1. Students only need to submit one application to be considered for applicable scholarships.
2. The History Department’s scholarships, awards, and prizes are merit-based – meaning, they have various GPA requirements and require an application essay. 
3. Competitive scholarship applications include a compelling application essay, a strong letter(s) of recommendation, and a complete application form. 
4. A compelling application essay includes a vivid description of the applicant’s interest in history, involvement with the History Department, and future plans after graduation (see essay guidelines below). 
5. In general, the more specific you are, the better. Details make your application more credible, and make you stand out from other applicants.  
6. Writing matters! Proofread your materials.
7. Up to three, but at least one, letter(s) of recommendation from History Department faculty is required with each application. Qualified applications with strong letters of recommendation rank more highly than similar applications without a letter. Please provide several weeks’ notice to recommenders that you are requesting a letter of recommendation. 
8. If you have any other questions about the application process, please contact the Chair of the History Department Scholarship Committee, Jason Daniels at jason.daniels@csueastbay.edu

Application Window: January 17 to March 5, 2023. 

Each application is comprised on three components

1. A complete application (Use form at the bottom of this page)
2. Up to three (at least one) letters of recommendation
3. Application essay

You must write an application essay, request a letter of recommendation from a history department professor, and submit your information via the History Department Scholarship Portal between January 18, and February 28, 2022. You should review and complete all required elements before beginning the online application process.

Essays should be no more than 750 words. In this formal application essay, examine the four following elements:

1. Describe who you are, where you are from, your previous educational experiences, and why you chose to major in History.

In this introductory section, tell us about yourself, your educational career to date, and why you chose to major in History. 

2. Describe your specific interests in History, including periods, geographies, and communities.

What time periods or places interest you most, and why? Do you have a favorite class at CSUEB so far, a favorite book or historical paradigm? Tell a little about topics you might consider researching as you progress through the degree program?  What draws you to these areas of interest?

3. Describe your involvement with the History Department, extra circular activities at CSUEB, and community engagement or other volunteer activities.

What campus or school sponsored activities have you participated in while at CSUEB? Describe your involvement, include names, dates of memberships, the number of hours involved, and offices held. Do you have any experience with history outside the classroom?  Have you ever worked or volunteered in a library, museum, classroom, or other place where the public interacts with historical knowledge? Are you active in any of the history department’s organizations or events (anything from involvement in East Bay Historia, to attendance at events, to helping with the beginning of the year party or being an ambassador)? Are you active on campus outside the history major? Are you active in your local community or do you volunteer? If so, describe how and why?

4.Describe your ultimate educational and career goals.

What are your current career goals? It is OK if you aren’t sure, or if your goals are outside the field of history. Explain what you think you might want to do, and how your history education will help you in your intended field. The more specific and feasible your plans are, the better.