Scholarship Information

Dr. Lynnette Robinson was an accomplished and inspirational educator for 25 years before her passing in 1998. She served as a special education teacher and elementary principal before culminating her career as the Director of Special Education for the Encinitas Union School District. Lynnette was instrumental in developing curriculum, social/behavioral programs and inclusive practices that have been implemented throughout California. In particular, Lynnette was a pioneer in the belief that students with and without special needs benefit from being educated together. She was a true advocate for all students, families, and educators. 

General Information

Candidates applying for this scholarship will be able to 1) describe activities which demonstrate their support, involvement, and commitment to inclusive practices for students with special needs in educational and/or community settings and 2) express intention of pursuing a career in special education or a related field such as school psychology, counseling, speech-language, adapted physical education, or occupational therapy. The amount of the scholarship will be $1500 per year and will be awarded for four consecutive years provided that recipients meet required criteria therein. A total of two scholarships will be awarded.

Eligibility

• Student must be graduating from high school.
• Student must be enrolled in a NCCSE member school district.
• Student must have demonstrated leadership experiences that support inclusive practices for students with disabilities. The student must express a commitment to learning and the desire to pursue a career in special education or a related field such as school psychology, counseling, speech-language, adapted physical education, or occupational therapy.

Application Requirements

All application requirements, as specified in the application packet, are to be completed by the student and include:

• Completed application form.
• Authorization form to use likeness/materials and release of information for educational records.
• Written, audio, or video recorded statement describing leadership experiences and how they have supported inclusive practices on their high school campus or in the community, and how they will continue this practice in a career.
• One letter of recommendation. From either 1) a person familiar with the student’s leadership experiences that support inclusive practices, 2) a teacher or administrator, or 3) student choice (e.g., school counselor, coach, community member, employer, etc.) Letters must be written using the nomination guidelines.
• Copy of unofficial transcript that includes overall/cumulative GPA.

Selection Criteria

• A committee will review the applications, conduct interviews, and determine the award recipients.
• Awards will be made to those who have best demonstrated that they are a leader with inclusive practices, have a commitment to learning, and the desire to pursue a career in special education or a related field, as communicated in the personal statement, academic achievement, and letter of recommendation.

The Award Process

• The selection committee will review applications and conduct interviews in April.
• Award recipients will be announced in May. Recipients’ schools will be notified for student recognition at award ceremonies.
• Upon graduation from high school, award recipients are required to provide proof of enrollment for fall in a minimum of 9 units (or comparable instructional hours) and a contact name and mailing information for the school’s financial aid/business office to insure proper payment to the student’s account at the school.
• Upon receipt of required materials, the award will be paid directly to the student’s account at the school of attendance.
• The applicant is responsible for notifying NCCSE of any change of address.
• For continuing years, enrollment must be consecutive, and the recipient is required to submit proof of enrollment for the Fall semester, an overall GPA of 2.0, and a minimum of 18 units completed during the previous Fall and Spring semesters.

Deadline

The deadline to submit the application for the Lynette Robinson Scholarship ended on March 31, 2025 All application information must be received at NCCSE by that date.

Please note:
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the Committee. To check on the status of your application, call Fabiola Vasquez at 760.307.1567 or send your request to fvasquez@sdcoe.net

Complete the application online

Statement and letters of recommendation are to be completed as specified on application guidelines and can be found here.

Bob Grundstrom was a dedicated, respected, and loved teacher of students with disabilities in the Vista Unified School District for 18 years. He was well known for his work with students with significant disabilities at the middle school, high school and college aged levels, and he developed the NCCSE regional classes at Sierra Vista High School, Palomar College, Mira Costa College, and Roosevelt Middle School. His gentle and caring way with everyone led both staff and parents to respect him and work together for the good of the students.

Through his love and concern for his students, Bob helped them to see and then realize their gifts to their fullest potential. In life as well as in his career, Bob was a strong supporter of higher education. Through his example and encouragement, he always led others to further their learning.

General Information

Funds are available for this scholarship to students who demonstrate financial need and intentions to attend higher education or training programs after high school or during transition services. The amount of the scholarship will be a one-time maximum of $1500. One scholarship will be awarded.

Eligibility

• Student must be graduating from high school or a district adult transition program.
• Student receives special education services from a NCCSE member district.

Application Requirements 

All application requirements, as specified in the application packet, are to be completed by the student and must include:

• Completed application form. 
• Written, audio or video recorded statement.
• Authorization form to use likeness/materials and release of information.
• One letter of recommendation written by either a 1) special education teacher, or 2) general education teacher or administrator, or 3) student choice (e.g. teacher, school counselor, coach, community member, employer, etc.), using the nomination guidelines.
• Copy of unofficial transcript that includes the overall/cumulative grade point average.

Selection Criteria

• A committee will review the applications, conduct interviews and determine award winners.
• An award will be made to the individual demonstrating the highest level of commitment to his/her education as communicated in the personal statement, letter of recommendation, academic achievement, and financial need.

The Award Process

• The selection committee will review applications and conduct interviews in April.
• The award recipient will be announced in May. The recipient’s school will be notified for student recognition at award ceremonies.
• The award recipient is required to provide proof of enrollment for the Fall in a minimum of 9 units and a contact name and mailing information for the school’s financial aid/business office, to ensure proper payment to the student’s account at the school.
• Upon receipt of required materials, the award will be paid to the student’s account at the school.

The recipient is responsible to notify NCCSE of any change of address for all notices.

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Bob Grundstrom Scholarship ended on March 31, 2025. All application information must be received at NCCSE by that date.

Please note:
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the Committee. To check on the status of your application, call Fabiola Vasquez at 760.307.1567 or send your request to fvasquez@sdcoe.net

Complete application online

Statement and letters of recommendation are to be completed as specified on application guidelines and can be found here.