The Dorothy Smith Curtis Scholarship provides financial support to undergraduates serious about pursuing a career in mathematics education.

Dorothy Smith Curtis Scholar

Currently, The Curtis Center awards one scholarship annually to an outstanding Math for Teaching student in honor of Dorothy Smith Curtis.

Dorothy Smith Curtis was an educator whose contributions led to the establishment of The Philip C. Curtis Jr. Center and its success working towards a world class mathematics education for all students. In 1970, Dot earned her teaching credential and began a 30-year career teaching parent education for the LAUSD. She relished working with mothers and young children from all over the world. They taught her their cultures, and she helped mothers raise their children with love, consistency, and exposure to ideas and learning, sharing with others what she brought to her family and friends.

How to Apply

Eligibility

The Curtis Center Math for Teaching scholarship is intended for undergraduate students who are serious about pursuing a career in mathematics education. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. The applicant must be at least one of the following:
    a. Rising senior who has completed Math 73, Math 74, or Math 75 and follows through with enrollment in Math 105ABC during the senior year
    b. Rising senior in the Math for Teaching Major or Math for Teaching Minor
    c. Rising senior accepted into the UCLA Teacher Education Program and Curtis Center’s Joint Mathematics Education Pathway
    d. Rising junior accepted into the UCLA Teacher Education Program and Curtis Center’s Integrated Pathway
  2. The applicant’s overall GPA must be 2.5+
Award Amount

$3,000 to be distributed in $1,000 increments each quarter for one academic year contingent upon:

  1. Successful completion of coursework
  2. Continued enrollment as an undergraduate
  3. Maintenance of a 2.5+ GPA
Application Components
  1. Unofficial transcript.
  2. Personal Statement: Include a 1-2 page statement addressing the below questions. Please double-space and use 12pt font.
    a. How did your interest in a career in mathematics education develop? What are your goals?
    b. What attitudes around mathematics do you want to nurture in your future students?
    c. Please share any community experience you have.
    d. (Optional): Do you have a financial need that you would like to share with the committee?

 

Deadline and Application

Apply by the fourth (last) Friday in June on the UCLA Scholarship Website.

Note: You will need to log in before you can apply.

2026-27 Awardee

David Quintana

Dorothy Smith Curtis Scholar
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David Quintana

Dorothy Smith Curtis Scholar

I want to thank former teachers and some of the educational mentors that have guided me along my journey like Mr. Hoong Dr. Tamarah Davis. These two have guided me not only towards the path of education but also how to be the best teacher I could possibly be.

What I wish to accomplish as a teacher is to foster an environment where every student is able to receive an equal and quality education regardless of who they are or how they identify.

I would love to be able to get the opportunity to teach at the high school level because I have a strong passion for calculus which is a topic that most students do not reach until high school since it serves as the backbone for many collegiate level courses.

2025-26 Awardee

  • Erin Mitchell: Dorothy Smith Curtis Scholar
  • Katie Doan: Math for Teaching Scholar

2024-25 Awardee

  • Vivian Zhou: Math for Teaching Scholar

 

2023-24 Awardees

  • Arzoan Esparza: Dorothy Smith Curtis Scholar
  • Samantha Padron: Math for Teaching Scholar

2022-23 Awardees

  • Ashley Casillas: Dorothy Smith Curtis Scholar
  • Haley Hallman: Math for Teaching Scholar