​California BPW Education Fund Inc.

The California BPW Education Fund Board of Directors is now accepting applications for educational loans.

CEF Education Fund Brochure

Application and Instructions
Personal Financial Statement

The California BPW Education Fund Board of Directors is accepting applications for loans for the upcoming school term. We have funds to help young people continue their education and to help those who are re-entering the work force and need additional training and skills.

The grant/loan eligibility requirements are as follows:

Grants or loans will be made only to members (including student members) of the California Federation of Business and Professional Women and their immediate families who are citizens of the United States and residents of California.

The applicants must use the funds to continue education in an accredited school or college and accepted by the CBPWEF Board of Directors.
Application documents and instructions are available below.

The California BPW Education Fund is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit and supported entirely with donations. Donations can be sent to Sandy Thompson, Treasurer, California BPW Education Fund, Inc., 710 S. Main Street, Burbank, CA 91506. Some recent donations are –
In Memory of:
Lynn Brandstater
Marie Clifton
Maria Escaňuelas
Marjory Hopper
Jerry Koerner
Jackie Melvin

In Honor of:
Anne Marie Johnson
Sally McMahon
Sandy Thompson

Application and Instructions
Personal Financial Statement

Jordan Bennet of Chico was our most recent award recipient.  Below is a shortened version of the letter that she sent to the CEF Board. The full letter is in the Fall 2024 “California Woman.”

Dear CEF Board:
I finished my collegiate career with a 3.57 GPA and graduated Cum Laude receiving my Bachelors of Science Degree in Public Health. I am wholeheartedly thankful for the opportunity I was given to attend Santa Clara University. My experience at SCU has shaped all aspects of my life both personally and professionally. I always knew that I would find some way to go to college, but
never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be able to afford such a prestigious school as SCU. Thank you for making that dream become a reality….
You may be wondering, what’s next for Jordan Bennett? Well, I am now officially a Second Lieutenant Medical Services Officer in the United States Army. Upon receiving my commission, I earned the title of Distinguished Military Graduate (meaning that I ranked in the top 20% nationwide). I will be attending Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) in October, where I will be at Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, TX) for about 7 weeks. After that I will be sent to my first duty station (I am still awaiting my location) where I will be serving for the next 4 years. I am open to staying in the Army after my 4 years is up, however, I have learned it is best to keep your mind open to opportunities. I know I say this often, but truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Best,
Jordan

Ellora Easton is a Young BPW member of Berkeley BPW. She was recipient of California Education Fund loan. Easton is fourth generation BPW member – Great granddaughter
of late Shakuntala Malhoutra, granddaughter of Manjul Batra, and daughter of Sujata Batra Easton, all of whom have been and continue to be BPW members. Easton graduated from UCLA with magna cum laude honors where she majored in International Development Studies with a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Global Health. Easton has started her new career in New York City, working for Crowe as a healthcare consultant. Below is a recent communication from Ellora.

Dear California BPW Education Fund,
After graduating from UCLA in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development and a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Global Health, I recently moved to New York to begin my career in healthcare consulting at a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm called Crowe. The CEF Loan was a pivotal stepping stone to my academic journey and success at UCLA, where I had access to fantastic courses and professors and also gained the opportunity to help grow a healthcare nonprofit called ‘Globemed’ focused on water access and sanitation in Uganda, consulted nonprofits through the Social Enterprise Academy at UCLA, and helped lead UCLA’s competitive all-female a cappella group. I am beyond grateful for not only the financial support I have received from BPW, but also for the women of BPW for inspiring and mentoring me as I grow personally and professionally. I am looking forward to all that BPW accomplishes going forward and to how I can help make an impact on others’ lives as they have done for mine.
Thank you again, Ellora

Lena Pawlek (center) recent California BPW Education Fund recipient – she is an engineering student at Harvey Mudd. On the left is NFBPWC immediate Past President Sandy, on the right is CFBPW President Lynn and in front is Burbank BPW member Margaret