Objectives

• To increase diversity of graduate students in the fields of sciences, engineering, and mathematics at the University of California.
• To facilitate coordination among campuses to identify, encourage, mentor, and train undergraduates of high potential, in order to increase their competitiveness for admission to University of California doctoral programs.
• To foster high quality candidates for UC doctoral programs through faculty mentoring, experiential learning in summer research programs, and involvement in professional and scientific societies.
• To prepare future leaders in industry, government public service, and academia whose demographics reflect the growing diversity of California's population and to increase the diversity of student contributors to science, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

Components

• Faculty Mentors
  UC LEADS scholars are matched with UCSF faculty members, who serve as advisors and mentors. Mentors assist the scholars in developing and completing an Action Plan. This plan includes travel, research experiences, graduate school preparation and exploration, as well as attendance and participation at regional or national professional and scientific society meetings. Mentors also assist scholars with academic and research difficulties.
• Academic Enrichment Opportunities
  Scholars have the opportunity to participate in academic enrichment programs to provide them with special training in areas critical to academic success. These programs include fellowship workshops, preparation for the GRE, scientific writing, preparing academic presentations, academic career planning, and development of specific research or research-related skills. Also, UCSF Leads Scholars receive special invitations to the UCSF Graduate Division's bi-annual, NSF-sponsored Health Sciences Research Colloquia.
  
  
• Annual UC LEADS Symposium
  All UC LEADS Scholars are expected to participate in a university-wide symposium. The event features:

1. Opportunities to meet graduate students, faculty mentors, and UC alumni leaders;
2. Scientific and academic presentations by leaders in the SEM fields of study

• Summer Research Experiences
  UC LEADS Scholars participate in two summer research experiences. The initial experience takes place at the UCSF Summer Research Training Program. The second summer research experience occurs at another UC campus. Scholars must commit to working full time during the summer (40 hours per week). Scholars receive a minimum $3000 stipend for the first summer with the possibility of an increased stipend the second summer. Scholars receive summer housing or housing compensation.
• Involvement in Professional and Scientific Societies
  Scholars attend and have the opportunity to participate in professional or scientific society meetings. Scholars receive support for travel and registration costs of attending these meetings.
• Scientific Research and Presentations
  Scholars, with the assistance of their faculty mentors, participate in at least one research experience of their choosing each year (in addition to the summer research experience). Scholars complete at least one scientific presentation per year. In addition, scholars are encouraged to present their work at national or regional scientific meetings.
• Travel to Other UC Campuses for Training and Exposure to Campus Graduate Study Opportunities
  Scholars are expected to travel to at least one UC campus each year (in addition to second summer research travel). Scholars have the opportunity to meet with graduate students and faculty, and participate in campus tours designed to acquaint scholars with various aspects of campus life and graduate programs. These visits provide the scholars with the opportunity to make informed decisions about their second summer placement as well as learn about graduate programs of study within the University of California. Scholars are provided with support for travel.

Eligibility

You are eligible for the UC Leads Program if:

• You are enrolled in a University of California undergraduate degree program in the physical, life, or computer sciences; engineering; or mathematics (SEM).
• You will be graduating in two years.
• You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• You have experienced situations or conditions which have adversely impacted your advancement in an SEM field of study, such as absense of a family member who recieved a four-year college degree, or graduation from a high school with poor financial or curricular support.
• You have a commitment to and a strong potential to succeed in a Ph. D. program.
• You are interested in promoting diversity in science, engineering, and mathematical fields.