California Schools JPA Mini Grant and
High School Senior Scholarship Programs

CSJPA Mini Grant Question

Mini Grant Essay Requirement (Minimum 250 Words):

California Schools JPA is committed to supporting educators who bring innovation, care, and creativity to their classrooms and communities. Our Mini Grant Program will provide ten $500 awards to K–8 educators who are developing projects that enhance learning, promote student well-being, or strengthen school and community connections. Open to California Schools JPA member districts.

In your essay, please describe your proposed project and how you plan to use the mini grant funds. Consider including the following in your response:

What inspired your project idea, and what specific needs does it address?
How will your project positively impact students, staff, or your community (for example, through art supplies, field trips, food bank partnerships, classroom initiatives, or wellness activities)?
What outcomes do you hope to achieve, and how will you measure your project’s success?
How does your project align with CA Schools JPA’s mission of fostering safe, healthy, and thriving school environments?

We encourage you to be detailed, creative, and reflective. Your essay should show your passion for supporting students and your commitment to creating positive, lasting change within your school community.

Click here to apply

CSJPA Scholarship Essay Questions

(Select Only One):

California Schools JPA is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders through our High School Senior Scholarship Program. We invite students to share their perspectives on health and wellness or risk management (student safety). We will award ten $1,000 scholarships to seniors whose essays demonstrate creativity, insight and a commitment to safe and healthy school environments. Open to California Schools JPA member district high schools.

California Schools Risk Management (CSRM)
Criteria: As part of your application, you must conduct an interview (minimum 8 questions, maximum 10) and include insights from that interview in your essay (minimum 500 words). Attach the interview questions separately, including the name, title, organization and email address of the person interviewed.

Essay Question 1: California Schools Risk Management is dedicated to fostering safe learning environments for all students. Question: Describe a time you noticed a safety concern or potential risk on your school campus. How would you address or improve that issue to help create a safer and more supportive environment for your peers and staff?

Understanding of Risk Management Concepts

Demonstrates a clear understanding of what risk management means in an educational setting.
Identify a realistic safety concern or potential risk relevant to a school environment.
Connect the example to broader ideas of prevention, preparedness, or safety culture.

Interview Component and Integration

Applicant interviews a teacher, administrator, safety coordinator, facilities manager, or individual knowledgeable in risk management.
Demonstrates understanding of key insights from the interview.
Effectively integrates quotes, lessons, or takeaways from the interview into the essay.
Reflects on how the interview informed or strengthened their perspective.

California Schools Employee Benefits (CSEBA)
Criteria: As part of your application, you must conduct an interview (minimum 8 questions, maximum 10) and include insights from that interview in your essay (minimum 500 words). Attach the interview questions separately, including the name, title, organization and email address of the person interviewed.
Essay Question 2: California Schools Employee Benefits knows that health & wellness plays a vital role in how we learn, grow, and connect with others. Question: What does health and wellness mean to you? Share how you practice self-care, balance, or resilience in your daily life, and how you encourage others to do the same.

Understanding of Health & Wellness

Demonstrates a clear understanding of what health and wellness mean in the context of youth and education.
Addresses physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being.
Reflects awareness of how wellness influences learning, growth, and relationships.

Interview Component and Integration

Includes an interview with a school nurse, counselor, or other physical/mental health wellness professional or individual knowledgeable in health and wellness.
Demonstrates understanding of key insights gained from the professional’s perspective.
Integrates the interview meaningfully into the essay, using quotes, lessons, or advice.
Reflects on how the conversation informed or changed the applicant’s view of wellness.

*Including exceptional creativity, storytelling, or demonstration of leadership is encouraged.

Click here to apply