuing college students apply between December 15 and June 15. Selection weighs academic achievement, special talents and skills, extracurricular activities, community service, financial need, and a 500-word essay on a social issue of importance to the applicant.
Eligibility
- Parent or guardian must be an active member of an AFT local union in California (CFT)
- Applicant must be claimed as a dependent on the parent's or guardian's tax return
- High school seniors, or college students who have completed at least one full semester of 12 or more units
- Previous Raoul Teilhet Scholarship recipients may not apply again
How To Apply
- Go to the CFT scholarships page and open the online application in the CFT community portal (online applications only)
- High school seniors: apply between June 15, 2026 and December 15, 2026; continuing college students: apply between December 15, 2026 and June 15, 2027
- Write the 500-word essay on a social issue and document your academics, activities, community service, and financial need
- Submit before your window's deadline; call (818) 843-8226 with questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Raoul Teilhet Scholarship?
Students attending four-year programs receive $3,000, and students in two-year programs receive $1,000.
When is the deadline?
There are two windows: high school seniors apply June 15 through December 15, 2026, and continuing college students apply December 15, 2026 through June 15, 2027.
Do I have to be a CFT member's child?
Yes. A parent or guardian must be an active member of a California AFT local, and you must be claimed as a dependent on their tax return.