Student Success Blog

Author: Anna Ondieki

CEHD Scholarship Applications Now Open

CEHD Scholarship Applications Now Open

CEHD scholarship applications for the Spring 2023 semester are now open! Please view the CEHD Scholarships and Awards webpage for information on eligibility requirements and how to apply. Scholarship applications that are currently open have “Apply now!” noted after their name on the site. The deadline to apply for all scholarships open this cycle is Monday, November 28, 2022 at 5:00 pm.

Read more about the criteria for current open scholarships below:

Annandale Woman’s Club Endowed Scholarship

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
    • Submit a completed online application by the deadline.
    • Attempting to complete the final year of a degree or licensure program in Education.
    • Enrolled full-time or part-time in the College of Education and Human Development.
    • Be a US Citizen or permanent resident.
    • Be a resident of Northern Virginia for at least one year prior to receiving the scholarship.
    • Have a strong record of academic merit (3.0 GPA or higher).
    • Write an essay on a topic specified by the application.

Dr. Marjory F. Brown-Azarowicz Scholarship

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
    • Submit a completed online application by the deadline.
    • Be enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development pursuing a program of study leading to initial teaching licensure.
    • Demonstrate a commitment to the teaching profession and the field of education.
    • Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (undergraduate – 3.0 GPA or higher; graduate – 3.5 GPA or higher).
    • Have a FAFSA application on file with the Office of Financial Aid.
    • Write an essay on a topic specified by the application (maximum 300 words).

The Bernard and Marianne Harless Scholarship Fund

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
    • Submit a completed online application by the deadline.
    • Be a full-time graduate or undergraduate student currently enrolled in CEHD’s Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (B/AM) program.
    • Have a strong record of academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate students / 3.5 GPA for graduate students).
    • Be enrolled in a teaching program toward K-12 licensure.
    • Have a FAFSA application on file with the Office of Financial Aid.
    • Write an essay on a topic specified by the application.

The Phyllis Cofield Pajardo Scholarship Fund

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
    • Submit a completed online application by the deadline.
    • Be enrolled in a Master’s degree program in Educational Leadership or in a Master’s in Education degree program with an Educational Leadership concentration.
    • Be enrolled full-time or part-time in the College of Education and Human Development.
    • Have a strong record of academic merit (3.0 GPA or higher).
    • Have a FAFSA application on file with the Office of Financial Aid.
    • Write an essay on a topic specified by the application (maximum 300 words).

Kyle Wilson Memorial Scholarship

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
    • Submit a completed online application by the deadline.
    • Be currently enrolled in the College of Education and Human Development Athletic Training program.
    • Be admitted to the professional phase of the Athletic Training program.
    • Have at least a 3.0 overall GPA.
    • Write an essay on a topic specified by the application (maximum 300 words).
    • Upload the most recent copy of your resume (via the application). Work experience is not required, but employment history, activities/organizations, awards/honors, etc., that may be relevant to your application is.

The Winant Endowed Scholarship

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
    • Submit a completed online application by the deadline
    • Be enrolled in a graduate degree program in the College of Education and Human Development.
    • Exhibit a strong record of academic merit (3.5 GPA or higher).
    • Have a FAFSA application on file with the Office of Financial Aid demonstrating financial need.
    • Write an essay on a topic specified by the application.

Join The Honors College: Upcoming Info Sessions 10/20 & 10/24

Honors College Info Sessions

The Honors College is now accepting applications from current Mason students who are exceptionally motivated and enthusiastic about learning. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who are looking for an environment that will challenge and stretch their abilities while providing support and community. Currently enrolled students can apply to join the Honors College in their second or third year and the application can be found on this webpage. 

Interested students are encouraged to join one of the two upcoming information sessions on Thursday, October 20th or Monday, October 24th. Detailed information about the sessions can be found on the Honors College website, Mason360, and on the attached flyer. Students are also more than welcome to email [email protected] with any questions. 

General eligibility criteria to apply for the Honors College are as follows:

  • Minimum of 24 credit hours completed at Mason (by the end of the semester they are applying)    
  • Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA  
Honors College Information Session Flyer

New Scholarship Opportunity for Aspiring Teachers

The Rachel Sleichter Scholarship

The Rachel Sleichter Scholarship for Teaching Excellence was established in 2022. Rachel graduated in the spring of 2022 with her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Elementary Education from the College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship honors Rachel’s dedication and persistence, and supports aspiring teachers. This scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate or a graduate student who is pursuing a degree in teaching, specific to K-12 education.

Applicant requirements:

• Undergraduate or graduate student (full or part-time)

• GPA of 2.75 or higher

• Must be pursuing a degree in teaching, specific to K-12 Education

• Demonstrated financial need and academic merit

Important Dates and Other Information:

  • Application Window: September 1st, 2022 – January 1, 2023
  • Awards Notifications: all finalists will receive a confirmation of their award selection or denial by Friday, March 10.
  • Scholarship Dinner: all selected scholarship recipients will be invited to the annual Scholarship Dinner. Additional RSVP is required upon receipt of invitation.
  • Thank You Letters: all selected scholarship recipients will be required to write a formal letter of appreciation to the donor(s) responsible for endowing the scholarship that they have received.
  • Photo/Press Release: all selected scholarship recipients will take a group photo and be featured in various Mason news publications, such as, The Scroll, Mason Spirit magazine, Mason website, social media accounts, etc.

Apply Here.

For inquiries, please email Jessica Scibetti.

STEAM Fest Volunteer Opportunity

On Saturday, October 15th, George Mason University is partnering with the Franconia District of Fairfax County and STEM NOLA to host its first STEAM FEST to expose, inspire, and engage youth in STEAM learning. To give you an idea of the type of event we are hosting, here’s a link to a video of a past STEAM FEST event hosted by STEM NOLA. Scholars in grades K-12 from across the DMV area will have the opportunity to design, build, and test more than 50 different STEM activities including designing and programming robots, racing remote control cars, and engaging in virtual reality and artificial intelligence demonstrations. Other activities include making soap, all-natural popsicles, flying drones in our drone cage, and building tooth-pick bridges and towers. 

We are anticipating over 500 students to attend, so we are reaching out to recruit volunteers. Volunteers will serve as role models for the day and help scholars with STEAM activities. Training will be provided on the day of the event, so we welcome STEAM students from any background. Below are more details about the event: 

Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022 
Time: 8am – 12pm (On-site Training: 8am – 9am; STEAM FEST: 9am – 12pm)
Location: Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22306 
Attendees: K-12 Scholars and their parents/guardians from the Franconia District, which includes areas of Springfield, Franconia, Kingstowne, and Hybla Valley


Video of Past STEM Fest Event

Volunteers can sign up using our registration form until Monday, October 10.

CEHD Student Organization Spotlight: PhD in Education Student Organization (PESO)

PESO Logo

This week, we interviewed the PhD in Education Student Organization (PESO) President to learn more about this CEHD-related organization. Keep reading to learn more about PESO, and to find out how you can get involved!

Who is eligible to join PESO?

Membership in PESO is inclusive of all CEHD doctoral students in good academic standing and is not restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, age, part- or full-time student status, marital status, personal appearance, or political affiliation.

What is the mission of PESO?

PESO was established to advance collegiality, advocate for doctoral student needs, and develop and sustain professional relationships among all doctoral students, faculty, and staff within the College of Education and Human Development. With this in mind, the CEHD PhD in Education Student Organization seeks to:

  • Foster informal and formal interactions, collaborations, and accountability;
  • Provide an open and inclusive forum for our membership to express their concerns, achievement, and ideas that prepare members for continued research, future academia, and careers in our fields;
  • Promote professional development through discussions, presentations, and trainings that strengthen our scholarly endeavors;
  • Share advice, resources, and experiences to assist one another through doctoral studies;
  • Host social and networking events on and off campus to create community
  • Foster a sense of belonging and success for diverse PhD students- e.g. underrepresented students according to their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, culture, language, nationality, ability level, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, expression of religion, or/and additional underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Represent the collective opinions and shared interests of our membership to the appropriate authorities at the program, College, University level and beyond
  • Encourage participation in activities relating to the organization and collaboration with the College of Education and Human Development, its various programs, and George Mason University.

Why should students join PESO?

Joining PESO presents students with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers, expand and improve their professional skills, and serve our Mason learning community.

What kinds of events does your organization offer?

We offer both in-person and virtual events as well as digital resources including:

  • PESO Professional Growth Sessions, a monthly virtual mentoring series hosted in collaboration with the CEHD PhD Committee
  • PESO General Body Meetings, opportunities to meet PESO members and get updated on current organizational happenings (and have fun!)
  • PESO Critical Issues Discussion Group Meetings, informal gatherings designed to help students using critical theories in their research to ask questions and get mentoring from peers who are currently using critical frameworks in their research
  • AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!

What is your favorite thing about being in PESO?

I came to Mason and joined PESO during 2020 when everything was virtual and life just felt different and disconnected. Through PESO I found community, connection, and purpose during those weird and isolating times. I love being a part of the PESO community!

What is the best way to contact PESO to get involved?

There are lots of ways to reach out to us! 

You can connect with us on social media: 

You can use your GMU login username and password to access our homepage and PhD resources at: https://mason360.gmu.edu/peso/home/

You can also email us at: [email protected]

Is there anything else you think the Mason CEHD community should know about PESO?

PESO is here to support and help PhD students make the most of their doctoral experience. We always welcome new members and invite your suggestions for how to better serve our PESO community.