From the estate of Sara E. Matthews, scholarships are awarded annually to international students. Administered by the Division of Global Engagement, this scholarship is granted to deserving undergraduate international degree-seeking students of Sophomore or Junior standing at UC Santa Cruz to help with educational costs.
The 2024 Sara Matthews Scholarship recipients are Harini Girija Machiraju, Elina Pratap Singh, and Chloe Won.
“This year’s Sara Mathews Scholarship recipients stood out for their contributions to cross-cultural engagement and their spirit of collaboration on our campus. The Selection Committee also recognized them for their keen awareness of social issues and their efforts to explore possible solutions within their academic fields,” said Catherine Murphy, international student advisor and this year’s Sara Matthews Scholarship committee chair. “We were glad to award these students, who on top of it all excel academically as well. Congratulations!”
Sara Matthews Scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are awarded during spring term. Eligible students can learn more by visiting the ISSP financing and scholarships webpage.
Scholarship Recipient Profiles
Elina Pratap Singh – India
Major – Economics/Math Combined
This scholarship gives me the financial freedom to prioritize my academic goals and pursue research projects that align with my interests and passions. With the financial support provided by this scholarship, I can fully immerse myself in my studies, engage in extracurricular activities, and take advantage of educational opportunities available on campus that will enhance my learning experience.
My plans for the future revolve around my passion for leveraging technology and quantitative analysis to address social justice issues. At UCSC, I intend to continue my studies in economics and mathematics, with a focus on applying theoretical concepts to real-world problems. I aspire to pursue advanced coursework and research opportunities that allow me to delve deeper into econometric theories and mathematical models, particularly as they relate to addressing systemic inequities in society.
Chloe Won – South Korea
Major – Business Management Economics
Growing up in a rapidly developing country, my father instilled a curiosity for exploring the world by taking me to Ikseon-dong in Seoul in 2019. There, I saw strategic investments revitalizing the area as a hub of businesses while preserving its cultural heritage. Witnessing the elderly residents no longer fighting against the government to preserve the neighborhood, I aspired to be the one allocating financial resources to bring happiness to everyone at 15.
Fueled by this ambitious dream, I became a college freshman, boarding a flight to San Francisco. However, upon arrival, the glaring socioeconomic inequity that its residents faced challenged my excitement. This poignant introduction to the U.S. exposed me to the harsh realities of capitalism.
Through my own lived experiences, I have comprehended the transformative power of money – a force capable of either exacerbating crises or spurring innovation by efficiently managing scarcity. Despite grappling with the very real obstacle of financial constraints and the burden of student loans, I refuse to resign myself to powerlessness in the face of economic disparities. My ultimate goal of becoming a warm-hearted yet cold-headed economist dedicated to forging a sustainable and equitable society remains unchanged. It is through the pursuit of scholarship that I hope to turn this vision into reality, navigating the complex intersection of economics and social justice with unwavering determination and boundless compassion.