Academic excellence involves an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Service contributions include activities that directly and indirectly benefit the advancement of Chican@ Latin@ communities at the local, university, state, or national levels. Service contributions can include but are not limited to:

• creation or implementation of social or educational workshops or outreach programs,
• participation as a committee member or organizational leader of entitles that advance the social, educational, or political well-being of Chican@ Latin@ communities, or
• invovlement in policy-related issues at the university, local, state, or national levels.

The award is named in honor and recognition of Jesus Salas for his continuous commitment and dedication to the advancement and well-being of Chican@ and Latin@ communities. As a student scholar and activist, Regent Salas’ earned a masters degree in political science at UW-Madison and helped to create a Chicanos Studies Program at UW-Milwaukee. Jesus Salas continues to serve as a leader for Chican@ Latin@ communities, and was appointed to the Board of Regent of the University of Wisconsin in 2004. In 2007, Jesus Salas resigned from his postion in opposition to the state budget which did not provide an in-state tuition provision for children of illegal immigrants.

In honor of Jesus Salas' student-focused advocacy to make accessible college to students of low and moderate income families, this award includes a $200 academic scholarship to defray educational costs associated with higher education. The award is made possible through the generous donations of Jesus Salas and the Chican@ Latin@ Studies Program.

To apply for the 2008-2009 Jesus Salas Academic Activist Scholarship, please submit the following to the Award Selection Committee of the Chican@ Latin@ Studies Program by 12 March 2009:

• A 2-3 page typed (single-spaced) statement of application for the award. The statement should address both academic and activist pursuits and interests.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• One letter of recommendation (in a sealed envelope – recommender’s signature across the envelope seal) addressing how the student exemplifies the purpose of this award.

The selection committee will include the CLS Director, ChiLaCSA executive board member(s), and a CLS Faculty Member.