By Kayla McCormack | October 7, 2024

Frank Godinez, a fourth-year majoring in Sociology and Political Science, has been awarded the Beinecke Scholarship. He is one of 20 students nationwide to receive the award this year.

This award recognizes undergraduates committed to pursuing advanced degrees in the humanities, arts or social sciences. The scholarship provides $35,000 to support students through graduate studies.

Godinez plans to pursue a joint J.D. and Ph.D. in Sociology. His goal is to integrate critical theory and sociological insights into his future work, particularly in advocating for marginalized populations.

“Sociology’s broad scope allowed me to find an intellectual home within critical theory, urban poverty, and carceral studies,” said Godinez, “these fields helped me bridge my lived experience as a system-impacted male of color from South Central L.A. with academics.”

His undergraduate research experiences at UCLA have been pivotal in shaping his academic aspirations. Godinez started his research journey with an independent project on gangs, participated in the research lab Million Dollar Hoods Project through the Bunche Fellowship Program, and conducted a summer of research at the University of Chicago. More recently, he was also selected for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and Data Justice Scholars Program.

Godinez envisions a future where he can critically engage with social institutions, whether teaching at a research university or a community college. “I owe a great deal to the mentorship of Dr. David C. Turner III, Dr. Chris Herring, Dr. Jason Sexton, and Dr. John Branstetter,” Godinez said. “Their guidance has helped shape both my analysis and academic trajectory. It’s a form of support I hope to pay forward as an educator.”

He hopes to apply his legal training and sociological insights in movement lawyering and legal research, focusing on transformative changes in the legal system for low-income communities of color.

The Center for Scholarships and Scholar Enrichment (CSSE) played a crucial role in Godinez’s successful application for the Beinecke Scholarship. Godinez worked closely with Dr. Rebecca Blustein, CSSE’s Associate Director for National & International Scholarships and Fellowships, who provided guidance throughout the application process.

“Once I expressed interest in the Beinecke Scholarship, she was quick to offer guidance, setting up Zoom meetings to break down the application’s components,” said Godinez. “Her proactive support made the process much less daunting, especially given how competitive the scholarship is.”