Scholarships and Awards
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers a variety of competitive scholarships and awards to qualified students to help defray costs associated with attending George Mason University. CEHD students are notified via their George Mason email when scholarship applications open.
Many scholarships require recipients to demonstrate financial need. Financial need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students should complete their FAFSA by the priority deadline each year - January 15. Students who do not complete their FAFSA by the priority deadline may not be eligible for need-based scholarships and awards.
Applications open annually from March-May (for future fall awarding) and/or October-November (for future spring awarding). Scholarships accepting applications during those periods will be noted as such below. Unless otherwise noted, all scholarship applications are hosted through George Mason Academic Works.
CEHD Scholarships
These scholarships are considered financial aid and receipt of an award may affect your existing financial aid package.
Please direct questions related to CEHD student scholarships to the Office of Student and Academic Affairs at saasuprt@gmu.edu.
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Women’s Clubs can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club. Today, women’s clubs and clubwomen are the heart of the communities in which they live and work. By Living the Volunteer Spirit, members work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD undergraduate student pursuing an education degree.
- Be entering their senior year (in the future summer or fall semester).
- Be a US Citizen or permanent resident.
- Be a resident of Northern Virginia for at least one year prior to receiving the scholarship.
Mary A. Gorn, known as Annette, was born on March 27, 1947, in Athlone, Ireland. She divided her childhood between Ireland and America before settling in Los Angeles, California. In 1981, she married Michael H. Gorn, and they moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where they lived for sixteen years. In 1987, she earned a master’s degree in education, with a specialization in counseling and development, from George Mason University. Annette then joined the George Mason University Academic Advising staff as a counselor, a position she held for 10 years. A discerning and thoughtful listener, she advised international students, a specialty that reflected her unwavering identity as an Irish woman. She made important contributions to the lives of many young people during her career at the university. Annette passed away on April 23, 2000.
The Annette Gorn Memorial Scholarship was established in her memory to provide scholarships to CEHD graduate students majoring in Counseling.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate student enrolled full-time in the Counseling program.
- Be a naturalized U.S. citizen, a foreign national, or the offspring of parents born abroad.
- Have a strong record of academic merit (cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher).
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Bernard and Marianne Harless Scholarship Fund was established in 2021 by Richard Harless, PhD, to support full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in one of the College of Education and Human Development’s Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) programs. Dr. Harless is a two-time alumnus from George Mason, receiving both his masters in history in 2004 and his PhD in history in 2012. Dr. Harless spent the majority of his career in Fairfax County Public Schools, where he taught history and social studies for over 15 years.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full-time in a Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (B/AM) program pursuing K-12 licensure. Undergraduate students must have a Senior Plus classification to be eligible.
- Have a strong record of academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate students / 3.5 GPA for graduate students).
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
NOTE: Preference will be given to students interested in teaching history, social studies, political science, and/or civics.
Bridget Kathleen Healy was a young woman who attended, loved and thrived in the Mason LIFE program at George Mason University. She was in her second year with the program and had recently been selected for a Capitol Hill internship when she passed away very suddenly. Everyone who met Bridget was touched by her beautiful smile and sweet demeanor. In a college essay, Bridget described her personality, “I’m pretty much bubbly all the time because I get to live my life.”
The Bridget Healy Memorial Scholarship was established to support a student in the Mason LIFE program. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be currently pursuing a Mason LIFE certificate.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress of all non-credit LIFE classes/component work cumulatively attempted of 67% or higher.
- Plan to enroll in one or more on-campus classes in the semester in which funds are dispersed.
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Catherine “Cathy” Belter devoted her life to education. Cathy was a full-time education activist. She served two terms on Fairfax County’s School Board; met with Congress and discussed funding priorities with members of the State Department of Education; wrote many articles and manuals; and presented workshops on educational issues and parental involvement in 29 states.
The Catherine “Cathy” Belter Memorial Fellowship Endowment was established in her memory in hopes of continuing her legacy of energetic support of education for all.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate student pursuing teacher licensure or an education degree
- Meet requirements for good academic standing with the university (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be currently employed in the Fairfax County Public School system (application requires proof of employment).
- Demonstrate a commitment to the teaching profession and the field of education.
The CEHD Student Licensure and Certification Exam Fund was established in 2023 by a consortium fundraising effort of the College of Education and Human Development to support CEHD students with the cost of professional licensing fees so they may be fully licensed at the time of their graduation from George Mason University.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be enrolled part-time or full-time in a CEHD academic program
- Meet requirements for good academic standing with the university (minimum 2.0 GPA for undergraduate students and a 3.0 GPA for graduate students)
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be required to complete state-level or national licensure exams for their intended professional field/career path (These funds support tests that are required for career pathway, not optional or supplementary)
The current application is for students committed to registering for tests related to licensure and certification in their professional field between August 2024 and December 2024 only (the summer ‘24 and fall ‘24 semesters). Recipients may be required to submit proof that they registered for a test during the funding period in which they applied.
*Students can only receive funding support one time for each test*
Dr. Douglas A. Brook has served in the U.S. Navy, two terms on the Vienna VA Town Council, and in four presidentially appointed positions. He is currently a Visiting Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University and is Professor Emeritus at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA. Dr. Brook holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan. In 2001, he earned his PhD in Public Policy at George Mason University.
Mariana P. Brook earned a BFA degree from Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) and had an accomplished career in the design arts. Later, her interest in education and history led her to study at George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development where she earned her Master's degree in Secondary Education in 1994 with concentrations in Curriculum and Instruction in History.
The Douglas and Mariana Brook Education Endowment Fund provides scholarship support to undergraduate students enrolled in a Bachelors / Accelerated Masters program and graduate students pursuing a Masters of Education.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Education OR
- Be an undergraduate Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (B/AM) in their final year (with Senior Plus status), planning to pursue a Master’s in Education
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who
- Are Career Switchers (switching from former career to Teaching).
- Are interested in teaching history or social studies at the elementary or secondary level.
The Hattie M. Strong Foundation is a charitable private foundation incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1928. The Foundation’s activities consist of the administration of a scholarship program that is aimed at college students enrolled in teacher-training programs at selected partnering institutions. The Foundation’s current priority is to assist organizations that provide out-of-school-time programming.
The Hattie M. Strong Foundation Scholarship is presented to students who are in their final year of enrollment in an initial teacher preparation licensure program through the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The candidates must have academic merit and financial need.
All students eligible to apply for the scholarship will be contacted directly by the College of Education and Human Development.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD undergraduate or graduate student in their final year of enrollment in an initial teacher preparation licensure program at the time of award disbursal.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Note: Applicants will be required to secure a faculty recommendation letter.
The Helen Kellar Scholarship was established to support PhD students within the College of Education and Human Development whose research is focused on individuals with disabilities. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students. Preference will be given to those who demonstrate academic merit.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD PhD student.
- Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher).
- Be conducting research focused on individuals with disabilities.
- Be enrolled in at least one credit hour in the semester in which funding will be disbursed.
Note: Applicants will be required to secure a faculty recommendation letter.
The Joan Packer Isenberg Scholarship was established by Joan P. Isenberg, EdD, for graduate students majoring in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in the Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) program. It is awarded to a distinguished teacher enrolled in the ASTL program and acknowledges an exemplary Master’s degree candidate who is seeking to improve the lives of learners through advanced professional development in the ASTL program.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be enrolled in the ASTL program at George Mason University.
- Have already successfully completed EDUC 612 and at least three additional credits in their concentration or the core by the end of the semester prior to receiving award funds.
- Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher).
- Write an essay on a topic specified by the application.
Dr. K. Richard Johnson was born and raised in Galesburg, Illinois, graduated from Knox College, and earned his Master’s and PhD degrees in biology from the University of Colorado. After several years as a college professor, he was inaugurated in 1948 as President of National College of Education (later National-Louis University) in Evanston, Illinois, the oldest private elementary teachers’ college in the United States. He served as President of National until 1972, and continued to take the lead in fund raising for the College as President Emeritus for many years thereafter. As Dr. Johnson often said, his job was “to teach teachers how to teach teachers.” He created a very successful graduate school at National, and later introduced coeducation to encourage more men to become elementary school teachers.
The Dr. K. Richard Johnson Endowed Scholarship for Veterans was established in 2022 by Colonel Thomas A. Johnson USMCR (Retired) to provide scholarship support to Veterans (DD-214 required) enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree leading to initial teaching licensure. Preference will be given to Marines or Navy Hospital Corpsmen who served with the Marines.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a full-time CEHD student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree leading to initial teaching licensure.
- Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher).
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be a Veteran (DD-214 required). Preference will be given to Marines or Navy Hospital Corpsmen who served with the Marines.
Kyle Robert Wilson was raised in Prince William County, Virginia and graduated from Hylton High School where he excelled in baseball. Kyle went on to attend George Mason University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2005. Kyle joined the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue on January 23, 2006. On April 16, 2007, Technician I Kyle Wilson died in the line of duty fighting a house fire in Prince William County.
While a student in the Athletic Training Education Program and as a professional firefighter, Kyle was passionate about helping others. He was loved and respected by family, friends, and colleagues alike for his intelligence, integrity, and fun-loving attitude.
To honor his life and further his legacy, Kyle’s family established the Kyle Wilson Memorial Scholarship to provide scholarships for students in the professional phase of the Athletic Training program. Reflecting Kyle’s character, recipients will exhibit integrity, a passion for professional growth and physical fitness, and a commitment to the service of others. The scholarship is funded from donations collected at the annual Kyle Wilson Memorial Walk for Fitness. Each April, at the Walk for Fitness, Prince William County and George Mason University communities come together to celebrate Kyle’s passion for physical fitness and to recognize the recipient of the Kyle Wilson Memorial Scholarship.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate student enrolled in the Athletic Training program.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Dr. Marjory F. Brown-Azarowicz was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She was a former professor emerita in the School of Education. Among her numerous accomplishments in her career, she was the author of many books, articles, and journals. In retirement, she taught piano and was a member of the Washington and Northern Virginia Music Teachers Associations. Dr. Brown-Azarowicz died on May 28, 2009.
The Dr. Marjory F. Brown-Azarowicz Endowed Scholarship in Education was established to provide scholarship support for students majoring in Education.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a program of study leading to initial teaching licensure.
- Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (undergraduate – 3.0 GPA or higher; graduate – 3.5 GPA or higher).
Mats had never spent a night away from home when he came to the Mason LIFE program in 2016. His parents reported being very nervous and not necessarily sure how it would work out. Mats not only made it, but he thrived in the program.
Mats graduated from the Mason LIFE Program at George Mason University in May of 2020. He says: “College changed my life to be able to live and work independently. I would not be able to work full time or have my own apartment with two roommates without my Mason LIFE experience. Mason LIFE taught me how to cook, shop, do my laundry, be respectful of my roommates and be on time to classes and work—I learned to plan my daily life.”
The Mats Hormel vQ Scholarship Endowment will provide scholarship support for students in the Mason LIFE program. Recipients may be in-state or out-of-state, commuter or residential students, and will qualify on the basis of financial need. Preference will be given to students who, like Mats, will derive the most benefit from their participation and experience in the program. The goal of the scholarship is to cover various annual expenses, including but not limited to tuition, fees, housing, and other education related expenses such as textbooks.
This award may be renewable and student recipients can continue to receive the award for up to four consecutive academic years as long as they maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in the Mason LIFE program and meet the financial aid requirements each year. The funding amount may change annually as determined by the Mason LIFE scholarship committee with consideration of the current cost of the program and the availability of funds.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a newly accepted or currently enrolled student in the Mason LIFE program at George Mason.
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Plan to participate in the Mason LIFE program full-time on the Fairfax Campus.
- Plan to enroll in on-campus Mason LIFE courses in the semester in which funding is disbursed.
Note: The application is sent via George Mason email to eligible students directly from the Mason LIFE Program office.
The Phyllis Cofield Pajardo Scholarship Fund was created in December of 2021 by alumna Phyllis Pajardo, PhD, Superintendent of Fairfax City Schools.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide support for graduate level students pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a Master's in Education with an Educational Leadership concentration within the College of Education and Human Development.
Recipients may be enrolled full-time or part-time and may be an in-state or out-of-state student. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee taking into consideration academic merit and financial need. This scholarship is renewable; recipients may apply for the same award in subsequent semesters.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate student enrolled in 1) the Master of Education in Education Leadership degree program, 2) the Education Leadership Graduate Certificate Program, or 3) the Ph.D. in Education program, with a concentration in Education Leadership. Preference will be given to students in group 1, then 2, then 3.
- Students pursuing a Master’s degree in Education Leadership with a concentration in Independent School Leadership are not eligible for this award.
- Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (3.5 GPA or higher).
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Dr. Sakineh “Simin” M. Redjali devoted her life to education. She received her PhD in Education and Clinical Psychology from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. After a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of London, she became the first woman professor at the National University of Iran, and a National Science Foundation Fellow and Fulbright Scholar in the United States. Among Dr. Redjali’s many accomplishments, she authored several books and scholarly articles written in English, German, and Farsi, including her autobiography, “A Symphony of Life: Triumph of Education over Adversity.”
Dr. Said Khadiri was a pioneer in music education in Iran. He received his PhD in Music Education and Piano from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and was a Fulbright Scholar in the United States. He produced and directed 252 films and video cassettes for the National Iranian Radio-Television of musical performances by children attending the Music Studios for Children and Young Adults.
The Dr. Sakineh “Simin” M. Redjali and Dr. Said Khadiri Graduate Endowed Scholarship was established to support graduate students who will continue these important figures' legacy of energetic support of early childhood education for all.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate student pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.
- Have a strong record of academic merit (3.5 GPA or higher).
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Abe and Lilyan Spero were Fairfax County, VA, community activists who made a profound difference in people’s lives. They knew that in order to make progress as a community, it was necessary to improve the quality of life for all residents. With that vision, they took on projects that were often difficult to solve. Together, they helped to establish the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, extended school-age childcare services in elementary schools to children with disabilities, and aided in the expansion of the voter registration process for one central location to numerous satellite locations across Fairfax County.
In the 1970’s, Abe Spero served as the first Chairman of the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission. In 1984, he and his wife, Lilyan, received the Human Rights Award. In 1996, the Federation of Citizens Association selected Lilyan as the Citizen of the Year for her work addressing critical human rights.
Abe and Lilyan Spero were admired and valued for their compassion, intelligence, creativity and ideals. The Spero Family Endowed Scholarship was established to commemorate their extraordinary lives and provide support for undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD undergraduate student.
- Have a strong record of academic merit (3.0 GPA or higher).
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The Thomas and Carol Wheeler Fund (Max Wheeler Scholarship) was established to support a student in the Mason LIFE program. The intent is for student recipients to receive full programmatic support for costs associated with their time in the Mason LIFE program. The amount each year will be determined by Mason LIFE program administrators, with consideration of the current cost of the program and the availability of funds.
This award may be renewable and student recipients can continue to receive the award for up to four consecutive academic years as long as they maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in the Mason LIFE program and meet the financial aid requirements each year. The funding amount may change annually. Recipients may be in-state or out-of-state, commuter or residential students.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a newly accepted or currently enrolled student in the Mason LIFE program at George Mason University.
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Plan to participate in the Mason LIFE program full-time on the Fairfax Campus.
- Plan to enroll in on-campus Mason LIFE courses in the semester in which funding is disbursed.
The application is sent via George Mason email to eligible students directly from the Mason LIFE Program office.
Wen-Pei Wu was born in Chongquing, Sichuan Province, China. He studied economics at Chow Yang University in Hubei Province, China. He gave up his study and joined the Chinese Air Force after Japan invaded China in 1938. He believed that education provided the essential foundation for a productive, rewarding, and fulfilled life. He advocated education for all and often encouraged and helped others to learn. Wen-Pei Wu enjoyed a lifetime of learning and continued studying well into his 80s.
D. Jean Wu established the Wen Pei Wu Scholarship in the memory of her father, who instilled the desire for education in his children. The scholarship assists graduate or undergraduate students pursuing initial licensure in education.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate or undergraduate student pursuing an initial licensure within PK-12.
- Have a strong record of academic merit (undergraduate – minimum 3.0 GPA; graduate – minimum 3.5 GPA)
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The Winant Fund was established in the year 2000 as a charitable trust by John and Jane Winant, who serve as its trustees. The Winant Fund was founded to
- support relief of the poor, the distressed, and the underprivileged, especially children;
- elimination of prejudice and discrimination;
- and prevention of cruelty to children and animals.
The Winant Endowed Scholarship provides support for graduate students pursuing a career assisting children with intellectual or developmental disabilities in underserved communities.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
- Be a CEHD graduate student with intentions to pursue a career providing assistance to children with intellectual or developmental disabilities in underserved communities, preferably non-English speaking communities who suffer from intellectual or developmental disabilities such as autism
- Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (3.5 GPA or higher).
- Have demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
NOTE: Preference will be given to those serving non-English speaking communities with intellectual or developmental disabilities such as autism.