alfalfa seeds Scholarship
Rafael Esquer is passionate about promoting greater diversity in arts education. He conceived alfalfa seeds as a way to help. With part of the proceeds from the brand, Esquer is supporting a design scholarship for minority students at Art Center College of Design, his alma mater. Esquer credits Art Center for the rigorous training that has enabled him to find success in the New York City design scene. "This country is wonderful: if you work hard you can reach your dreams," he explains. "I was able to receive a great education thanks to scholarships, so now I intend to help the next generation of talented minority students secure their education." During his own student days at Art Center, Esquer was a co-founder of Contraste, the college's Latin student organization.
Above: Esquer on his way to school in Sonora, Mexico
Left: Join Us poster designed for AIGA, 2006
The Scholarship Application Process
Scholarships are awarded by Art Center College of Design based on both financial need and quality of the portfolio.
- As part of the scholarship process, individuals whose application materials are received by the scholarship deadline and are admitted are reviewed for scholarship consideration.
- The portfolios of these admitted students are reviewed by a scholarship committee by major.
- The scholarship committees provide a merit ranking based primarily on the portfolio in conjunction with the applicant's academic record and essays, including an original personal essay on diversity and design (300 to 500 words).
- The Office of Financial Aid then reviews the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) record for each applicant to determine financial need.
