Meeting the Basic Needs of Students

My name is Vivian Salazar. I have 35 years’ experience in advising students in the Academic Advancement Program (AAP), with 16 of those years serving as Director for the AAP College Counseling unit. In my years here, I have seen many AAP students grapple with a unique set of financial obstacles while in school. College is a transformative period for many first-generation, low income, and underrepresented students; a time where they can acquire knowledge, skills, and experiences that shape their future. However, for many students, their college journey is marred by significant financial challenges that can impact their overall well-being and academic success. Providing financially challenged students with additional resources is imperative for fostering a diverse and thriving academic community.

Currently, students are experiencing these challenges in a much higher rate than ever before. Students often struggle to find affordable housing options, and balancing work with academics becomes a necessity, affecting their study time and overall academic performance.

However, at AAP, we have also witnessed firsthand the remarkable potential and resilience of the students we serve. That is why we are inviting alumni, staff, parents, and friends to come together as a community to raise $30,000 to support AAP students.

AAP was established with a singular mission - to foster academic excellence and increase access to higher education for underrepresented and underserved students. Over the last 50 years, we have achieved significant success in helping these students succeed academically, pursue their dreams, and ultimately contribute to society in meaningful ways, and our community is only growing. Support for basic needs can help alleviate the financial strain on students and enable them to focus on their academics, explore their educational opportunities, and future success.  

How You Can Help

Your gift, no matter the size, can make a big difference in the day to day lives of our students, allowing them to focus on their path to graduation and beyond. We are prioritizing three crucial resources that are critical to our students' success:

Groceries

Many of our students have to work one or two jobs to afford rent and groceries. By giving to our campaign, you can provide basic necessities to our students, such as gift cards for groceries or other essential needs. Help our students focus on classes, instead of where their next meal is coming from. 

Transportation

Many struggle to afford reliable transportation to and from campus, making it difficult to attend classes, participate in extracurricular activities, and access essential resources offered by AAP. Your generous support can help us provide subsidized transportation options, such as bus passes and rideshare credits, making it easier for students to engage fully in their education and connect with the AAP community.

Scholarships and Stipends

Sometimes, even just a few quarters from graduation, our students make the difficult decision to defer their academic quarter or unenroll from classes due to costs, family issues, or other challenges. Many students who have a remaining debt with UCLA are unable to return due to a financial hold that prevents their enrollment.  

Help get more of our students across the finish line by funding an AAP scholarship. 

How AAP Makes a Difference 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE UCLA FOUNDATION'S DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR DONORS

Should this fund reach the campus minimum required for the establishment of an endowment or quasi-endowment, The UCLA Foundation reserves the right to convert this fund to an endowment or quasi-endowment. Please click here to learn more about how the UCLA Foundation invests and manages its endowments.