The Francisco Zaldivar, Jr., Ph.D.
ALMA Science Academy, Mentorship Pipeline and Scholarship Fund.
To recognize “Dr. Z” as an inspiring and motivating scientist, mentor, teacher and humanitarian to our Santa Ana youth and their families; the Madison Park Community is naming the ALMA (Aspire Learning Mentor & Achieve) Science Academy and Mentorship Pipeline after him to honor his legacy.
Dr. Frank Zaldivar, Jr., was a dedicated supporter and integral part of the Madison Park Neighbor Association (MPNA) for over 20 years. He was a founding member of GREEN-MPNA Community Advisory Board. Dr. Zaldivar also conducted one of the largest clinical trials ever at Lathrop Middle School, funded by the National institute of Health. Project Healthy was instrumental in highlighting the health needs of the Latino Community in the US.
While Dr. Zaldivar was passionate about research, he was even more passionate about teaching and mentorship. In 2009, he started the ALMA Science Academy and Mentorship Program with friend and UCI colleague Jose Rea. Dr. Zaldivar served as the beloved director of the ALMA program until his retirement from UCI in early 2023.
Dr. Zaldivar was instrumental in providing a robust and unique science education environment at James Madison Elementary School. The ALMA Program brings many stakeholders together with a common goal of sharing science and promoting a healthy lifestyle with the community.
Undergraduate, graduate and medical students; along with faculty members, volunteers, and community educators, come together to bring a unique learning experience to elementary, junior high, and high school students, parents, and families. Over the years, the ALMA academy students and their mentors have benefited from increased standardized test scores, increased pathways to universities, and increased career opportunities in the scientific and education field.
Dr. Zaldivar’s enthusiasm and love for science, teaching and kids were unparalleled. He fully connected with the students and in turn they responded to him in a very tangible and positive way. One could see the curiosity and hunger for learning in their eyes. Their responses motivated Frank even more thus creating this wonderful interaction between teacher and student. Above all Frank was a visionary leader and an education equity champion. He strategically and relentlessly built bridges between UCI and the Santa Ana Community. He was a living example of duty, empathy and service to society and humanity. Dr. Zaldivar’s legacy as a lifetime advocate for equitable healthcare and education will continue.
2 scholarships for high school and 2 scholarships for colleges students will be offered annually to Santa Ana Youth under Dr. Zaldivar’s name.
This scholarship is run by GREEN-MPNA, an organization in the Madison Park community of Santa Ana, California. GREEN-MPNA will be awarding a minimum $500 scholarship to TWO qualified ALMA mentor(s) and a minimum $500 scholarships to TWO qualified graduating ALMA HSSP mentee(s). For your application to be considered, please send a complete and signed application with all necessary documentation. This year this is open to current CUAL Youth members.
Scholarship Deadline: TUESDAY, APRIL 30TH at 5:00 PM, P.S.T.
Who can apply?
You must submit this application with the following items via e-mail:
1) Completed Personal Information Application
2) Current Resume
3) Typed personal statement
These documents must be submitted to AcademicCoordinator@mpnagreen.org on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 no later than 5:00 pm (Pacific Time). All three documents should be sent together in only one email (3 attachments total).
ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN PDF FORMAT AND SHOULD BE TITLED AS FOLLOWS:
Your First and Last Name – Personal Information Application
Your First and Last Name – Personal Statement (please see the Personal Statement questions on the second page)
Your First and Last Name – Resume
EMAIL TO: AcademicCoordinator@mpnagreen.org
SUBJECT: 2024 ALMA SCHOLARSHIP – [ Your First and Last Name]
IMPORTANT: DO NOT submit documents with general titles such as “Resume” or “Statement”, etc. Supporting Documents submitted without your first name, your last name and the type of document in the title may NOT be considered which could automatically exclude your application from consideration. Please submit with the requests outlined above!
Have questions or concerns? Please contact AcademicCoordinator@mpnagreen.org