Yolanda and Oscar Santos Scholarship

The Yolanda and Oscar Santos Scholarship for the Center for Mexican American Studies is established in memory of two Dallas, Texas residents who valued education for their children and the Latino community. Yolanda Santos worked as a social worker most of her life in the Oak Cliff barrios of Dallas. Living in Oak Cliff, she experienced firsthand the desperate need for a good education. As a victim of a drive-by shooting, she realized that youth living in poverty and ignorance were capable of senseless crime. She dedicated her life to raising her five children, directing them to live productively through education. In her social worker role, she guided youth to channel their energies by developing positive emotional self-control and high self-esteem. Oscar Santos was a first-generation Mexican immigrant who worked most of his life in construction. Like many first-generation students, he struggled to negotiate his way through American mainstream culture. He instilled in his children the importance of hard work and learning skills to prosper in their pursuit of the American Dream. This scholarship is established in the spirit of Yolanda’s compassion for her community and Oscar’s immigrant desire that his children prosper in his adopted country.

Has declared a Mexican American and Latina/o Studies (MAS) minor
Has completed one MAS course with a grade of “B” or better
Is a UTA student in good standing
Is carrying at least 9 hours of coursework during the semester they apply
Holds a 2.5 GPA or higher

What you need:

Two-page typed statement that includes:
Name, mailing address, phone number, UTA e-mail address
Describes how minoring in Mexican American & Latina/o Studies fits into your career or further educational plans
How you have made a contribution thus far to the Mexican American community (ex. Volunteer work; internships through Service Learning classes, student teaching, etc.)
IMPORTANT: No letter of recommendation required