FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2026


California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners, Marks 12th Year of Scholarship Program

SACRAMENTO – Today, the California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation (CLLCF) announced the 2026 recipients of its annual scholarship program, marking 12 years of expanding educational opportunity and supporting California students. Sixty students from across the state were selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship, totaling $300,000 in awards.

“I am proud to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients and their remarkable dedication and hard work. At a time when many families are facing real economic hardship, this support helps students stay on track, pursue opportunity, and build a foundation for economic mobility. Congratulations to our scholarship winners! We are proud to support your academic journey and excited to see the leadership and impact you will bring to California’s future,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez, Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

“Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients. Your hard work and resilience have brought you to this moment. I am proud to celebrate your achievements and to lead our caucus in investing in your success. I look forward to seeing all you accomplish,” said Vice Chair, Assemblymember Liz Ortega.

“I am honored to recognize this year's CLLCF scholarship recipients. Their success reflects the strength of our community, reminding us that by investing in students today, we empower the leaders of tomorrow who will help shape California’s future. These scholarships are an investment in talented young leaders from my district and across California, and serve as a reminder that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

For complete details about the scholarship program criteria and parameters, please visit the CLLCF website at www.cllcf.org. Details for the 2027 scholarship application process will be posted to the CLLCF website early next year.

2026 CLLCF Scholarship Winners

Aaron Hidalgo
Hometown: Elk Grove
Attending: Point Loma Nazarene University
Alystine Briceno
Hometown: Bakersfield
Attending: CSU, Bakersfield
Amy Vazquez
Hometown: Union City
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Andre Clayton
Hometown: Lakewood
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Angel Corona
Hometown: Moreno Valley
Attending: London School of Economics and Political Science
Angelica Angulo
Hometown: Santa Maria
Attending: Grand Canyon University
Araceli Gregorio Diaz
Hometown: Salinas
Attending: CSU, Monterey Bay
Ashley Avila
Hometown: Redlands
Attending: Loma Linda University
Ashley Fabiola Galicia
Hometown: Palmdale
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Ashley Mendiola
Hometown: Santa Ana
Attending: CSU, Fullerton
Briana Amairany Sanchez
Hometown: El Monte
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Brianna Cristin-Sanchez
Hometown: West Covina
Attending: University of Southern California
Catalina Isabella Cabrera
Hometown: Alameda
Attending: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Cecilia Diaz Morales
Hometown: Salinas
Attending: Dominican University of California
Christian Daniel Gaxiola
Hometown: Ontario
Attending: University of California, Riverside
Christian Gabriel Espinoza
Hometown: San Bernardino
Attending: Claremont Graduate University
Damaris Lara
Hometown: San Fernando
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
David Alejandro Alamilla
Hometown: San Bernardino
Attending: Cal Poly, Pomona
Elianna Nayelli Peña
Hometown: Long Beach
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Emmanuel Josefat Salazar Lira
Hometown: Norwalk
Attending: Loyola Marymount University
Erica Melissa Cruz  
Hometown: Fontana
Attending: CSU, San Bernardino
Esmeralda Garcia
Hometown: Madera
Attending: CSU, Fresno
Gibeth Barron
Hometown: El Monte
Attending: University of Southern California
Giselle Espinoza
Hometown: El Monte
Attending: CSU, Fullerton
Haley Ann Castanaza
Hometown: Santa Monica
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Hector Alfaro Miranda
Hometown: Pittsburg
Attending: University of Pennsylvania
Itzel Bustamante Velazquez
Hometown: Poway
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Jake Junius Lemus
Hometown: Long Beach
Attending: Cal Poly, Pomona
Jamie Jizelle Alvarez-Chavez
Hometown: Richmond
Attending: Chaminade University of Honolulu
Jocelyn Ramirez
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: Mount San Antonio College

Juan Jose Gonzalez
Hometown: Oakland
Attending: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Kelly Soriano
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Leslee Gonzalez
Hometown: Hayward
Attending: San Jose State University
Lilian Barrientos Aceituno
Hometown: American Canyon
Attending: University of Chicago
Lucien Garron Nicholls 
Hometown: Glendale
Attending: University of California, Santa Cruz
Maria Teresa Rodriguez Rivera
Hometown: San Diego
Attending: University of San Diego
Marianna Luis-Galicia
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of Southern California
Marisol Avalos
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of Southern California
Marissa Elise Flores
Hometown: Downey
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Maritza Quintana-Jurado 
Hometown: Baldwin Park
Attending: CSU, Fullerton
Martha Coral Trujillo
Hometown: Fullerton
Attending: University of California, Irvine
Mateo Pedro  
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Maya Ixchel Gudino
Hometown: Maywood
Attending: University of Oregon
Mia Vides Hannon
Hometown: Hesperia
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Monica Hernandez
Hometown: Moreno Valley
Attending: CSU, San Bernardino
Omar Casamayor Gonzalez 
Hometown: Fresno
Attending: University of California, Merced
Oscar Galindo
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Pearl Gaytan
Hometown: Imperial
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Ronaldo Esquivel 
Hometown: Oxnard
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Rosa Bautista Flores
Hometown: Inglewood
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Rose Velasquez
Hometown: Atwater
Attending: Saint Mary's College of California
Rosemery Calvac-Lopez
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: CSU, Los Angeles
Sofia Garcia
Hometown: Sylmar
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Taylor Villanueva
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga
Attending: New York University
Tiffany San Bouttavong
Hometown: Fresno
Attending: University of California, San Diego
Valeria Ramos
Hometown: San Fernando
Attending: Montana State University
Wendy Valdez
Hometown: La Quinta
Attending: University of Redlands
Xochilt Diaz
Hometown: North Hollywood
Attending: Harvey Mudd College
Yulissa Delmar Chavez
Hometown: Pico Rivera
Attending: University of Southern California

MEDIA & FOUNDATION CONTACT:
Leoda Rodriguez
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2026


La Fundación del Grupo Parlamentario Latino de California Anuncia a los Ganadores de Becas 2026 y Conmemora el 12.º Año de su Programa de Beca

SACRAMENTO – Hoy, la Fundación del Grupo Parlamentario Latino de California (CLLCF) anunció a los beneficiarios 2026 de su programa anual de becas, conmemorando 12 años de ampliar las oportunidades educativas y apoyar a estudiantes de California. Sesenta estudiantes de todo el estado fueron seleccionados para recibir una beca de $5,000, sumando un total de $300,000 en becas otorgadas.

“Me enorgullece reconocer a los beneficiarios de las becas de este año y su notable dedicación y arduo trabajo. En un momento en que muchas familias enfrentan dificultades económicas reales, este apoyo ayuda a los estudiantes a continuar sus estudios, buscar oportunidades y construir una base fuerte para su movilidad económica. ¡Felicitaciones a nuestros ganadores de becas! Nos enorgullece apoyar su trayectoria académica y nos emociona ver el liderazgo y el impacto que aportarán al futuro de California,” dijo la Senadora Lena Gonzalez, Presidenta del Grupo Parlamentario Latino de California.

“Felicitaciones a los beneficiarios de las becas de este año. Su arduo trabajo y resiliencia los han traído hasta este momento. Me enorgullece celebrar sus logros y liderar a nuestro caucus en invertir en su éxito. Espero ver todo lo que lograrán,” dijo la Vicepresidenta, Asambleísta Liz Ortega.

“Me honra reconocer a los beneficiarios de las becas CLLCF de este año. Su éxito refleja la fortaleza de nuestra comunidad y nos recuerda que, al invertir en los estudiantes de hoy, empoderamos a los líderes del mañana que ayudarán a construir el futuro de California. Estas becas son una inversión en talentosos jóvenes líderes de mi distrito y de todo California, y sirven como recordatorio de que cada estudiante merece la oportunidad de alcanzar su máximo potencial,” dijo el Vicepresidente, Asambleísta Juan Carrillo.

GANADORES DE BECAS CLLCF 2026

Aaron Hidalgo
Hometown: Elk Grove
Attending: Point Loma Nazarene University
Alystine Briceno
Hometown: Bakersfield
Attending: CSU, Bakersfield
Amy Vazquez
Hometown: Union City
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Andre Clayton
Hometown: Lakewood
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Angel Corona
Hometown: Moreno Valley
Attending: London School of Economics and Political Science
Angelica Angulo
Hometown: Santa Maria
Attending: Grand Canyon University
Araceli Gregorio Diaz
Hometown: Salinas
Attending: CSU, Monterey Bay
Ashley Avila
Hometown: Redlands
Attending: Loma Linda University
Ashley Fabiola Galicia
Hometown: Palmdale
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Ashley Mendiola
Hometown: Santa Ana
Attending: CSU, Fullerton
Briana Amairany Sanchez
Hometown: El Monte
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Brianna Cristin-Sanchez
Hometown: West Covina
Attending: University of Southern California
Catalina Isabella Cabrera
Hometown: Alameda
Attending: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Cecilia Diaz Morales
Hometown: Salinas
Attending: Dominican University of California
Christian Daniel Gaxiola
Hometown: Ontario
Attending: University of California, Riverside
Christian Gabriel Espinoza
Hometown: San Bernardino
Attending: Claremont Graduate University
Damaris Lara
Hometown: San Fernando
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
David Alejandro Alamilla
Hometown: San Bernardino
Attending: Cal Poly, Pomona
Elianna Nayelli Peña
Hometown: Long Beach
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Emmanuel Josefat Salazar Lira
Hometown: Norwalk
Attending: Loyola Marymount University
Erica Melissa Cruz  
Hometown: Fontana
Attending: CSU, San Bernardino
Esmeralda Garcia
Hometown: Madera
Attending: CSU, Fresno
Gibeth Barron
Hometown: El Monte
Attending: University of Southern California
Giselle Espinoza
Hometown: El Monte
Attending: CSU, Fullerton
Haley Ann Castanaza
Hometown: Santa Monica
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Hector Alfaro Miranda
Hometown: Pittsburg
Attending: University of Pennsylvania
Itzel Bustamante Velazquez
Hometown: Poway
Attending: CSU, Long Beach
Jake Junius Lemus
Hometown: Long Beach
Attending: Cal Poly, Pomona
Jamie Jizelle Alvarez-Chavez
Hometown: Richmond
Attending: Chaminade University of Honolulu
Jocelyn Ramirez
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: Mount San Antonio College

Juan Jose Gonzalez
Hometown: Oakland
Attending: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Kelly Soriano
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Leslee Gonzalez
Hometown: Hayward
Attending: San Jose State University
Lilian Barrientos Aceituno
Hometown: American Canyon
Attending: University of Chicago
Lucien Garron Nicholls 
Hometown: Glendale
Attending: University of California, Santa Cruz
Maria Teresa Rodriguez Rivera
Hometown: San Diego
Attending: University of San Diego
Marianna Luis-Galicia
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of Southern California
Marisol Avalos
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of Southern California
Marissa Elise Flores
Hometown: Downey
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Maritza Quintana-Jurado 
Hometown: Baldwin Park
Attending: CSU, Fullerton
Martha Coral Trujillo
Hometown: Fullerton
Attending: University of California, Irvine
Mateo Pedro  
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Maya Ixchel Gudino
Hometown: Maywood
Attending: University of Oregon
Mia Vides Hannon
Hometown: Hesperia
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Monica Hernandez
Hometown: Moreno Valley
Attending: CSU, San Bernardino
Omar Casamayor Gonzalez 
Hometown: Fresno
Attending: University of California, Merced
Oscar Galindo
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Pearl Gaytan
Hometown: Imperial
Attending: University of California, Berkeley
Ronaldo Esquivel 
Hometown: Oxnard
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Rosa Bautista Flores
Hometown: Inglewood
Attending: University of California, Santa Barbara
Rose Velasquez
Hometown: Atwater
Attending: Saint Mary's College of California
Rosemery Calvac-Lopez
Hometown: Los Angeles
Attending: CSU, Los Angeles
Sofia Garcia
Hometown: Sylmar
Attending: University of California, Los Angeles
Taylor Villanueva
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga
Attending: New York University
Tiffany San Bouttavong
Hometown: Fresno
Attending: University of California, San Diego
Valeria Ramos
Hometown: San Fernando
Attending: Montana State University
Wendy Valdez
Hometown: La Quinta
Attending: University of Redlands
Xochilt Diaz
Hometown: North Hollywood
Attending: Harvey Mudd College
Yulissa Delmar Chavez
Hometown: Pico Rivera
Attending: University of Southern California

Para obtener información completa sobre los criterios y parámetros del programa de becas, visite el sitio web de CLLCF: www.cllcf.org. Los detalles del proceso de solicitud de becas para 2027 se publicarán en el sitio web de CLLCF a principios del próximo año.

MEDIA & FOUNDATION CONTACT:
Leoda Rodriguez
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation
555 E. Ocean Blvd, Suite 420 Long Beach, CA 90802
The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization ID # 20-1993440