Center for Scholarships and Scholar Enrichment
Empowering Students to Thrive
Are you concerned about the rising costs of education or the burden of student debt? At CSSE, we understand the challenges students face. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping UCLA students navigate the scholarship process and graduate with less debt – or ideally, no debt at all.
Through our comprehensive services, including workshops, individual counseling, and curated resources, we guide students from all backgrounds and majors through every step of the scholarship journey. Whether you’re seeking funding for research, creative projects, public service, or studying abroad, we’re here to support you. CSSE offers:
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- Personalized Guidance: Our experienced counselors provide individualized support to help you identify and apply for scholarships tailored to your goals and interests.
- Skill Development: Beyond securing funding, we help you develop essential skills like writing, goal setting, self-presentation, and interviewing – skills that will benefit you long after graduation.
- Mentorship: We mentor candidates for nationally competitive scholarships and host UCLA’s chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa honors society, opening doors to prestigious opportunities.
- Student Support: From administering donor-funded scholarships to providing travel expenses for finalists in competitive scholarships, we ensure financial barriers don’t limit your potential.
Our Impact
Last year alone, our students reported over $500,000 in external scholarship winnings.
We administer over $2.5 million in annual UCLA donor scholarship funds and counsel recipients for success.
Our workshops and counseling services engage over 5,000 students each year, helping them maximize their UCLA experience.
We provide employment and mentorship opportunities to graduate students, fostering their success beyond academia.
Finding Scholarships
CSSE supports registered UCLA students in finding, applying for, and winning scholarships. Here are a few resources for students looking for their next scholarship opportunity:
CSSE Workshops and Events
Join us to learn how to optimize your scholarship search. Workshops cover topics like drafting strong personal statements and secrets to winning college cash. Check out upcoming workshops here.
UCLA Scholarship Portal
Find and apply for UCLA merit and need-based awards including scholarships, fellowships, stipends, grants, and prizes. There are two scholarship portals – one for continuing UCLA students and the other for prospective students. Note, that one-on-one support from CSSE is available for registered UCLA students.
Departmental Scholarships
Many departments at UCLA administer scholarships. You can find a list of various departments’ scholarships here. For scholarships requiring demonstrated financial need applicants must submit their FAFSA by March 2 of the previous academic year.
Student Success
Arushi Avachat, who plans to graduate in June with degrees in English and political science and a South Asian studies minor, is the latest UCLA student to win the prestigious Marshall Scholarship.
This is the third consecutive year in which a UCLA student or alumnus has received the highly competitive scholarship, which funds up to three years of graduate study in the United Kingdom for U.S. undergraduates or recent graduates. Read more on UCLA’s Newsroom.
Connect with Us
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment with CSSE today or explore our services and events page for more information. Whether virtually or in-person, we’re here to help you succeed.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Academic Advancement Program
The Academic Advancement Program (AAP) offers three scholarships for AAP students; AAP Scholarship, Wilson Academic Advancement Scholarship, and the Arthur Ashe Legacy Scholarship. Award amounts range from $1,500 to $7,000 to AAP students. Application requirements vary based on the scholarship.
Center for Community Engagement
The Center for Community Engagement offers various scholarships to support students in their community engagement efforts, including the Summer Internship Scholarship, the Alex White Scholarship for outstanding commitment to community service, the Astin Community Scholars Program for community-based research projects, the Changemaker Scholars program for innovative social projects, and the Data Justice Scholars Program, which supports students in utilizing data for social justice initiatives. These scholarships recognize students’ dedication to community engagement and help them further their impact, making meaningful contributions to society.
Honors Programs
Through a competitive review process, Honors Programs offers students opportunities to earn various scholarships based on academic excellence and demonstration of characteristics that are in accordance with the Honors Programs mission. Learn more about the scholarships available for Honors students.
Undergraduate Education Initiatives
Undergraduate Education Initiatives offers scholarships for students studying Disability and Food Studies. Disability Studies students may apply for the Jessie Alpaugh Senior Prize and the Shapiro Family Scholarship. Food Studies students may be eligible for the or Marcie Rothman Scholarship.
Undergraduate Research Fellowships and Scholarship Program
Nearly 4,000 undergraduates conduct research at UCLA, gaining real-world experience, refining research skills and lab techniques, and building connections with peers and mentors. Research can have a transformative impact on students as they define their career and educational goals — and, for many, financial support is the game-changer that makes it all possible.
UCLA’s two dedicated research centers — one for sciences and one for humanities, arts, and social sciences – administer programs that support students by providing financial stipends to participate in undergraduate research while completing their undergraduate degrees. Stipends range from $300 to $18,500 and details on individual programs and application requirements can be found on the URC website.