Latino Alumni Network Scholarship Fund
In an effort to support our USD students of color, the Alumni Association created the Latino Alumni Network Scholarship Fund. This fund was established as a growth account with a goal to raise $50,000. The fund is supported by generous alumni, friends, faculty and staff of the University of San Diego. Funds are available to USD undergraduate and graduate students who have worked to better the experience of USD's Latinx community.
APPLICATION LINK:
Click here to apply between November 27, 2023 and February 12, 2024
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
• Must have a FAFSA, CA Dream Act, or USD Dream Act application on file and have financial need. This is a need-based fund.
• Open to undergraduate and graduate students who have worked to better the experience of USD's Latino/a community. Preference to a Latino/a student.
ESSAY PROMPT:
In 500 words, please share how you have contributed to the causes and concerns of the Latino/a community at the University of San Diego and how you envision continuing that work as an active alumnus/a. Include involvement in student organizations which support USD's Latino/a community.
In addition, if you’re interested in supporting the diversity funds, please click here for more information.
Meet the scholarship recipients for the 2021 - 2022 academic year:
Maylen Rafuls '22
Originally from Cuba, Maylén Rafuls Rosa is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Leadership Studies program. She's a full-time French/Spanish Teacher and World Languages teacher on Special Assignment at Coronado Unified School District. As an instructional leader, Maylén supports world language teachers in their curriculum, instruction, and leadership development. She’s a huge advocate of teacher collaboration as a form of professional development. Additionally, Maylén coordinates a variety of world-language opportunities for students, such as the Seal of Biliteracy program, and study abroad opportunities. Her research interests center on K-12 school reform, teacher professional development, and change management. During her studies at USD, Maylén earned a Leadership Coaching Certificate and after graduating with her PhD, Maylén will continue supporting students, teachers, and educational leaders at the school and district levels.
In her own words, "This scholarship has made it more affordable for me to continue in the PhD program, especially through these incredibly difficult financial times. I can see the end in sight and it’s because of this type of financial support that I am able to finish and be the first person in my family to earn a PhD."
Kimberly Correa '24
Kim is a second year doctoral student pursuing her PhD in Education for Social Justice in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. As an out-of-state student, Kim has intentionally pursued community involvement at USD and currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communication for the Latinx Graduate Student Association at USD as well as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant in SOLES. In her first year at USD, Kim led in the creation of the universities’ first-ever LGBTQ+ sexual violence prevention education material for students which launched at New Student Orientation. As a queer, first-generation latinx student, Kim is passionate about creating safe and inclusive campus programming that holistically supports LGBTQ+ students of color and historically underrepresented students pursuing higher education.
In her own words, "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Latino Alumni Network for this scholarship and supporting me in my academic journey. As a first-generation student, it means so much to me that I am able to use my education to pour right back into my family and community. I am grateful for the ability to continue my education with the support of this award! This award means so much coming from my Latinx community and I hope to make you all proud! Thank you again so much for your generosity!"
Jennifer Bustamante '23
At USD, Jennifer found many opportunities to advance her education in a comprehensive manner. The Latino Alumni Network Scholarship allowed her just that, a chance to apply her education abroad, opening her mind and abilities to realize that everything is possible. Jennifer just finished her undergraduate degree on May '23 with a Major in Communication and Minor in Political Science. That day, she realized that she had accomplished more than just her studies- she had also seen the world.
While at USD, Jennifer was involved with Mortar Board Honor Society, helping the Linda Vista Community and Carson Elementary School through STEAM outreach. She helped the marginalized community of Chicano Park through a summer internship with USD, she also helped the career center to promote the Torero Treks among other activities. At the moment, she is now pursuing a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Leadership also at USD, as a Latina, she feels that she needs to keep raising the bar for the next generation.
In her own words, "There are no words to describe the amount of gratitude I feel for the Latino Alumni Network for supporting my education and my dreams. Above all it has made me feel valued and worth investing in, and certainly inspired to pay it forward as I advance. Thank you for your support with all my heart."
Bianca Arellano '21 and '25
Bianca Elisa Arellano is a San Diego native and proudly embraces her Chicana identity. After being inspired to grow as a scholar at San Diego City College, she transferred to UC Berkeley to earn her bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, graduating in 2017. In 2021, Bianca earned her master’s degree in Leadership studies and is now in her first year of the Social Justice for Education PhD program at the University of San Diego.
Currently, Bianca supports the Hermanos Unidos-Brothers United (HUBU), Puente, and Umoja programs at San Diego City College where she puts her passion into praxis. Bianca is dedicated to advancing student success, mentoring students toward reaching their goals, and always encouraging others to do their best. Bianca’s career goal is to become a president of a community college, where she hopes to continue to inspire students towards earning their degree.
Bianca Elisa Arellano is humbled by the gracious support provided by this scholarship. With this financial support, Bianca will be able to continue her studies with less stress focused on loans and more attention dedicated to research. This financial investment in her education reminds her that others are rooting for her success towards earning her PhD.
Jaclyn Perez '23
Jaclyn is a sophomore from Los Angeles, CA majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a concentration in sustainability. She is involved in many organizations on campus including University Ministry, Alpha Pi Sigma where she holds the position as Multicultural Events Chair, Lettered Multicultural Council with the executive board position of marketing and social media, and she is a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. She hopes to break down the barriers that women of color in engineer face and be a role model for other women like herself who are just trying to do what they love.
In her own words “I would like to thank the donors of this scholarship that believe in me and support my dreams of being an industrial engineer. I am beyond grateful for the support you have given me and your generous donation. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart and more! I would also like to thank my beautiful family, and especially my mom for always reminding me that being a woman of color is not a weakness but a strength, the very strength that has gotten me to where I am now, at my top choice for a University doing what I love and being supported by the people I love.”
Carmen Gomez-Mundo '23
Carmen is a senior majoring in Business Administration with a Marketing Minor. While at the University of San Diego, she has maintained a 3.9 GPA while holding several high-level leadership positions, such as Co-President of Women in Business at USD and Academic Chair for Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority. Post-graduation, she hopes to return to the beauty industry in a marketing position. She also plans to continue her involvement with the USD Latinx community through the Alumni Network.
In her own words, "I want to express my sincere gratitude to the USD Alumni and donors who made this scholarship possible. This scholarship award eased the financial burden of funding my education and has allowed me to continue to focus on my studies to excel academically and focus on my leadership responsibilities at USD. Thank you."
Latino Alumni Network Recipients 2021 - 2022:
Samantha Lopez '25
Raul Flores Torres '23
David Santos '22
Daryoush Kat '22
Anabel Soto '22
Alfonso Ruiz '24
Latino Alumni Network Recipients 2020 - 2021:
Alexandra Fiallos '23
Ashley Gonzalez '23
Jacqueline Puga '21
Jose Estrada '21
Karen Nunez '21
Karla Olmos '22
María Rubio '21
Nicole Koutelos '23
Raul Flores Torres '23
Erica Tejada '21
Valerie Jaimes '21
Ximena Moreno Jose '23