BSP Scholarships - Apply Today!
The BSP Scholarship Program provides financial support to SEIU USWW members and their families as they pursue higher education. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their academic and career goals without financial barriers. Our scholarship program supports students studying at a community college, trade school, or university, as well as those looking to switch careers.
By applying for a BSP scholarship, you may receive financial assistance to help cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses. One unique aspect of our program is that scholarship checks are sent directly to the student you. We are here to support you on your journey because when working families succeed, our communities thrive. Explore our scholarship opportunities and take the next step toward a brighter future.
Scholarship Program Overview
BSP is proud to announce its Mike García Scholarship, Martha Cox-Nitikman Memorial Scholarship, and the Carnegie Scholarship, for the 2026-2027 academic year. This application is open to current or retired SEIU-USWW members and their children, spouses, grandchildren, siblings, and other dependents to help offset some of the rising costs of higher education and to nurture the growth of future leaders. Scholarship award amounts are determined based on the cost of attendance at the applicant’s school and their financial need. Award amounts start at $1,000.
About Mike García
The son of a union factory worker, Mike worked as a janitor to support his college education. He shared his vision for the American Dream not only through his vital contributions to the fight for workers’ rights, but by elevating higher education opportunities for immigrant janitors’ children. Mike García strongly believed higher education and leadership were key to helping enhance and improve the lives of union members, their families and our communities. Mike’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of immigrant workers has inspired statewide campaigns, helping janitors and their families achieve social and economic justice across California.
About Martha Cox-Nitikman
For over three decades, Martha Cox-Nitikman worked as a tireless advocate as the Vice President of Public Policy for the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Los Angeles (BOMA/GLA). Martha is remembered for her deep knowledge of industry issues and for her unrelenting approach to solving public challenges. Martha also served as a founding board member of Building Skills Partnership (BSP) from 2007 to 2019 and was instrumental in advocating for the expansion of its programs throughout California. As a board member, Martha helped steer the organization through immense growth.
About Carnegie Corporation of New York
The Carnegie Corporation of New York is a philanthropic foundation established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911. Its mission is to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. The foundation focuses on supporting initiatives in education, democracy, international peace and security, and higher education. Their generous donation has enabled us to establish this scholarship fund, further expanding educational opportunities for students and continuing their legacy of support for higher education.
Apply today and take the next step toward your future! 🚀
The application period for the 2026 - 2027 school year is now open.
Deadline:
Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be a current or retired SEIU-USWW member or child, spouse, grandchild, sibling, or other dependent of current or retired SEIU-USWW member
Must be entering or continuing their education at either a 2-year community college, 4-year college/university, or vocational/trade institution in Fall 2026
Use the award for the 2026-2027 academic year
Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
The Mike Garcia Scholarship
Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students, or be enrolled in a vocational/trade school.
Carnegie Scholarship Program
Martha Cox-Nitikman Memorial Scholarship
Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students, or be enrolled in a vocational/trade school, and be majoring in or be interested in public policy or a related field.
Applicants must be high school seniors.
Applicants must turn in the following documents to
Ana Priscila Garcia no later than May 10th, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
A completed and signed application must be submitted either:
Online: Building Skills Partnership Scholarship Program 2026 Online Application OR
Emailed to scholarships@buildingskills.org
Official college transcripts and/or GED certificate
One letter of recommendation from a teacher, instructor, coach, counselor, supervisor or community leader that can speak about the leadership traits of the candidate. (Letters of recommendation must be dated within the past year. If you are reapplying, you cannot submit the same letter you used last year.)
Personal statement (See Personal Statements section of this page.)
Student Aid Index (From FAFSA or CA Dream Act)
Applications must be submitted online to Building Skills Partnership Scholarship Program 2026 Online Application OR
E-mailed to scholarships@buildingskills.org,
no later than Sunday, May 10th, 2026.
If you have questions or need assistance completing your application, please contact Ana Priscila Garcia at:
(323) 391-3179 | agarcia@buildingskills.org
Meet our 2025 scholarship recipients!
