Help Evelyn attend SACNAS

Hey there and thanks for taking the time to read my story. I am an undergraduate researcher at California State University, Fullerton. After this summer I am entering my final year towards my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in queer studies. My next step this fall will be applying to graduate schools. With a graduate degree in Psychology my hopes are to find a career in social justice, serving the community and providing access to mental health care and support to people in need. As a first generation, nontraditional, Latine student, navigating higher education has presented many challenges. As an underrepresented student, finding spaces to connect with other students and researchers like myself has been difficult, and one of my primary goals has been to network and find others in my community to help me work my way through the next leg of my academic and professional journey. An upcoming opportunity this fall is the National Diversity In STEM conference being hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicano and Native American Students. This conference will be held in Puerto Rico this year and attending the SACNAS conference, which I would not otherwise have the resources to attend, will allow me to explore what opportunities exist for me in my field and my future and help me network in my area of study. This is imperative for me to have the best chance of getting into a graduate program. Because SACNAS has a reputation for supporting underrepresented undergraduates, it would also be a nurturing environment that will help me reach my future academic and professional goals in a way that suits me, who I am, and what I represent.  The proposed funding goal will provide travel to and from the conference, lodging, meals, and registration for the conference itself. Any support that can be offered is greatly appreciated. Thank you again for your time and consideration.