The California Alliance for Maximizing Potential (CAMP) is a University of California–wide initiative designed to support undergraduate students in STEM disciplines through integrated research experiences, academic development, and professional preparation.

At UC Santa Cruz, CAMP operates within STEM DIV (STEM Development, Identity, and Vision) and provides a structured set of experiences that promote academic persistence, research skill development, and preparation for graduate-level study. Through faculty-mentored research, academic support services, and professional development programming, CAMP supports students as they progress toward completion of STEM degrees and explore advanced educational and research pathways.

CAMP at UC Santa Cruz aligns with the campus mission by supporting undergraduate academic achievement, research engagement, and preparation for advanced study in STEM disciplines.

CAMP Program Support and Opportunities

Students selected to participate in CAMP at UC Santa Cruz may receive access to the following supports, depending on program placement and funding availability:

  • $3,500 summer stipend for students participating in summer research at UC Santa Cruz

  • Support to attend and present at national or scientific conferences, when accepted

  • Tutoring and academic support services

  • Professional development workshops, including graduate school preparation

  • Holistic mentoring and advising from STEM DIV staff

Program participation is open to all eligible students. Funding eligibility is reviewed internally, and alternative funding sources may be used when applicable.

Eligibility

The CAMP program at UC Santa Cruz is open to undergraduate students interested in research and academic development in STEM fields.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

  • Be a registered undergraduate student at UC Santa Cruz enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) major

  • Be in good academic standing at the time of application

  • Be a second-year student through senior, or equivalent standing for transfer students

  • Be on track to earn a bachelor’s degree

  • Have a minimum UC cumulative GPA of 3.0

  • Demonstrate interest in research and preparation for graduate-level study in STEM

All students are encouraged to apply. Previous research experience is not required.

CAMP is open to all students consistent with state and federal law, the UC Nondiscrimination Statement and the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters. 

Deadlines
The annual application opens January 3rd of every year and the deadline to apply for the CAMP program is the second Friday of every February.
Selection criteria
Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of staff, faculty, and students. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with staff and current scholars. Candidates will be evaluated based on a holistic review process of their applications, education/ career goals, and aspirations.

How to apply

You apply to UC LEADS, CAMP and Deans Excellence Fund simultaneously with one application. Only COMPLETED applications will be reviewed.

The application for the STEMDIV Programs will be available the first week of January of every year.

Click here to access the application

The application components include:

Online application & supplement documents (to be uploaded with the online application) – Due Friday, February 13th, 2026 at 11:59 pm

  • Completed online Application (this includes essay questions, see questions below)
  • Resume or CV (Career Center Resume Guide)
  • Copy of Your Unofficial Transcripts (UCSC and/or community college, just print them from your student portal)
  • Copy of Your Unofficial Financial Aid Support (if you do not get financial aid, you ARE eligible for the programs, please state in the online application).

Two letters of recommendation – Due Friday, February 27th at 11:59 pm: from a faculty or staff member (These should be emailed directly from the recommender to stemdiv@ucsc.edu).

Essay Questions: Please limit your responses to 200 words for each question(see questions below)
                                                                                                                                                                                                             ESSAY QUESTION #1: Please describe the academic, educational, or experiential influences that have shaped your path to your current stage of education. You may include relevant extracurricular activities, learning experiences, or challenges that contributed to your academic development.                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                           ESSAY QUESTION #2:  Please describe any UCSC relevant work experience in the sciences, research, or as a volunteer. Also, what you have learned from these experiences, and how these experiences make you a good candidate for the program? 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          ESSAY QUESTION #3:  After you obtain your bachelor’s degree, what are your long-term academic/career aspirations? If you are unclear about a specific career/academic path, please share a number of possibilities you foresee in your future. How do you plan to reach these goals?                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                            

ESSAY QUESTION #4:  How are the STEMDIV Research Programs going to support your academic/career goals? What do you hope to gain from this experience?

For questions and additional information about the application process, please contact our office at 831-459-4770 or send an email to stemdiv@ucsc.edu.