Ruben Salazar Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by United Teachers Los Angeles
Overview
This scholarship honors Ruben Salazar, the Los Angeles Times journalist and Chicano activist who died in August 1970 while covering the National Chicano Moratorium. The Ruben Salazar Memorial Scholarship supports graduating LAUSD students who are pursuing higher education. Entries are accepted annually and are reviewed by the East Area of United Teachers Los Angeles. Successful applicants are recognized at an award event each spring.
Description: Named for Ruben Salazar, the award recognizes students who reflect on his legacy and demonstrate commitment to truth, representation, and community advocacy.
- For LAUSD graduating seniors and High School Completion students
- Annual awards and recognition at a spring event
- Managed by UTLA East Area to support postsecondary education
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to graduating seniors enrolled at any LAUSD high school, continuation school, or in a High School Completion Program at an LAUSD Community Adult School. Applicants must be completing their program in the current academic year. The scholarship is intended for students who plan to continue their education at a community college or state university. Check the application materials for any additional requirements or verification forms.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors or completion program students currently enrolled in LAUSD institutions are eligible to apply.
- Open to LAUSD high schools, continuation schools, and community adult school completion programs
- Applicants must be graduating or completing their program in the award year
- Intended for students pursuing postsecondary education
Awards
In 2026 the program will award nine scholarships: eight awards of $750 and one $1,500 Legacy Scholarship. Awardees are invited to attend an award brunch scheduled for April 18, 2026. Scholarship funds are distributed to support students’ continued education efforts. Specific disbursement procedures and reporting requirements, if any, are described in the application materials.
Award Value: 2026 awards include eight $750 scholarships and one $1,500 Legacy Scholarship, with recipients recognized at an April award brunch.
- Nine total awards in 2026
- Monetary support for college or university enrollment
- Recipients invited to a formal award brunch
Submission Guidelines
Applicants must complete the official application form and submit a video no longer than 5 minutes. MP4 format is preferred and videos recorded on a phone are acceptable. Along with the video, applicants must submit a 150–200-word written reflection and a signed originality statement. All creative elements must be the applicant’s original work and the submission must include visible or audible participation by the applicant.
Application Materials: Required materials include the application form, a 5-minute video (MP4 preferred), a 150–200-word reflection, and a signed originality statement.
- Video: ≤5 minutes, MP4 preferred
- Written reflection: 150–200 words, submitted separately
- Signed originality statement and declaration of original work
Video Content Requirements
The video should demonstrate understanding of Ruben Salazar’s legacy, connect that legacy to current community issues, and present the applicant’s personal story and advocacy. Applicants should explain how they will carry Salazar’s values into college and their future careers. The submission must include the applicant speaking directly (voice and/or face visible) for part of the video. Creative formats are encouraged—examples include readings, poems, artwork, or short films—but the core content must address specified topics about Salazar and contemporary relevance.
Video Must Include: Clear coverage of Salazar’s work and death, the legacy’s relevance today, and how the applicant honors and continues his fight for justice and representation.
- Describe who Ruben Salazar was and his work as a journalist
- Explain the Chicano Moratorium and Salazar’s death in that context
- Show how his legacy influences current events and the applicant’s actions
Application Timeline
Entries are accepted now and must be received by the February deadline noted on the application materials. Award recipients for the academic year 2025–2026 will be invited to the award brunch on April 18, 2026. Applicants should review the flyer and application form online for exact submission dates and any additional instructions. Late or incomplete submissions may be disqualified.
Application Timeline: Applications due by the February deadline; award brunch for 2026 recipients on April 18, 2026.
- Submission deadline: February (see application for exact date)
- Recipients notified and invited to April 18, 2026 event
- Refer to the online flyer and application for full instructions
History of the Award
The East Area of United Teachers Los Angeles founded the Ruben Salazar Memorial Scholarship in memory of Mr. Salazar, with the first awards distributed in Spring 1971. The scholarship honors Salazar’s commitment to truthful reporting and advocacy for Chicano communities. UTLA East Area administers the funds as part of its ongoing program to help young people continue their education. Over decades the award has recognized students who embody Salazar’s dedication to representation and social justice.
History of the Award: Established by UTLA East Area, first awarded in 1971, created to support students pursuing higher education in honor of Ruben Salazar.
- Founded by UTLA East Area in memory of Ruben Salazar
- First awards given in Spring 1971
- Ongoing program to fund postsecondary education for LAUSD students