UCLA Alumni Scholarships: A Guide to Requirements and Opportunities

Since 1936, the UCLA Alumni Scholarships Program has been dedicated to supporting deserving students through the generosity of alumni and friends. These scholarships, awarded based on merit and leadership, provide not only financial assistance but also opportunities for scholars to connect with the university, develop leadership skills, and engage in community service. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the UCLA Alumni Scholarships Program, including the various scholarships available, the requirements for eligibility, and the benefits of becoming an Alumni Scholar.

The Vital Role of Volunteers

Volunteers are absolutely crucial to the Alumni Scholarships Program and have played a vital role since 1936. UCLA Alumni and friends are invited to help in the selection process of exceptional candidates by reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and outreach. Volunteers are able to interact with like-minded Bruins and exceptional scholarship applicants while giving back to the university in a tangible way.

Types of Alumni Scholarships

To gain a better understanding of all the scholarships offered by the UCLA Alumni Association, information on each has been provided below. The UCLA Alumni Scholarships are merit and leadership scholarships awarded through an application screening by alumni volunteers and selection by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Additional need-based grants are available to Alumni Scholars who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Alumni Scholarships Program and the Financial Aid Office. Note: UCLA administers all identity-conscious financial aid and scholarships in compliance with federal, state, and university regulations by using a “pool and match” application process for unrestricted awards, identity-conscious awards, and other restricted awards (major, need, community service, etc.). Identity-conscious awards may include a preference for a student’s race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

Here's a detailed look at some of the key scholarships:

Freshman Alumni Scholarships

Freshman Alumni Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshman based on merit. In 2026, the virtual application reading will be held in April. The award range is $6,000 to $20,000 over four years, and it's awarded to 110 students.

Community College Transfer Alumni Scholarships (CCTS)

Community College Transfer Alumni Scholarships (CCTS) are awarded to incoming transfer students based on merit. Virtual application reading for these scholarships will take place in May 2026. The award is $6,000 over two years, and it's awarded to 40 students. The Community College Transfer Alumni Scholarship is specifically for students transferring to UCLA from a Community College.

Parents' Council Emeriti Scholarship

The Parents' Council Emeriti Scholarship is open to all continuing UCLA students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. These scholarships are funded through the generosity of UCLA parents, past and present. In May 2026, the virtual application reading will be held. The award is a $2,000 one-time, non-renewable scholarship that is awarded to 2 students.

True Bruin Distinguished Senior Award

The True Bruin Distinguished Senior Award is a prestigious scholarship awarded to highly meritorious students who exemplify the True Bruin values of Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Service. It is an opportunity for seniors to receive a scholarship through the esteemed Alumni Scholarship Program, and highlight the skills, knowledge, and leadership experiences they have gained on campus and in their community. Award recipients will receive a $5,000 scholarship and be recognized and celebrated across campus. Virtual Application Reading: Fall 2026. This scholarship was formerly known as the Distinguished Senior/Bruin Award.

Dr. Ralph J. Bunche Alumni Scholarship

The Dr. Ralph J. Bunche Alumni Scholarship is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche '27, class valedictorian, United Nations founder and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Lew and Edie Wasserman Grant

The Lew and Edie Wasserman Grant provides additional financial assistance to continuing students who have already won previous Alumni Scholarships.

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Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond the core Alumni Scholarships, UCLA offers a variety of other scholarships with specific criteria and preferences. Here are a few examples:

Stephen A. Arditti Esq. and Melva B.: With preference to those pursuing a UC Center Sacramento internship or having completed one.
Stephen A. Arditti Esq. and Melva B.: Preference to rising senior transfer/re-entry students, with a preference to students who worked in the year previous to entering UCLA. D.
Cathy D. and Michael A. Available for entering first year students in Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, or entering first year students with select majors within the UCLA College of Letters and Sciences or the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture, with preference to students who are high school seniors graduating from Alexander Hamilton High School.
Dr. Henry H. Preference to full time UCLA undergraduates who are aspiring educators and/or Belmont High School graduates. Henry H. Chan was a graduate of Belmont High School and wanted to share his gratitude to those who helped shape his education, particularly Mr. Simkin and Ms.

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Dr. Henry H. Preference to full-time UCLA upperclassmen pursuing a career in healthcare who carry a minimum 3.0 GPA and can demonstrate financial need as determined by the UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships office. Dr.
The UCLA College Continuing Student Scholarship Program: The UCLA College Continuing Student Scholarship Program for continuing undergraduate students with a major in the UCLA College who demonstrate financial need and carry a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, was established in 2022 to provide multiple scholarship awards each year.
Thelma L. Entering first-year students from University High School in West Los Angeles only. Award provides full amount of California resident tuition and room and board fees at UCLA.
Available to entering students in the UCLA College who submit a Statement of Intent to Register, and who have financial need as determined by the UCLA Financial Aid Office. Candidates must be Bell or Huntington Park High School graduates with a minimum 3.0 high school G.P.A. preference to those who attended Nimitz Middle School.
North Hollywood High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who submits his/her Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) at UCLA for Fall Quarter. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Available to entering first-year UCLA students who are graduates of El Monte High School (El Monte, CA) and demonstrate financial need.
For undergraduate students who do NOT receive any need-based gift aid (grants) from the university, although they may have financial need according to federal guidelines, participate in UCLA-based extracurricular activities and carry a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher, the Mandel and Winick Undergraduate Scholarship was established in 2012 to support UCLA students with scholarships. citizens. Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA and be enrolled during Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.
For rising juniors (apply during sophomore year) working on topics related to climate change, majoring in either Climate Science or Environmental Science (or related field). The Mingori Climate Science Scholarship was established in 2021.
Open to entering first-year students who demonstrate financial need and strong leadership skills.
Preference to an enrolled UCLA student in good academic standing diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
A scholarship for re-entry students aged 25 to 50. Scholarships are based on merit and financial need. Don R.
Don R. Apply via the Don R.
For full-time UCLA undergraduate students intending to become a teacher at any level, for any subject in any geographical area. Other factors to be considered include scholarly achievement; monetary need; participation in school activities such as student government, sports, clubs and service to the school staff or student body; community service and overcoming a disability or illness to achieve scholarship and provide service and leadership. Award amount varies.
Open to continuing UCLA students who are enrolled full time and part of a chapter in the UCLA Interfraternity Council, with preference to those who are active members of Theta Xi. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Award amount varies.
Open to continuing UCLA students with California residency who are enrolled full time and part of a chapter in the UCLA Interfraternity Council, with preference to those who are active members of Theta Xi. Minimum 3.0 GPA.
The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) is a year-long program that supports students engaged in upper-level research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP) is an early career research program administered by the Undergraduate Research Centers.
Carl H. The scholarship is open to high school students from Tennessee and Kentucky only.

Application Process and Timeline

The UCLA Scholarship Application will open on March 21, 2026 to admitted and continuing students. The Alumni Scholarship applications for fall 2026 first-year and transfer students will open two to three days after the admission decisions are released. The first round of Alumni Scholarship offers are made to top-ranked scholars within a week of UCLA Admissions decisions. If you do not receive an offer during this initial round, you may still receive an Alumni Scholarship. Awards continue to be made throughout the summer, as students are matched to the restricted scholarships within the program. NOTE: You do not need to be related to UCLA alumni to apply.

Alumni Scholars Club (ASC)

In 1976, the UCLA Alumni Association founded the Alumni Scholars Club (ASC) as a support group for students who had received Alumni Association scholarships. Entering the mid-1980s, ASC shifted its focus from a purely social club to one with a greater emphasis on service and community. Foremost, the organization initiated various student recruitment programs to give more scholars opportunities to alumni resources. Upon receiving an Alumni Scholarship, students are automatically granted access to the Alumni Scholars Club (ASC) at UCLA. It is our goal to unite and utilize the talents of Alumni Scholars in order to fully embrace the values of community, leadership, and service.

Today, the Alumni Scholars Club coordinates a variety of student and alumni programs in conjunction with the Alumni Association. These programs vary from professional development to group bonding. ASC's executive board continues to develop and implement projects with support from the more than 500 active ASC members to show that student support goes far beyond the monetary contribution of the scholarship.

Benefits of Joining ASC

Being an Alumni Scholar is more than just receiving a scholarship. Scholars are involved in campus events and organizations, increase their connections to the university, build their leadership skills at UCLA and stay involved as alumni. Leadership development opportunities are available to Alumni Scholars through various service opportunities or programs such as the Leadership Development Program.

ASC provides opportunities to:

Identify and promote service programs for Alumni Scholars. Join opportunities to serve UCLA and the greater Los Angeles community through programs such as Los Angeles Team Mentoring, Locks of Love, and many other service opportunities, which change on an annual basis or volunteer at one of the UCLA Alumni Associations various events.
Create productive relationships with Alumni. Interact with the Alumni who made your individual scholarship to UCLA possible at ASC-sponsored activities and see what your fellow Alumni Scholars have accomplished under the guidance of their own UCLA educators.
Encourage leadership among Alumni Scholars. Become an Alumni Scholars Club coordinator and learn to manage student programs and an overall large organization.
Support scholarships for the education of promising students. Help spread the word about Alumni Scholarships and the ULCA Alumni Association by visiting high schools or other college campuses and talking to prospective students through our Ambassador Program.

Maintaining Your Alumni Scholarship

UCLA Alumni Affairs values the commitment made to scholarship recipients. To renew your Alumni Scholarship you are expected to perform 15 hours of volunteer service and participate in 15 Alumni Scholars Club activities throughout the year. Service hours must be logged through your online ASC account within two weeks of completion of the service. Scholars should notify the Alumni Scholars Program Director of any changes to University attendance.

A Legacy of Support

Starting in 1936, the UCLA Alumni Association began the tradition of awarding scholarships to help deserving students. Since then, more than 10,000 Bruins have been the recipient of an Alumni Scholarship. The program continues to evolve, providing crucial financial aid and fostering a strong sense of community among its scholars.

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