About

In 1984 the Chicana/Latinx Faculty and Staff Association (CLFSA) inaugurated an annual Scholarship to honor Dr. Ernesto Galarza whose commitment to economic and social justice for the Chicano/Latino community inspired CLFSA to help support students to pursue their endeavors in pursuit of degrees in higher education.  The scholarship is funded with private donations including a substantial gift from Ms. Gabriela De La Piedra and continuous support from Dr. George Castro.  Donors to the CLFSA Scholarship include SJSU faculty and staff as well as greater community supporters.  In 2025, CLFSA renamed its scholarship to commemorate the work of Dr. George Castro and the generosity of Ms. Gabriela De La Piedra (a Mexican community member). 

CLFSA scholarships are made in collaboration with community organizations/ agencies, to assist students in their pursuit of higher education at San José State University.  CLFSA honors the people for whom this scholarship is named to address some of the barriers students face in their pursuit of higher education – primarily due to financial hardship.  Scholarship awards will be presented at the CLFSA Scholarship Symposium TBA. 

Scholarship award will be disbursed during the academic year, pending proof of enrollment at SJSU.  The number of awards and amounts are contingent upon funding. Previously CLFSA Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on available funds. This scholarship application may also automatically qualify you for additional awards from the Chicana/Latinx Faculty and Staff Association.