Pay it forward - Building the foundation for
a brighter future.
ALMA is committed to serving our community. We are increasing the number of Latino healthcare professionals through enrichment programs and scholarship awards. We provide preventive medical care and education through health clinics around the state of Arizona. We provide access to lower cost, quality healthcare to uninsured and underinsured families through our MedCard Program.
ALMA Health Career Awards
Download your ALMA Medical Student Scholarship Application here
Medical student scholarship recipients received $2,000 each from Program Year 2000 to 2013 and increased to $2,500 in 2014. The UA Medical School Phoenix Campus recipients received $5,000 per year from 2014 ending in 2018 through a joint matching program. The following historical record provides, students name, class year awarded a scholarship, amount awarded and school represented.
The MedStart and Scrubs high school summer Programs sponsored by UA Phoenix and Tucson Medical School Campuses received $2,000 each from 2005 through 2015, increasing to $2,500 in 2016 until the programs ended in 2017.
Nursing, PharmD and ultra sound technician students have also been awarded scholarships starting in 2001. They represent a variety of educational institutions in Arizona. The awards vary from $1,000 to $2,500. The West Coast Ultrasound Institute matches the ALMA grants.
Starting in 2023, the Mayo Clinic Axis School of Medicine, Arizona Campus, joined our initiative matching ALMA award, doubling the grant to $5,000.
1998
MS III Fred Johnson Midwestern University
MS II Alain Coppel University of Arizona
MS I Celinda Rangel University of Arizona
1999
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarships To be awarded annually in honor and remembrance of deceased Charter Member
MS II Marlene Rodriquez University of Arizona
MS I Gail Del Carmen Guerrero-Tucker University of Arizona
2000
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarship
MS II Jesse Daniel Bracamonte Midwestern University Dr. Edgar H. Hernández Scholarship
MS IV (Albert) Tony Ramirez University of Arizona Raoul & Lucy Carmona Memorial Scholarship
MS I Julissa Ochoa University of Arizona
MS I Xena Frisby University of Arizona
2001
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarships
MS II Jennyfer Faridy Docco University of Arizona
MS III Abram A. Aguilar University of Arizona
PH I Claudia Vargas Midwestern University Dr. Edgar H. Hernández Scholarship
MS II Keren E. Cedillos University of Arizona
2002
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarships
MS IV Jesse Daniel Bracamonte Midwestern University
MS I Anthony Hugo Chavez University of Arizona
MS I Danielle Rae Rios University of Arizona
NP I Veronica Vital Arizona State University (Family Practice Nurse Practitioner) Southern Arizona Physicians Scholarship
MS I Felipe R. Perez University of Arizona
Dr. Edgar H. Hernández Scholarship
MS III Julio Cesar Garcia University of Arizona
2003
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarship
MS IV Julio Cesar Garcia University of Arizona Edgar H. Hernández, M.D. Scholarship
MS II Lucina Avila Midwestern University Ernesto Gutierrez, M.D. & Xavier Martinez, M.D. Southern Arizona Physicians Scholarship
MS II Felipe R. Perez University of Arizona
2004
PH I Brenda Martinez-Castellanos Midwestern University
MS III Lucina Avila Kidd Midwestern University
MS III Felipe R. Perez University of Arizona
MS IV Julissa Ochoa-Buck* University of Arizona
*Awarded additional $2,000 by Southern Arizona Physicians, Ernesto Gutierrez, M.D. and Xavier Martinez, M.D. at Tucson Hispanic Coalition meeting 12/10/04.
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarship
MS III Danielle Rios University of Arizona Oscar Gluck Memorial Scholarship
MS III Santiago M. Cornejo University of Arizona
2005
PH II Brenda Martinez-Castellanos Midwestern University
MS IV Lucina Avila Kidd Midwestern University
MS I José Anaya University of Arizona
MS I Irene A. Gutierrez University of Arizona
MS II Mario Diego Teran University of Arizona
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarship
MS I Tomas Acuña University of Arizona
Med-Start Program for high school students
2006
MS II Minerva Angélica Romero Arenas University of Arizona
MS II Irene A. Gutierrez University of Arizona
PH III Brenda Castellanos MidWestern University
PhD Veronica Vital, RN, NP UA College of Nursing
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarships
MS I Thomas Acuña University of Arizona
MS I Edourado E. Rivera University of Arizona
MS III Mario Diego Teran University of Arizona
Med-Start Program for high school students
2007
Dr. Charles A. Bejarano Memorial Scholarship
MS III Thomas Acuña University of Arizona
Dr. Daniel De La Pava, Memorial Scholarship
MS II Juan Ramon Hernandez University of Arizona
MS II Lilia Pinedo University of Arizona
MS III Minerva Angélica Romero Arenas University of Arizona
BS Nursing Erika Rodriquez ASU College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation
Med-Start Program for high school students.
2008
MS I Claudia Lizeth Chavez University of Arizona
MS III Raquel Irene Cisneros University of Arizona
MS III Juan Ramon Hernandez University of Arizona
MS III Patricia L. Olaya University of Arizona
MS IV Minerva Angélica Romero Arenas University of Arizona
Associate in Nursing Maria De Jesus Madrigal South Mountain and Gateway Community Colleges
Med-Start Program for high school students.
2009
MS IV Tomás Acuña University of Arizona
MS IV Raquel Irene Cisneros University of Arizona
MS IV Juan Ramon Hernández University of Arizona
MS IV Lilia Pinedo University of Arizona
MS IV Edouardo Rivera University of Arizona
NP Eva S. Mijares, RN University of Phoenix
Med-Start Program for high school students.
2010
MS I Gabrielle Brown University of Arizona
MS IV Efrain Cubillo University of Arizona
MS III Juliet Peña University of Arizona Intern Eduardo Rivera University of Arizona
MS IV Jessica Serrano University of Arizona
RN Graciella Parra Phoenix College
Med-Start Program for high school students.
2011
OMS II Claudia A. Alvarez A.T. Still University School of (Awarded $1,000) Osteopathic Medicine
OMS II Roxana Rodriquez A.T. Still University School of (Awarded $500) Osteopathic Medicine
MS I •Eduardo Alcántar, Jr. University of Arizona (Arizona Lottery)
MS I •Nina Lara University of Arizona
MS II Angel Ramon Lopez University of Arizona
MS III Andrea G. Aguirre University of Arizona
MS IV Carlo Guerrero University of Arizona
PharmD I Kellie Vasquez University of Arizona
RN Lorena Sanchez Phoenix Community College.
Med-Start Program for high school students
* UA College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus matched the ALMA $2,000 award.
2012
OMS III Claudia A. Alvarez A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine
PA J. Guadalupe Gallo A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine
OMS III Mohammad Lqbal Naqvi A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Nursing Liliana Reynosa Bilingual Fellowship Program Phoenix College
MS II Eduardo Alcántar UA College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus
MS I Ana Casanova UA College of Medicine, Tucson Campus
MS II *Nina Lara UA College of Medicine, Phoenix Campus
MS II Juan Arturo Siordia UA College of Medicine, Tucson Campus.
Med-Start Program for high school students – Phoenix & Tucson
UA College of Medicine, Phoenix & Tucson matched the ALMA scholarships provided to their students thus doubling their award to $4,000.
2013
West Coast Ultrasound Institute and ALMA started a scholarship match program for their students.
$1,000 award to Raúl Polanco. Grand Canyon University Nursing Programs:
BSN Rachel Garcia Perez
Family NPMonica Rangel, RN
UA College of Medicine – Tucson:
MS IIJessica Perez
MS IVPablo Amador Sanchez
UA College of Medicine – Phoenix:
MS IIINina Lara
MS IEduardo Salazar receives a joint $20,000 scholarship – ($5,000 per year for four years) from ALMA and the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix.
ASU Scottsdale Healthcare Graduate Education/University of Guadalajara School of Medicine:
MS III Shirley Mori
Med-Start Program for high school students – Phoenix & Tucson
2014
The ALMA Scholarships were $2,500 each this year.
UA College of Medicine – Tucson:
MS II Francisco Andrade, Jr.
MS II Alfonso Robles
UA College of Medicine – Phoenix 4 year $20,000 scholarships. The University matches the ALMA award of $2,500 over a 4 year period.
MS I Maricruz Cisneros
MS II Eduardo Salazar
MedStart Program for high school students – Phoenix & Tucson
Universidad Autonomo de Guadalajara, Mexico & Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital
MS IV Daniel Contreras Alcántar
Grand Canyon University Nursing Programs:
Maricela Robles
Northern Arizona University/Mesa Community College:
Maria E. Curbelo
West Coast Ultrasound Institute & ALMA – Raúl Polanco ($1,000)
2015
West Coast Ultrasound Institute and ALMA scholarship match program for their students.
$1,000 award to Michelle Leon.
The following ALMA Scholarships were $2,500 each this year.
UA College of Medicine – Tucson:
MS I Valeria Leon Risemberg
MS I Karen Michelle Rico
UA College of Medicine – Phoenix 4 year $20,000 scholarships. The University matches the ALMA award of $2,500 over a 4 year period.
MS I Monica Patricia Gomez Lopez
MS II Maricruz Cisneros
MS III Eduardo Salazar
MedStart & Diversity Initiatives Grant to UA College of Medicine Tucson $2,000
Summer Scrubs Program Grant to UA College of Medicine
Phoenix $2,000
2016
West Coast Ultrasound Institute and ALMA scholarship match program for their students. Two $1,000 awards
Leticia Gomez
Gladys Ayala Nuñez
The following ALMA Scholarships were $2,500 each:
MS II Valeria Leon Risemberg, UA College of Medicine – Tucson
MS II Yadira Villalvazo, UA College of Medicine – Tucson
MS I Bernardo Chavira, MidWestern University
UA College of Medicine – Phoenix 4 year $20,000 scholarships. The University matches the ALMA award of $2,500 over a 4 year period.
MS I Monica Patricia Gomez Lopez
MS II Maricruz Cisneros
MS III Eduardo Salazar
Family Nurse Practitioner Program Arizona State University
Karla Cabrera, RN, MSN
MedStart & Diversity Initiatives Grant to UA College of Medicine Tucson $2,500
Summer Scrubs Program Grant to UA College of Medicine – Phoenix $2,500
2017
West Coast Ultrasound Institute and ALMA scholarship match program for their students. One $1,000 award
Mariah Zamora, Silver City New Mexico
The following ALMA Scholarships were $2,500 each:
MS II Guadalupe Davila, UA College of Medicine – Tucson
MS II Ivan O. Aispuro Galindo, UA College of Medicine – Tucson
MS IV Angel A. Sandoval, International School of Medicine, Jalisco, Mexico – Clinical Rotations Abrazo West Campus
UA College of Medicine – Phoenix 4 year $20,000 scholarships. The University matches the ALMA award of $2,500 over a 4 year period.
MS III Monica Patricia Gomez Lopez
MS IV Maricruz Cisneros – Award placed on hold pending her return to school.
$2,500 Award – UA Nursing Program – First Year:
Wilfredo Rodriguez, ASU BA of Science in Biology
MedStart & Diversity Initiatives Grant to UA Health Sciences Hispanic Center for Excellence, Tucson $2,500
Summer Scrubs Program Grant to UA College of Medicine Phoenix $2,500
Nursing Scholarship Provided at Annual National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Phoenix Chapter – $1,500
$1,000 Allocated to Leadership Development, Administered by Dr. Barbara Garcia, Liaison to Latino Medical Association, UA College of Medicine Phoenix
2018
$2,500 Medical Student Scholarship, UA College of Medicine Tucson
Karen Penelope Ibarra, MS II, San Luis, Arizona.
Ramon Jauregui, MS I, Phoenix, Arizona.
$20,000 Joint Four-Year Award, UA College of Medicine Phoenix
Monica Patricia Gomez Lopez, MS IV, Avondale, Arizona.
$5,000 Joint One-Year Award, ALMA Match Provided by Lopez Schulz Family
Celina G. Virgen, MS I, Tucson, Arizona.
$1,500 Joint Award – ALMA Match, West Coast Ultrasound Institute I
Yarleny Tovar, Mountain Ridge High School, Glendale, Arizona
2019
$2,500 Medical Student Scholarship, UA College of Medicine Tucson:
Eduardo Quiñones Zanabria, MS II, Westwood High School, Mesa, Arizona.
Cassandra Villa, MS II, Flowing Wells High School, Tucson, Arizona.
$2,500 Medical Student Scholarship , UA College of Medicine Phoenix:
Fatima Esquivel, MS IV, Camelback High School, Phoenix, Arizona.
Jorge P. Gonzalez, MS I, Nogales, High School, Nogales, Arizona.
$2,000 Joint Award, West Coast Ultrasound Institute:
Fernando Fernandez-Zavala, Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Sonora, Mexico.
2020
ALMA Gala cancelled due to Covid19 restrictions
2021
$2,500 Awards: UA College of Medicine – Phoenix:
MS III Alina Maria Martinez, Silverado High School, Las Vegas, Nevada and ASU undergraduate.
$2,500 Award – UA College of Medicine – Tucson:
MS III Francisco J. Romo, Douglas High School, Douglas, AZ.
MS II Brenda Valencia, University High School, Tucson, AZ.
2022
$2,500 Award – UA College of Medicine – Phoenix Campus:
MS II Paulo G. Peña, Campo Verde High School, Gilbert, AZ
MS II Gillian Reynoso, Cooper Canyon High School, Glendale, AZ
$2,500 Award – UA College of Medicine – Tucson Campus:
MS II Issa Jimenez Espinosa, Verrado High School, Buckeye, AZ
MS II Gabriela Triant, Notre Dame High School, San Jose, CA
2023
$2,500 Award – Mayo Clinic:
$2,500 Award matched by Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Arizona Campus
MS I Diego Alegre, Higley High School, Higley AZ.
$2,500 Award – UA College of Medicine Tucson Campus:
MS I Edgar Ivan Melendrez Alvarado, Cibola High School, Yuma, AZ.
MS I Brianna Robles, Mountain Pointe High School, Phoenix, AZ.
$2,500 Award – UA College of Medicine Phoenix Campus:
MS IV Elen Mendoza, University High School, Tolleson, AZ.
MS III Gillian Reynoso, Copper Canyon Hight School, Glendale, AZ
MS I Kambrea Soltero, Lake Havasu High School, Lake Havasu City, AZ.