California students are thriving with ASU scholarships, engagement opportunities
California students pose for a group photo at one of the Los Angeles ASU Alumni Chapter's 2024 Sun Devil Send-Offs. Photo courtesy of the ASU Alumni Association
Arizona State University's commitment to California students goes beyond classroom walls.
Since 2000, more than 105,000 Californians have been educated by ASU at all locations and online. ASU has been providing education on the ground in California for more than 20 years. And ASU efforts are expanding to provide even more California students with groundbreaking educational services.
This year, the ASU Alumni Association awarded scholarship funds to eight ASU scholars from Los Angeles, Northern California, Orange County and San Diego. The money for these scholarships was raised by dedicated volunteer leaders involved in California’s alumni chapters and awarded at this year’s Sun Devil Send-Offs, hosted by the ASU Alumni Association, ASU Admissions and ASU Family.
All four of California’s alumni chapters held Sun Devil Send-Offs in 2024. More than just social gatherings, these events are launchpads for new beginnings, helping incoming students forge friendships and begin their ASU journey with a strong support system.
Meet some of this year's scholarship awardees:
Clara Raddon, a first-year student and recipient of the Los Angeles ASU Alumni Chapter Scholarship, has found comfort in her local Sun Devil community.
“Being given this award has opened me up to a community of people who have either attended or will be attending ASU,” Raddon said. “Coming from California, I only know a few people who live in Arizona, so having Los Angeles ASU alumni at my back can help me feel a connection to my hometown.”
Jack Brooks, recipient of the 2024 San Diego ASU Alumni Chapter Scholarship, was drawn to ASU's renowned Cronkite School to pursue his passion in sports journalism.
“One of the many reasons why I chose ASU over other universities is because of the wide range of learning opportunities it offers,” Brooks said.
With access to exclusive collaborations, extracurriculars and career-enhancement opportunities, Brooks is looking forward to meeting new people and taking advantage of ASU’s unique offerings.
“By attending ASU with this scholarship, I am able to build a phenomenal network with the great students and industry professionals around me.”
Additionally, ASU provides aid to California students through the Legacy Scholarship program, honoring traditions of past generations while supporting the next. The ASU Alumni Association named nine California Alumni Scholars for the 2024–25 academic year. These students are related to a past ASU graduate and show exceptional academic success and community involvement.
ASU sophomore and California Alumni Scholar Aiden Young knows what it's like to embody such an experience, thriving in an environment steeped in family legacy and academic excellence.
“Both of my parents went to ASU, so I’ve come out for a lot of football games. I love the environment, school and city,” Young said. “All of my classes have been great, and the professors are incredible. If I ever need help, I know where to ask.”
The university’s efforts to engage and support California students reflect a deep commitment to building an unbreakable community. ASU's California alumni network — nearly 65,000 strong — continues to drive innovation and contribute to the state’s growth, proving that Sun Devil pride knows no bounds.
To learn more about ASU in California, visit california.asu.edu.
More Arts, humanities and education
ASU workshop trains educators, professionals from marginalized communities in disaster science
As devastating as hurricanes can be to anyone caught in their paths, they strike marginalized communities even harder.To address this issue, a fund named for a former Arizona State University…
ASU’s Humanities Institute announces 2024 book award winner
Arizona State University’s Humanities Institute (HI) has announced “The Long Land War: The Global Struggle for Occupancy Rights” (Yale University Press, 2022) by Jo Guldi as the 2024…
Retired admiral who spent decades in public service pursuing a degree in social work at ASU
Editor’s note: This story is part of coverage of ASU’s annual Salute to Service.Cari Thomas wore the uniform of the U.S. Coast Guard for 36 years, protecting and saving lives, serving on ships and…