Meet Our Scholars

Group photo of Chancellor's Associates Scholars

The Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship program is built on a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with outreach to high-achieving students from high schools, community colleges, organizations from underrepresented communities (such as Reality Changers), and students enrolled in federally recognized Native American tribes from all across California.

Our exceptional awardees would like to share the incredible journeys that led them to UC San Diego:

Our Featured Scholars

Andrea Guillen '27

Andrea Guillen '27 is pursuing a degree in international business and credits the Chancellor's Associates Scholarship Program with providing the stable foundation necessary to pursue her passions at UC San Diego.

"I am so grateful for the full-ride scholarship because I can't imagine how much more stress I'd have to try to figure out ways to pay for my school. This university has given me so much and I am honored to get an education and pursue my dreams, get better in my writing, try to find people within international business, and network more to learn more about internships for the future."

A second year scholar-athlete, Andrea appeared in ten matches this season for the women's soccer team.

"Being a first-generation Latina scholar playing at the D1 level is not easy, but it keeps me on my feet because I am honored I can do what I love at this amazing university, and this can be really motivating for others to do the same.

Sometimes we are just so focused on reaching the goal that we forget to enjoy the process. It is always good to just pause and look at yourself and tell yourself that you are proud of how far you have come and that it was not easy. Taking it step by step, lecture by lecture, is what keeps me motivated."

Antonio Esho '25 and Daniella Esho '25

Antonio and Daniella Esho are twin CASP scholars who began their journeys at UC San Diego this past fall, studying in the School of Physical Sciences. Daniella is majoring in Pharmacological Chemistry, with the goal of one day attending pharmacy school and exploring modern medicine practices. Antonio is majoring in Biology, motivated by the opportunity to learn more about the human body and its nuances. Both scholars have become rising stars in our CASP community, motivated by the support and guidance of mentors. Mentorship is a key part of their success in CASP and at UC San Diego, allowing them to show their true capabilities and feel like they belong. Mentors help students like the Esho siblings forge a path forward as Tritons.

After completing their UC San Diego degrees, Daniella and Antonio hope to continue onward in the medical field. Daniella hopes her journey will lead to the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and one day opening her own pharmacy that benefits her community with easily accessible healthcare. Antonio’s goal is to become a medical doctor, to have the opportunity to treat patients and support their futures.

“Without the funds you make available to CASP scholars, so much of what I accomplished thus far would not be accessible to me…I would like to express my gratitude for the donors.” – Daniella Esho

“Thank you for the philanthropic support you have lent to first-generation students like me.” – Antonio Esho

Ed Vea ’25

A returning student, Ed faced significant challenges, including homelessness and trauma, during his first attempt at college. For a long time, Ed didn’t believe returning to school was possible as he struggled to make ends meet while healing from his past. Despite these obstacles, he remained determined to fulfill the dream his family instilled in him from an early age: completing a college education. Receiving a CASP scholarship gave him the courage and means to pursue his education and make is dreams a reality.

Ed is passionate about data-driven policymaking and aims to equip policymakers with statistical data that can enhance their ability to serve the public effectively. His focus is on finding ways to uplift historically disadvantaged communities, having personally experienced the hardships of falling through society's cracks. Proud to be a Triton and a member of the CASP Scholarship program family, Ed is committed to making a positive impact through his studies and future work.

Learn more about our other scholars and graduates:

Itzel Guadalupe Jimenez Jimenez ’25

Karen and Jeff Silberman Chancellor’s Associates Scholar

“The Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship has given me a chance to study and pursue my dream career,”

says Itzel Guadalupe Jimenez Jimenez ’25, a first-year Chancellor’s Associates Scholar who recently graduated from Lincoln High School in San Diego. “While my dad would have been willing to take out a loan or work extra hours at his job to help me go to college, that’s the last thing I want to see my dad do.”

“Receiving this scholarship really means a lot to me because it is one less thing my family has to worry about.” A childhood memory of being in an emergency room while her mother struggled to overcome language barriers motivated Itzel to become a Spanish literature major. Because of that experience, she has intentionally chosen to pursue a career as a translator in the health care industry. She believes she can help make large-scale change to reduce language barriers that often prevent patients from getting the care they need — reducing anxiety for more patients and their families.