CAS AWARDS 

2026 Applications are due Sunday, February 1st

The CAS department provides several annual departmental awards. Applications for the awards become available in late November/early December on the website. Recipients are required to attend the CAS Celebration of Achievement where they will be presented with their award. See award descriptions for eligibility. (Majors ONLY!)

 

Outstanding Junior Child and Adolescent Studies Student

This award recognizes the outstanding junior-level major in Child and Adolescent Studies (60-89 units) who exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship, service to the community and /or university, and commitment to professional development. Minimum of a 3.60 overall GPA required to apply for award. ($750)

Application Form

Word Version

PDF Version

Recommendation Form

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PDF Version

Outstanding Senior Child and Adolescent Studies Student

This award recognizes the outstanding senior-level major in Child and Adolescent Studies (90 or more units) who exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship, service to the community and /or university, and commitment to professional development. Minimum of a 3.60 overall GPA required to apply for award. ($750)

Application Form

Word Version

PDF Version

Recommendation Form

Word Version

PDF Version

Dedication to Children, Adolescents and/or Families

This award recognizes a Child and Adolescent Studies major who has demonstrated dedication to improving the lives of children, adolescents, and /or families by their actions based on knowledge derived from CAS coursework and/or scientific research. The award may be for either volunteer efforts or dedication above the required level in paid employment. ($750)

Application Form

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PDF Version

Recommendation Form

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PDF Version

Department and University Engagement Award 

This award is funded by the Child and Adolescent Studies department to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the Department of Child and Adolescent Studies and/or Cal State Fullerton through unpaid endeavors. This can include, but is not limited to, committee work, research projects, peer mentoring, tutoring, and advising, and any leadership role. ($750)

Application Form

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PDF Version

Recommendation Form

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PDF Version

Pam Oliver Lifelong Learner Award

This award celebrates a Lifelong Learner who has demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to personal and professional growth. The recipient will be someone who has taken a break in their formal educational journey and comes back to college or starts college after pursuing other goals. The recipient will also have shown perseverance and a passion for learning through their academic achievements and involvement in activities that enrich their educational experience, contributing positively to the university or larger community. ($750)

Application Form

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PDF Version

Recommendation Form

Word Version

PDF Version

The Kimberly Perkins Award for Dedication to Academic Excellence

This award recognizes dedication to academic excellence and continued commitment to personal and professional development in challenging circumstances. Child and Adolescent Studies majors may self-nominate or be nominated by Child and Adolescent Studies faculty or other CAS classmates who are aware of the persistence and dedication the nominee has shown to his or her personal and academic development despite circumstances that might stand in the way of accomplishment. ($2500)

Application Form

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PDF Version

Learn more about Kimberly Perkins and the Award for Dedication and Academic Excellence link opens in a new window

CSUF Scholarship Opportunities

More scholarships may be available through the financial aid office.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office: GH-146, (657) 278-3125

Testimonial

My name is Sandra Salas, and I am honored to be the recipient of the 2025 Kimberly Perkins Award for Dedication to Academic Excellence. I could not be more grateful for receiving this award, which has supported me in moving out of state to pursue my Ph.D. in Neuroscience. As a systemically impacted individual, I have supported myself financially with multiple jobs while balancing school, internships, and family responsibilities. Because of these realities, it took me six years to complete my degree. In addition to these challenges, I built my own educational path and pieced together experiences that aligned with my long-term goal of pursuing neuroscience. This scholarship provided so much relief during a time when I felt as though I was at my wits’ end. Not only did it provide monetary relief, but it also reassured me that my efforts mattered, that no matter how tired I was, my perseverance and commitment to my education were recognized. I am sincerely grateful to the Perkins family for supporting students like me, and for continuing to honor Kimberly’s legacy. Her unwavering dedication to her education is truly inspiring, as she refused to give up and pushed forward even when everything seemed to be working against her. Supporting this scholarship keeps Kimberly’s courage alive by giving students the support to keep going during the hardest moments of their academic journey.