A research center of the
UCR School of Public Policy
The Robert Presley Student Scholarship Fund
In 2019 as a tribute to Senator Robert Presley’s legacy, our community came together to establish a student fund to help train the next generation of criminal justice policy leaders and change makers. Generous donations have made it possible to invest in our students, who are eager to make their mark on the criminal justice system and hard at work preparing for their careers through specialized trainings, hands-on learning, and research opportunities.
The Presley Center helps prepare UCR students for the next chapter of their lives by awarding scholarships to justice-impacted students, providing paid internships, awarding research fellowships to students committed to justice research, and hosting events for students to engage with the justice system’s broader research and policy dialogue, among other opportunities.
The call for applications is typically issued in the Fall. Please check back in September for updates.
Scholarship Recipients
2025–26
Robert Lozano
2nd Year, Business Administration & Law and Society
2024–25
Melissa Cox
4th Year, Department of Political Science
Ryan Uribe
4th Year, School of Public Policy
Genevieve Silva
5th Year, Department of Sociology
2023–24
Anna Azanon
3rd Year, Global Studies
Kimberly Bermudez
3rd Year, Liberal Studies
Jofama Coleman
3rd Year, Public Policy
2022–23
Merisa Duran
4th Year, Psychology
Bennie McGhee
4th Year, African American Studies
Jameelah Gonzalez
3rd Year, Economics
Greg Sanchez
4th Year, History
2021–22
Jesus Avitia
4th Year, Business Administration
Doris Fong
1st Year, Economics
Kimberly Burdette
4th Year, Sociology
2020–21
Dyanna Casteneda Policarpio
4th Year, Political Science & English
Bibiana Elena Canales
3rd Year, Ethnic Studies & Sustainability Studies
Carlos Cruz
Ph.D. Student, History