Another way UCLA is preparing leaders for the future
Access to a world-class education for every student who qualifies. That’s long been a goal of UCLA. But in these tough economic times, how does a university remain a gateway of opportunity for the people of California?
To address this important challenge, Chancellor Gene Block announced the Bruin Scholars Initiative. It aims to generate $500 million for graduate student fellowships and undergraduate scholarships by June 30, 2013.
The initiative will invigorate four areas of emphasis consistent with the Chancellor’s strategic vision. They are:
» Increasing affordability and access
» Bolstering research opportunities
» Fostering a service ethic
» Encouraging world citizenship
    
Ashley D. Williams
Scholarships can make a world of difference in the lives of students. Just ask UCLA freshman Ashley D. Williams. She’s received about a dozen scholarships, including the UCLA VIP Scholarship and the UCLA Blue and Gold Scholarship.
"Through scholarships I’ve benefited from funding, academic support, networks and even travel," says Ashley, whose achievements are all the more impressive when one considers that she grew up in 36 foster homes and group homes and attended 26 schools. A sociology major, she is now conducting research on the retention of foster youth in the university system, and she hopes to start a nonprofit organization for foster youth in college.
Bruin Scholars Initiative
All-American pole-vaulter Jackie Nguyen '07 learns the leadership skills she'll take to medical school.