The CFT offers scholarships to high school seniors and college students who are children or dependents of CFT members in good standing. Students enrolled in four-year courses of study are eligible for $3000 scholarships; those enrolled in two-year courses of study are eligible for $1000.

Award selection is based on academic achievement, special talents and skills, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, financial need, and a 500-word essay on a social issue of the applicant’s choice. Scholarships are awarded for any one year of higher education. Students who received scholarships as seniors are not eligible for another scholarship during college.

The program began in 1997 when delegates to the CFT Convention voted to establish scholarships that could help children and dependents of members achieve their higher education goals. The program was named after inspirational CFT leader Raoul Teilhet, pictured above, circa 1972. Teilhet served the organization as president from 1968 to 1985. In 2003, Convention delegates extended eligibility to continuing college students and dependents of deceased CFT members. As part of the application, parent and guardian members will be asked to have their local union president verify membership.

Raoul Teilhet Scholarship applications and deadlines

• For High School Seniors
  Deadline to submit applications: January 10

• For Continuing College Students
  Deadline to submit applications: July 1

• Flyer about the Raoul Teilhet Scholarship Program
  Contains basic info about the CFT scholarship program

For more information or to get a hard copy of an application mailed to you, contact your AFT local union, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the Costa Mesa Field Office at 714-754-6638.


Scholarships from the AFT and the AFL-CIO

More scholarships and professional grants are available to members and their dependents through the AFT and the AFL-CIO. Click on the links below or download this flyer to learn more. 

Robert G. Porter Scholarship Program
The AFT awards four $8000 scholarships to high school seniors who are dependents of AFT members, as well as 20 continuing education grants of $1000 to AFT members. Application deadline: March 31. To learn more, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , phone (800) 238-1133 extension 4457, or go to the members-only section of the AFT Web site.

Union Plus Scholarship Program
The AFL-CIO offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $4000 to union members, their spouses, and their dependents who are enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education. Scholarships are also available to graduate students. Application deadline: January 31. Learn more from Union Plus.

New options! National Labor College Scholarship Program
The AFL-CIO awards scholarships to eligible members or union staffers wanting to complete a degree in Labor Studies through the National Labor College. Scholarships are now available for three new online degree programs. Check out Union Plus.