The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 750 has awarded a special $750 book scholarship to University of Arkansas at Little Rock freshman Luis Martinez.

“I didn’t expect this scholarship,” Martinez said. “I thought I would have to work for the rest of the semester to finish paying for my books, but now I don’t have to stress as much over finances. This scholarship will help me a lot.”

Martinez, a native of Bryant, plans to double major in business and Spanish. With the special knowledge earned from a minor in geology, Martinez wants to one day open his own real estate firm that will focus on sustainable housing built with renewable energy resources.

This is the third scholarship that LULAC Council 750 has provided outside its annual scholarship program for students in need of financial assistance. The scholarship was funded by LULAC, the Richard Family Fund Scholarship, and private donations.

“This book scholarship is an example of UA Little Rock working with nonprofit and community organizations like LULAC and private citizens to help fill an essential student need,” said Dr. Terry Trevino-Richard, a professor emeritus of sociology at UA Little Rock. “LULAC is very grateful for the assistance Chancellor Christina Drale has provided to Latino students on campus.”

LULAC seeks to empower the Latino community at the local, state, and national level through its seven councils chartered in Arkansas. The organization involves and serves Latinos of all national origins and focuses heavily on education, civil rights, and employment.

“Providing scholarships for college students is ground zero for community development,” said Dr. Andre Guerrero, LULAC Council 750 president and deputy state director. “This is an investment in our community with the knowledge that Luis and other students like him will help their communities in the future. When we follow through years later, we are always amazed by what these students do with their lives and education.”

LULAC is accepting scholarships for its national scholarship program until March 31. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000. Students may visit this link to apply for the scholarship.