Diversity & Outreach
UC LEADS - Program Components
UC LEADS is a two-year program involving research, travel, and graduate school preparation. Each academic year, UC LEADS activities are detailed in an outline, called an Action Plan, created by the Scholar and Faculty Mentor and approved by the Graduate Dean.
The Action Plan includes an annual projection of the following:
- Undergraduate Mentorship Experience
- Campus Academic Enrichment Opportunities
- Annual University-wide Symposium
- Summer Research Program Experiences
- Involvement in Professional and Scientific Societies
- Professional Conferences and Scientific Research Societies
- Explore Other UC Campuses for Graduate Study Opportunities
Mentorship Experience
Scholars are matched with UC faculty members, who serve as advisors and
mentors. Mentors assist the scholars in developing and completing a plan of
action. This plan includes structured research, graduate school preparation
and exploration, and attendance and participation at regional or national professional
and scientific society meetings. Mentors also assist scholars with academic
and research difficulties. Scholars work on a research project about 10 hours
per week with the mentor and/or the research team.
Campus 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 preparation for the GRE, scientific writing
and making academic presentations, academic career planning, and development
of specific research skills.
Annual University-Wide Symposium
All UC LEADS Scholars from all UC campuses participate in an annual symposium. This year, the UC LEADS Research and Leadership Symposium will be held at March 1 - 2, 2008 at UC Santa Barbara. For more information, visit the symposium web site.
Summer Research Program Experience
UC LEADS Scholars participate in summer research. Scholars conduct research with a UC faculty mentor and attend graduate school preparation activities. Scholars receive stipends during the summer research experiences and will receive summer housing or housing compensation
Professional Conferences and Scientific Research Societies
Scholars have the opportunity to attend and participate in professional or scientific society meetings. The scholars receive support for travel and registration costs of attending these meetings. Scholars must present their research at least once per year (excluding the UC LEADS Research and Leadership Symposium). Scholars usually present their research in a poster presentation format at these professional conferences.
Explore Other UC Campuses for Graduate Study Opportunities
Scholars are expected to travel to at least one UC campus each year (excluding 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.