The STEM Diversity Research Programs are committed to promoting diversity in the sciences by providing direct services that support students, bolstering their science identity through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) research training, professional development, and academic support. We support students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to achieve their educational and career goals by providing them with hands-on research experience and fostering a sense of inclusion, acceptance, and community.

Opportunities

The STEM Diversity Research Programs aim to foster the next generation of diverse scientists to become leaders in STEM by providing hands-on paid research opportunities through the various funded research programs. Our core value of holistic mentoring creates and fosters a community of support and brings together like-minded individuals who share the same goals, experiences, and aspirations as program participants. In addition, our office provides professional development through workshops, weekly research seminars, and opportunities to present at local and national conferences.

Outcomes

Insight into Diversity magazine has recognized the STEM Diversity Programs at UC Santa Cruz with its 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. As of February 20th, we have tracked 159 Ph.D.s completed in our long-standing IMSD and MARC programs. There are currently 33 IMSD Ph.D.s and 24 MARC Ph.D.s in progress from former undergraduates. Our PREP program started in 2014, and of the 37 scholars it has trained, 28 are currently in Biomedical Ph.D. programs across the nation and three have completed their Ph.D.s.

Funding

Our programs are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the University Office of the President (UCOP), and private donors.

Donations

We invite you to join us in creating opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research. Your donation will increase the number of first-generation, underrepresented students who gain hands-on research experience and develop the tools necessary to be competitive candidates for graduate programs.

Your gift will go toward expanding the number of students we can assist with stipends for undergraduate research, as well as supporting programming such as tutoring to ensure academic success. One hundred percent of your gift will go to students who are not receiving financial support through other means or eligible for any STEM Diversity Programs.