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Resources in STEM

STEM refers to an acronym to the fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, here at UCSC there is a strong vested interest in promoting the advancement of STEM majors. The U.S. department of education identifies STEM related fields as critical to the continued status of the U.S. as a global leader especially its scientists, engineers, and innovators. However, that position today is threatened as comparitavely fewer student in the U.S. pursue expertise in STEM fields especially amongst communities of color. Diversity in STEM fields at UCSC is a major challenge the unversity faces as the proportionate number of minority students pursuing STEM related majors decline. A variety of programs and resources have been created for undergraduate and graduate minority students in the STEM fields that work to increase diversity in these fields. Below is a list of STEM Diversity Programs serving UCSC students. To find out more on the STEM resources click on the title. 

SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native American in Science) 

SACNAS is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of  Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists—from college students to professionals—to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science. SACNAS offers a wide array of support and resources for students including; 

  • A commnity of well driven scientists, where you are given the opportunity to grow as an individual, professional, and scientist.
  • Selected variety of workshop geared towards professional development, graduate school, community outreach, and personal advancement.
  • Opportunities to outreach to the community and give back to others, while emphasizing a growth in the STEM field. 
  • A safe space to discuss daily issues we face as undergraduate professionals in our fields and ways to properly address them.
  • A serious and welcoming enviroment to study and interact with other students in similar courses.
  • Partial sponsorship for the National SACNAS Conference.

UC LEADS (University of California Leadership Excellence through Advance Degrees) 

University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS)  program is aimed to educate California's future leaders by preparing promising students for advanced education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program is designed to identify upper-division undergraduate students with the potential to succeed in these disciplines, but who have experienced situations or conditions that have adversely impacted their advancement in their field of study.

As UC LEADS scholars students embark upon a two-year program of scientific research and graduate school preparation guided by individual Faculty Mentors. Scholars are provided with an excellent opportunity to explore their discipline, experience a research environment, and improve their opportunities for future study in their chosen field. The Scholar gains valuable educational experience, the University a better prepared and more diverse graduate applicant pool, and the State, well-educated future leaders. Each Scholar is mentored by a member of UC the faculty, who assists the student in designing a plan of research and enrichment activities fitted to the individual interests and academic goals of the Scholar.

Eligibility

To be eligible for selection, applicants must be

  1. Enrolled in, or about to be enrolled in, a UC undergraduate degree program in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics;
  2. On track to receive a bachelor’s degree at the conclusion of the second year of the UC LEADS program (i.e. should apply prior to junior year or prior to the fourth year if on a five-year plan);
  3. In good academic standing in undergraduate degree program;
  4. Able to demonstrate potential for success in a graduate program; and,
  5. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation. SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. SHPE's vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

ACE Program

The ACE (Academic Excellence) Programs are designed to increase the diversity of UCSC graduates in mathematics and science. ACE has supported over 2,000 students since 1986 through workshop style discussion sections and academic peer mentoring for mathematics and science courses. ACE provides a challenging and supportive setting that combines collaborative learning techniques with high expectations, enhanced content, and personalized guidance. CAMP works directly with ace to provide teaching fellowships for students to participate as Co-Leaders and Mentors. 

CAMP (California Alliance for Minority Participation)  

California Alliance for Minority Participation is a statewide initiative that aims to support and retain underrepresented undergraduates to achieve their degrees in the biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering.By integrating research and undergraduate education, CAMP creates a cohesive set of experiences that fully prepares undergraduates for graduate education and influences career choices.  CAMP programs motivate participants through cooperative learning, internships, faculty mentored research, and travel to professional conferences. The CAMP program at UC Santa Cruz is run in conjunction with the MARC/IMSD programs. 

Careers in Computer Science

The team at ComputerScience.org crafted a guide of the top careers in the computer science field. This guide includes information about career outlook and salary potential, salary based on location, and major employers of computer science graduates.

IMSD Program

The IMSD Program at UCSC offers support to qualified predoctoral or masters students who have demonstrated and show promise for future achievement in biological and biomedical research or other related fields. Funded through NIGMS, NIH the purpose of the MBRS program is to encourage the development and increase the research competitiveness of underrepresented minority students at the graduate level and to facilitate their progress toward a career in biomedical research and other related fields. 

Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) 

Also known as the MESA Engineering Program, is the university level component of the statewide Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) - a program of the University of California Office of the President. At UC Santa Cruz, MEP is supported by the Baskin School of Engineering with its goal to promote diversity and facilitate the retention and graduation of a diverse population of students, especially groups which continue to remain the most underrepresented in engineering studies. 

If there are any additional STEM resources you know of that you would like for us to feature on this page, contact us at elcentro@ucsc.edu.