Congregational Partners in Education (CPE) Award

CPE Award Form

Purpose

California Lutheran University is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and values the contributions that students from all faith backgrounds bring to the University.  This award allows congregations of any faith to support students who have demonstrated a commitment to the life and work of their congregation. It also gives the University an opportunity to show its support for students who actively demonstrate their religious convictions.

Who Is Eligible for the CPE Award?

Any student who is enrolled and charged full-time tuition at California Lutheran University and receives the endorsement of his or her congregation is eligible.

Award Details

The University will match monies received from our partner congregations in support of a student attending Cal Lutheran full-time.  Awards are split evenly among expected enrolled terms, unless directed otherwise in writing by the Congregation.  The matching University funds are always applied evenly among enrolled terms unless the student is attending their final term prior to graduation. 

Cal Lutheran will match congregational support up to $2,500 for full-time students in the Traditional Undergraduate Program, full-time students in the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals and full-time Graduate Students. Students must incur tuition charges for the matching funds to be applied. 

In certain cases, a student’s award may be altered to comply with federal, State and/or institutional award requirements.  This award is non-transferable and is usable only at California Lutheran University.  It will be credited toward the student’s account at Cal Lutheran.  The award is not payable in cash.

For PLTS students, CPE funds and CPE match funds may be used to cover all educational related expenses up to the Cost of Attendance. Aid from all sources cannot exceed the annual Cost of Attendance.

Procedure

Let us know you're interested in participating in this program by completing the CPE Award Form.  Fall semester funds should be sent no later than August 1st.  Spring semester funds should be sent no later than January 1st.

CPE Award Form

The financial support from your congregation should be sent directly to Cal Lutheran and include a letter with the church's name, pastor's name, and student's name and address. The check must come from the congregation to the University and should not be written directly to the student attending CLU.

Checks may be made payable to:

This award may be renewed each year, up to three times, after the first year.  It is the responsibility of the student receiving this award to request the support of his/her congregation and to ask that the form be completed and be sent to the University in a timely manner.  The CPE Endorsement Form will be sent to the student each year as soon as they have been awarded. 

Guidelines for Financing the CPE Award

Given that the CPE Award is meant to be an expression of congregational support for a student’s pursuit of higher education in a church-related University, the governing body of each congregation is responsible for determining the procedure by which the congregation provides for and finances its portion of the award.  Some congregations may decide on a case by case basis, when a request is made by the member who is attending CLU.  Others may choose to establish a general scholarship fund, which is designed to support students who meet certain predetermined criteria or even take a special offering on behalf of this member.

It needs to be noted that IRS tax code Section 170 (a) states a charitable deduction may not be taken for a contribution from which the donor receives or expects to receive an equal financial or economic benefit, or for personal, living or family expenses.  This would prohibit a relative of a Cal Lutheran student from personally financing the CPE Award by making a contribution to the congregation solely for that purpose.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Mission & Identity.