Austin Barraza

Student Spotlight (2015)

Former Norco College Honors student Austin Barraza has been awarded a Transfer Alliance Program scholarship for $10,000 to attend UCLA. He is the third Norco student to earn this transfer scholarship.

TAP scholarships are tied to the completion of the scholars/honors program at a California Community College. Scholarships are based on merit and financial need. A TAP scholarship winner receives $5,000 a year for the two years at the university level.

“I'm both excited and honored to have been chosen,” said Barraza. “I know Norco has a legacy of producing TAP scholars, and I'm proud to continue that tradition.”

Barraza arrived at Norco College from UC San Diego after experiencing indecision about his major and financial concerns. Working full time and with no support system in place, Austin’s first semester at Norco was a challenge.

In spring 2013 Austin enrolled in his first honors course. He credits the Honors Program at Norco College with helping him find his focus in college. “Honors helped put me back on track,” Barraza said. While participating in the Honors Program, he chose to major in Political Science and also discovered new interests in philosophy, economics, and religious studies. Through the Honors Program, he also became involved in campus activities and participated in the RCCD and HTCC Student Research Conferences. Barraza is the recipient of Honors Transfer Council of California Exemplary Achievement Scholarship and the Phi Theta Kappa Academic Award.

Barraza graduated from Norco College in June 2015 and started attending summer session at UCLA.

BACK TO THE STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS PAGE