Native Alumni Network Scholarship Fund
In an effort to support our USD students of color, the Alumni Association created the Native Alumni Network Scholarship 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 Native American 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 Native American community. Preference to a Native American student.
ESSAY PROMPT:
In 500 words, please share how you have contributed to the causes and concerns of the Native American 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 Native American community.
In addition, if you’re interested in supporting the diversity funds, please click here for more information.
Meet the scholarship recipients for the current academic year:
Ymasumac Maranon-Davis '24
Ymasumac was born in Southern California to a Quechua Indian father who emigrated from Bolivia and an Anglo-American mother of Pilgrim ancestry. Her research centers on understanding multiple epistemologies and oral storytelling and their capacity to empower students to transcend oppressive narratives. Collaborating with Indigenous communities in this land is important to her, including at USD where she's helped organize the SOLES book club’s culmination focused on the Indigenous People’s History. In its culmination, she was able to ask my dear sister from the Yaqui people if she could hold a ceremony to open the space for the book club. She plans to continue researching in collaboration with the community while working as a professor at a university.
I her own words, "I have immense gratitude for paying it back with so much generosity. It is inspiring to see former students and friends of USD focus their support on students who have historically not had support. It is very encouraging and motivating."
Native Alumni Network Scholarship Recipients 2021-2022
Thomas Reed '21
Mika Zephier '21