The Jesus Salas Academic Activist Scholarship is conferred annually to a Chican@ and Latin@ Studies Program Undergraduate Certificate student who has both excelled in academic pursuits and has made outstanding service contributions to the Chican@ and Latin@ Community.
The award is named in honor of longtime activist Jesus Salas for his continuous commitment and dedication to the advancement and well-being of the Chican@ and Latin@ community. Jesus Salas earned a Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and in 1964 he helped found the Obreros Unidos, a Wisconsin agricultural labor union. He was also the first Latino executive director of United Migrant Opportunity Services, Inc. In addition, he served on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents from 2004 to 2007, and was an instructor at the Milwaukee Area Technical College for many years.
The award is open to all undergraduate certificate students. Applicants are required to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and a record of service to Chican@ and Latin@ communities at the local, state, or national level. Service contributions can include but are not limited to: 1) creation of social or educational workshops or outreach programs, 2) participation as a committee member or organizational leader of entities that advance the social, educational, or political well-being of Chican@ and Latin@ communities, or 3) involvement in policy related issues. The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of Jesus Salas, and the Chican@ and Latin@ Studies Program faculty, staff, and community members.
To apply for the Jesus Salas Academic Activist Scholarship, please submit the following materials through AcademicWorks:
- A 500-word statement of application addressing the relationship between your academic training and service to the Chican@ and Latin@ community
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation (submit contact information for references through Academic Works).
The listing for the Jesus Salas Scholarship on Academic works includes the due date for the current academic year.
To donate to the Regent Jesus Salas Academic Activist Scholarship, please visit the UW Foundation donation page.