For students who receive scholarships, the benefits extend far beyond financial support, as undergraduates who’ve earned the Chicano Latino Alumni Endowed Award at UC Riverside can attest.
“It provided a profound sense of validation and belonging,” said Jasmine Lucero Lopez ’23, who received the award while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. “As a first-generation Latina navigating higher education, I often faced challenges that my peers did not, including limited access to resources and opportunities. This scholarship not only alleviated some of those financial burdens but also reinforced my resolve to succeed.”
The Chicano Latino Alumni Chapter (CLA) at UCR, which established the scholarship, is dedicated to building a community that advocates and creates opportunities for the academic excellence, professional growth, and advancement of Chicano Latino students, alumni, staff, and faculty on campus, and in the community at large. Chapter members do this through volunteering, hosting events, serving as mentors, making donations, and partnering with Chicano Student Programs (CSP) and other groups on campus.
“What began as a few committed alumni coming together has grown into a passionate and hands-on network of volunteers who care deeply about giving back to UCR,” said Alex Cortez ’02, M.S. ’09, CLA chair.
The chapter’s scholarship is one example of its impact at UCR, supporting more than 50 students since its inception in 2016 as a current-use fund and endowed fund two years later. The award is open to all undergraduate California residents at UCR and recognizes students for their educational goals, career objectives, academic performance, and commitment to the Chicano Latino community.
Funding for the award comes from chapter members and supporters, including corporate sponsors. CLA hosts “100 for $100” crowdfunding campaigns online, calling on 100 donors to each contribute $100 to scholarship with the aim of raising $10,000 to fund 10 $1,000 scholarships, and also participates in UCR’s annual Giving Tuesday and Give Day initiatives to raise funds.
“The Chicano Latino Alumni Chapter and its award are acts of community care and resistance,” said Estella Acuña ’99, CSP director. “They remind us that we are stronger together, and that our stories, struggles, and achievements matter. The chapter’s commitment to giving back is a powerful example for our students, and it strengthens the bonds that make UCR such a special place.”
Scholarship recipients agree.
“This support empowers me to continue pursuing my education with pride and purpose, knowing I am part of a larger legacy of Chicano and Latino excellence and solidarity,” said Angel Corona, a Latin American studies, political science/international affairs, and Spanish literature student. “I am deeply grateful and inspired to one day give back and help future students the way this scholarship has helped me.”
For CLA members, hearing from scholarship recipients takes them back to their own time at UCR and reinforces the purpose behind the award.
“UCR provided us with the opportunities, education, and networks to succeed, so it’s our privilege and responsibility to lift up those following in our footsteps,” said Natalie Ayala ’10, CLA Scholarship Committee chair. “When we give back collectively, our impact endures and creates a legacy that uplifts future generations.”
