Welcome to the Scholarship and Awards application!

  Applicants must complete this form to be eligible for all scholarships and awards.  Please apply once to each opportunity and note that required materials may vary. Apply to all programs you qualify for!

 Deadline to submit to all applications including this form is: March 23, 2026 11:59pm

• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
• All applicants will be notified of their status by: April 7, 2026
• Scholarship and Award recipients will be honored at the annual Scholarships and Awards Celebration on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the Orchard Conference Center on the CSUN campus

Please attach a PDF of your most recent Degree Planning Report (DPR), a brief personal bio, and a current resume.  Applicants to programs that require demonstrated financial need must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office.  Recipients' financial aid will not be reduced upon reward unless the amount exceeds the total calculated financial need.

All scholarships and awards are for the next academic year.  Amounts of $1000 or more will be divided between fall and spring semester unless 1) the recipient is graduating in the fall or 2) otherwise specified in the award program.  Funds for graduating seniors should be processed by June 30 and late August for all others.     

Some scholarships and awards are limited to a select class.  Please note that units on your DPR that are 'in progress' do not factor into your eligibility.  Criteria for determining your class:

• Freshman (0-30 Units completed at the time of application, excluding units in progress)
• Sophomore (30-60 Units completed at the time of application, excluding units in progress)
• Junior (60-90 Units completed at the time of application, excluding units in progress)
• Senior (90 units or more completed at the time of application, excluding units in progress)

1 x $700 Scholarship  

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Graduate MFA screenwriting student, entering or continuing in program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a feature length motion picture screenplay. In the spirit of Abraham Polonsky's personal vision and creative work, it is preferred that the screenplay engage themes of social consciousness
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $500 Scholarship  

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight  Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Undergraduate screenwriting student, graduating or continuing
• Award is based on screenplay
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a feature length motion picture screenplay. In the spirit of Abraham Polonsky's personal vision and creative work, it is preferred that the screenplay engage themes of social consciousness
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $450 Scholarship    

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Undergraduate screenwriting student, graduating or continuing
• Award is based on essay
• Interest in critical writing

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a critical essay on a film topic, no less than 10 pages in length. The essay will be judged on both the substance of the content and the clarity and insightfulness of the argument
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $500 Scholarships    Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight  Criteria:

• Enrolled in the Film Production option with a focus on producing
• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA for all course work at CSUN
• CSUN GPA 3.0

Application Procedure:  

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a one-page (500-750 word) statement of purpose on how you feel you will be a future valued producer in the film industry
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $500 Scholarships     Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight   

Criteria:

• Enrolled in the TV Production - Documentary option 
• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA for all course work at CSUN
• CSUN GPA 3.0

Application Procedure:  

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a one-page (500-750 word) statement of purpose on your interest in non-fiction filmmaking, your personal motivations for wanting to tell non-fiction stories, and talking about your long-range goals in the field 
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $3000 Scholarship
Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight
Criteria:

• Majoring in Entertainment Media Management
• Minimum 3.0 GPA at CSUN
• Completed a minimum of 15 units of CTVA courses
• Applicants must be a junior, or senior with at least one semester remaining

Application Procedure:

• Submit 1-3 letters of recommendation welcome from professors, mentors, or business professionals with whom the student has worked
• Essay of 250-500 words, which reflects on the applicant’s personal strengths and areas for growth as they relate to the entertainment industry as well as their passion for a career in the business of entertainment 
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

6 x $1000 Scholarships     Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight     

Financial Needs-Based scholarship:

• Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office
• Recipients of this scholarship will NOT have their financial aid reduced unless the scholarship amount exceeds your total calculated financial need

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration
• Area of emphasis in Emerging Media (interactive film/video, video games, internet, and mobile devices), Media History/Research, or Television Production (preference for interest in TV Sports Production but not required)

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a one-page composition in which you discuss why you wish to work in the field of television production, interactive media, or media history/research.  Discuss the work you have completed in these fields, your employment goals over the next five years, and your specialization
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

6 x $1000 Scholarships    

Deadline: Midnight on March 23

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• CSUN GPA 3.0

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay on the importance of the arts in society
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

Note: If the awardee continues in the program and shows promise, they will receive the scholarship annually, a maximum of three times

1 x $1000 Scholarship

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight

Financial Needs-Based scholarship:

• Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office
• Recipients of this scholarship will NOT have their financial aid reduced unless the scholarship amount exceeds your total calculated financial need

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Graduate MFA screenwriting student
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a feature length screenplay
• Upload  a one page essay on your long-range goals and contributions to the profession
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $1200 Scholarship    

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration
• Student must have successfully completed CTVA 475 Audience Analysis or an equivalent audience analysis course with outstanding classroom record
• Students who have completed or are in the process of doing an internship in media research are encouraged to apply

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a one-page composition discussing your interest in the field of audience research, the work you have already done in audience research,  your employment goals over the next five years, and your specialization in your work at CSUN
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $500 Scholarship

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• Must have earned or have in progress no less than 30 AND no more than 60 college or university units
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all coursework at CSUN

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a current resume. The resume MUST show service to the Department, University, and/or to the community
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format
• Service to the CTVA department and the community will be a major consideration in awarding the scholarship

1 x $500 Scholarship

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• Must have earned or have in progress no less than 60 AND no more than 90 college or university units
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all coursework at CSUN

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a current resume. The resume MUST show service to the Department, University, and/or to the community
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format
• Service to the CTVA department and the community will be a major consideration in awarding the scholarship

1 x $500 Scholarship

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• Must have earned or have in progress no less than 60 AND no more than 90 college or university units
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all coursework at CSUN

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a current resume. The resume MUST show service to the Department, University, and/or to the community
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format
• Service to the CTVA department and the community will be a major consideration in awarding the scholarship

1 x $1000 Scholarships

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight

Financial Needs-Based scholarship:

• Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office
• Recipients of this scholarship will NOT have their financial aid reduced unless the scholarship amount exceeds your total calculated financial need

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring 2026
• CSUN GPA 3.0

Application Procedure:  

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay on the importance of the arts in society
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $1200 Scholarships Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.0 GPA at CSUN
• Area of emphasis in Film Production, Television Production, or MFA in Screenwriting (students who have not yet been accepted into the Film or Television Production Options through the portfolio process can NOT be considered for this scholarship)
• Preference will be given to students displaying leadership skills

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay addressing the following statement: Describe your unique leadership qualities and skills and discuss how they apply to your chosen discipline within film production
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

7 x $8000 Scholarships

Note: Award amount is divided between fall and spring semesters. Award may be renewable if criteria continue to be met

Deadline: Mar 23, 2026 

Financial Needs-Based scholarship:

• Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office
• Recipients of this scholarship will NOT have their financial aid reduced unless the scholarship amount exceeds your total calculated financial need

Criteria:

• Enrolled in the Film Production, Television Production, or MFA Screenwriting program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA at CSUN

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay addressing your industry goals, how you will contribute to the industry, and your experience as a member of an under-served population
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $4000 Scholarship   Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight   

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.0 GPA at CSUN
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper-division CTVA courses
• Preference will be given to international students although open to all

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Write an original 500-750 word personal essay addressing the following question: How has the study of international media affected the way you see the world and your place in it as a media professional?
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format 

1 x $900 Scholarship   Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight   

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all coursework at CSUN
• Area of emphasis in Television Production

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload  a resume, which includes all pertinent professional and personal information relating to the entertainment industry
• Write and upload an original, one-page personal composition discussing why you wish to work in television production, your employment goals over the next five years, and your specialization in your work at CSUN.
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format
• Submit a Web URL link to a sample or your video work completed at CSUN (using web sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• The professional references that you listed on the "Applicant Information Form" could be a factor in determining this scholarship award

1 x $3000 Scholarship   Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight

  Financial Needs-Based scholarship:

• Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office
• Recipients of this scholarship will NOT have their financial aid reduced unless the scholarship amount exceeds your total calculated financial need

Criteria:

• Must be entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• Overall CSUN GPA 3.0

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay detailing how they have overcome obstacles caused by their social or economic status.  The essay should also detail what career the applicant hopes to pursue, and how the applicant proposes to help foster diversity in the television and film arts
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $650 Scholarships    

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• MUST Graduate in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration
• Service to the CTVA department and the community will be a major consideration in awarding the scholarship

Application Procedure:  

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a current resume. The resume must show the required service to the Department, University, and/or to the community
• Upload a statement of professional goals and interests
• The professional references that you listed on the "Applicant Information Form" could be a factor in determining this award
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $1250 Scholarship Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.0 GPA at CSUN
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration
• Area of emphasis in Television or Film

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 250 word essay describing your future goals in the film and television industry
• The professional references that you listed on the "Applicant Information Form" could be a factor in determining this scholarship award
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

3 x $3000 Scholarships (1 juniors, 2 seniors)  Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight  Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration

Application Procedure:  

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Service to the Department and to the community will be a major consideration in awarding this scholarship
• Upload a current resume which includes all pertinent professional and personal information relating in any way to service to the Department and/or community and the entertainment industry
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

4 x $1000 Scholarships  Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight  Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.0 GPA at CSUN
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay detailing the role in the arts that you plan to pursue
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $600 Scholarship    Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight    

Criteria:

• Graduating in Fall 2026 or after
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• Completed minimum of 65 units (with at least 2 semesters on CSUN campus)
• 6 units remaining to graduate
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration
• Area of emphasis in Interactive Media (interactive film/video, video games, internet, and mobile devices), Media History/Research, or Television Production (preference for interest in TV Sports Production but not required)

Application Procedure:  

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a resume, which includes all pertinent professional and personal information relating in any way to your CTVA/University activities and the entertainment industry
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

$1500 Scholarship    

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight     

Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in the Film Production Option; students who have not yet been accepted into the Film Production Options through the portfolio process can NOT be considered
• Must have completed 90 college or University units
• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken at CSUN
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay addressing the following statement: Describe your perspective as an artist and how this has shaped any collaborative creative projects you've worked on. You may also discuss a creative or practical challenge created by the collaborative nature of a specific project, how you navigated it and any insights you gained from the experience. 
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

5 x $1500 Scholarships     

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight     

Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in the Film Production Option; students who have not yet been accepted into the Film Production Options through the portfolio process can NOT be considered
• Must have completed 65 college or University units
• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken at CSUN
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a 500-750 word essay addressing the following statement: Describe your experience, both in and outside of the classroom, addressing the challenges you face as a student filmmaker. This might include anything from the logistics of balancing projects with your other responsibilities, to the limited availability of physical or financial resources, to the interpersonal dynamics on a crew. Discuss any practical solutions you developed, and any insights gained that you intend to apply in the future. 
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

2 x $3000 Scholarship   

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight   

Financial Needs-Based scholarship:

• Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office
• Recipients of this scholarship will NOT have their financial aid reduced unless the scholarship amount exceeds your total calculated financial need

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Undergraduate CTVA Screenwriting student
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a feature length motion picture screenplay
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format

1 x $1000 Scholarship   Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight   

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all coursework at CSUN

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a file or provide a web link to a single project completed at CSUN that embodies a clear vision of the future of the entertainment industry.  For example: multimedia presentation / exhibit, marketing plan, critical essay, screenplay, film, television, or other media project
• Document can be: .DOC, .DOCX, .PDF, .WAV, .MP3, .MP4, or .MOV
• Project link can be: YouTube, Vimeo, Box.com, etc.

2 x $5000 Scholarships

Deadline: Mar 23, Midnight

Financial Needs-Based scholarship:

• Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the CSUN Financial Aid Office
• Recipients of this scholarship will NOT have their financial aid reduced unless the scholarship amount exceeds your total calculated financial need

Criteria:

• Not graduating in Spring or Fall 2026
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in all upper division CTVA courses taken
• Overall university GPA may also be taken into consideration
• Area of emphasis in Interactive Media (interactive film/video, video games, internet, and mobile devices), Media History/Research, or Television Production (preference for interest in TV Sports Production but not required)

Application Procedure:

• Complete the "Applicant Information Form" available (online)
• Upload a one-page composition in which you discuss why you wish to work in the field of television production, interactive media, or media history/research.  Discuss the work you have completed in these fields, your employment goals over the next five years, and your specialization
• Document must be a .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format