The California State University system announced Monday it will honor 22 students Tuesday with the 2026 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement.
The Trustees’ Award is the highest student distinction within the CSU. Since the program began in 1984, more than 500 students have received the award.
This year’s recipients are pursuing degrees in fields ranging from business and biology to mathematics and social work. Many are first-generation college students and have been involved in community service, according to CSU.
The scholars will receive more than $200,000 collectively in scholarship support from current and former CSU trustees and other donors.
“It is with tremendous pride that I celebrate the outstanding academic achievements and remarkable perseverance of this year’s Trustees’ Award scholars,” CSU Chancellor Mildred GarcÃa said. “Thanks to the visionary generosity of our donors, the CSU is able to recognize these exceptional scholars who have overcome significant challenges in pursuit of a college degree that will not only transform their lives but will also elevate their families and strengthen their communities across California.”
One student, Cal Poly Pomona sophomore KeJuan Jones, was selected as the 2026 Trustee Emeritus Ali C. Razi Scholar and will receive a $20,000 scholarship, the largest individual award.
Jones, a Long Beach resident majoring in biotechnology, was inspired to pursue a career in medicine and research after his grandmother received a life-saving heart transplant when he was young, officials said. At Cal Poly Pomona, he has participated in research involving autoimmune diseases, stem cell therapies for bone regeneration and bacterial endosymbionts.
The students will be recognized during the CSU Board of Trustees’ Committee on Institutional Advancement meeting at the CSU Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach Tuesday. The ceremony is scheduled for approximately 4 p.m.