Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarship Fund

Making College Dreams a Reality

In November 1996, voter approval of Proposition 209, California’s anti-affirmative action ballot measure, dealt a major blow to the diversity of UCLA’s student population. With race, ethnicity and gender no longer acceptable considerations in the admissions process, the number of students from underrepresented communities plummeted.

Then-Chancellor Albert Carnesale took swift action, increasing the university’s efforts to reach out to minority students. That included, in early 1998, the establishment of the Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarships to recognize high-achieving entering first-year students from Los Angeles County high schools that traditionally sent few students to UCLA.

The program proved to be one of the most successful post-Prop. 209 outreach initiatives. In fall 2000, it expanded to include transfer students from Los Angeles-area community colleges. Still going strong, the Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarships offer awardees up to $5,000 annually. In return, recipients participate in outreach activities, such as mentoring future potential Bruins. Gifts to the Blue and Gold Scholarship Fund ensure that the best students in Los Angeles can make their dreams a reality regardless of their circumstances.