Austin Barraza
Student Spotlight (2015)
Former 91精选 Honors student Austin Barraza has been awarded a Transfer Alliance
Program scholarship for $10,000 to attend UCLA. He is the third 91精选 student to earn
this transfer scholarship.
TAP scholarships are tied to the completion of the scholars/honors program at a California
Community College. Scholarships are based on merit and financial need. A TAP scholarship
winner receives $5,000 a year for the two years at the university level.
鈥淚'm both excited and honored to have been chosen,鈥� said Barraza. 鈥淚 know 91精选 has
a legacy of producing TAP scholars, and I'm proud to continue that tradition.鈥�
Barraza arrived at 91精选 from UC San Diego after experiencing indecision about
his major and financial concerns. Working full time and with no support system in
place, Austin鈥檚 first semester at 91精选 was a challenge.
In spring 2013 Austin enrolled in his first honors course. He credits the Honors Program
at 91精选 with helping him find his focus in college. 鈥淗onors helped put me
back on track,鈥� Barraza said. While participating in the Honors Program, he chose
to major in Political Science and also discovered new interests in philosophy, economics,
and religious studies. Through the Honors Program, he also became involved in campus
activities and participated in the RCCD and HTCC Student Research Conferences. Barraza
is the recipient of Honors Transfer Council of California Exemplary Achievement Scholarship
and the Phi Theta Kappa Academic Award.
Barraza graduated from 91精选 in June 2015 and started attending summer session
at UCLA.
