Morales Carrera exemplifies both academic excellence with a GPA of 3.87 and a strong commitment to community leadership. He is the founder of Project ERASE, an initiative that has provided over 2,700 school supplies to children in Guatemala while raising more than $5,000 in support. He also helped plan La Bienvenida, the only Spanish-only college orientation in Washington State, designed to welcome and support incoming Hispanic students and their families. His experiences in youth court coordination and civic engagement reflect his passion for representation, justice, and service. Morales Carrera aspires to become an attorney dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities through advocacy and policy.
“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me. Growing up, I never thought I’d be able to afford college; I always feared I would have to give up on my dreams because of financial reasons,” said Luis Morales Carrera, Roberto A. Salazar Legacy Scholarship recipient. “Now, two years into my college journey, I’m on track to graduate debt-free thanks to scholarships like this one. It’s because of the support from Hispanic Access Foundation that I’m able to pursue my dream of earning a degree and becoming the lawyer I’ve always aspired to be.”
"When someone invests in your education, they are telling you that you matter—that your future holds promise and purpose. When I was a student, that belief transformed my life. Establishing this scholarship in honor of Roberto Salazar, continues that legacy of belief, love, and opportunity—one that reminds us that when we lift each other up, we are all stronger together," said Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation.
"Investing in Latino students and emerging leaders is essential to building a stronger America. As one of the fastest-growing and youngest demographic groups in the United States, Latino communities represent tremendous potential for innovation, leadership, and economic growth. By ensuring access to quality education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, we cultivate a new generation of changemakers who will shape industries, strengthen communities, and drive progress. Supporting Latino students is not just an investment in individuals—it’s an investment in the shared prosperity and leadership of our nation,” said Roberto A. Salazar, founding Board Chair of Hispanic Access Foundation.
Established in 2024, the Roberto A. Salazar Legacy Scholarship honors the vision and service of Hispanic Access Foundation’s founding Board Chair, Roberto A. Salazar. The scholarship celebrates his unwavering dedication to expanding Latino leadership and representation, and his commitment to supporting first-generation Latino students as they pursue higher education and leadership opportunities in the United States.
To learn more about the scholarship and the history of Hispanic Access’ scholarship program, visit https://hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/our-dreams-scholarship.