The University of California San Diego has received a $1 million gift from Brian and Paula Powers. This donation will create the Brian and Paula Powers Chancellor’s Associates Inspiration Challenge. The challenge aims to expand support for the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program (CASP), a key initiative at UC San Diego. CASP offers financial aid and support services to high-achieving, low-income students from California. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college.
Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla praised the program. He said CASP has helped more than 2,900 deserving students access UC San Diego. “We are grateful for Brian and Paula’s vision and belief in education,” Khosla said. “Their gift will change lives and inspire others to help future leaders.”
The Powers will match donations to CASP dollar for dollar to encourage more support for students. Before this challenge, the couple had already helped 32 CASP scholars over the years. Their support comes from a personal connection to the scholarship’s mission.
Paula Powers shared her story. “My parents and grandparents did not attend college. Only one grandparent finished high school,” she said. “I remember feeling lost on a college campus until I received financial aid. CASP impressed me not just with money but with services that help students succeed.”
Since it started in 2013, CASP has awarded over 2,900 scholarships to students from underserved communities. These include those from partner high schools, community groups, and California community colleges. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, and books, helping students avoid loans.
Brian Powers highlighted the importance of encouragement. “When students, especially from low-income families, hear ‘You can do this, and we’ll help,’ it changes everything,” he said. “Hope is powerful, and scholarships like CASP show students someone believes in their future.”
The Powers stressed the urgency of supporting students now. “Today’s students face not only academic challenges but also heavy financial burdens,” Paula said. “Reducing their debt after graduation helps create equal opportunities.”
CASP recipient Santillan also expressed gratitude. “Without this scholarship, I could not have attended UC San Diego,” she said. “It lets me focus on my studies and dreams without worrying about money. I hope to help other students in the future.”
The Powers hope this challenge will encourage others to join them in supporting education. “Paula and I believe education can change lives. This challenge invites others to be part of that change,” Brian said.
The couple has been involved with UC San Diego for over 20 years. Brian first joined the university in 2003 as a member of the International Advisory Board for the School of Global Policy and Strategy. He has held leadership roles in major companies in Hong Kong, Australia, and San Francisco. He also served on the UC San Diego Foundation Board.
