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Outreach
  1. Outreach
  2. Support Partners

Support Partners

UC San Diego has many outreach partners who support college access and awareness in various areas. These partners play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of promoting higher education and social mobility.

UC San Diego outreach partners work closely with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to provide a range of services and support to K-12 students, particularly those from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. CBOs are essential in the pathway to higher education, offering resources and guidance that help students navigate the college application process and prepare for success in higher education.

UC San Diego Premier Outreach Programs

Program Name / Link Description
CAL-SOAP Cal-SOAP serves both Imperial and San Diego counties by providing information about college and financial aid options for students ranging from elementary school to high school age. The program is dedicated to providing resources for low-income families or students who will be the first in their families to attend college, as well as those from schools with low eligibility or college participation rates.
CASP The Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program (CASP) is an undergraduate scholarship program that was created by Chancellor Khosla in 2013. The program aims to recognize and support local, high-achieving, and talented students who have been admitted to UC San Diego, are California residents, and have demonstrated financial need and family incomes of less than $80,000. The program provides a wide range of services and opportunities to ensure that they thrive as UC San Diego undergraduate students, and are fully engaged in academics, student life, and university experiences. Interested students do not need to submit a separate application for CASP–the UC Application serves as the scholarship application, and eligibility and final determination is administered by Enrollment Management via the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.
EAOP The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC San Diego aims to increase the number of low-income and first-generation college going students on UC campuses. EAOP programs represent the largest student-centered initiative in the state. EAOP employs two key program services: academic advising and preparation, and academic enrichment, via special events. Begun in 1976, UCSD’s program currently serves more than 4,000 students at 20 schools in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Visit the EAOP website to learn about their partner schools and organizations.
PATH The PATH (Preparing Accomplished Transfers to the Humanities) program aims to build a pipeline of support for transfer students, to encourage success during their time at the university and in careers beyond. The PATH program is multifaceted, and the notable components at UC San Diego include the Summer Academy, the Integrated Internship/Fellowship Initiative, Faculty Connections, and the Digital Humanities Series.
Transfer Prep Transferring to a university from a community college or other institution is a wonderful path, but requires some preparation to ensure you have the necessary credits for admission and enrollment. Transfer Prep is a helpful guide that outlines major preparation for certain areas of study and the minimum coursework to be considered for admission.
TRIO Outreach Programs Made up of five federally-funded programs, TRIO Outreach Programs aims to prepare students for success throughout high school and completion of a college or vocational/technical degree. These free services are intended specifically for low-income or first-generation students in San Diego County who aspire to attend college immediately after high school graduation.
SPACES SPACES is a fully funded, student-run space that is focused on access, retention, and community through UC San Diego. SPACES components include Student-Initiated Programs and Services (SIAPS) that increase access to higher education for historically underrepresented students; Student-Initiated Programs for Holistic Retention (SIPHR) which serve educationally disadvantaged student populations and provides free retention programs and services that help undergrads financially, socially, and academically; and Student Programs Ignited for Community Engagement & Education (SPICEE) which addresses the lack of presence of community engagement and education programs within SPACES.
SIAPS SIAPS (Student-Initiated Access Programs and Services) is a component of UC San Diego’s Student Promoted Access Center for Education and Service (SPACES). They serve communities in San Diego and the state of California, as well as current UC San Diego undergraduates, in an effort to promote access and outreach projects/services to higher education and graduate school serving partners. Many SIAPS programs are offered free of charge to ensure access for traditionally marginalized communities.

Academic Enrichment

Program Name / Link Student Group Description
AMC Outeach Elementary, Middle School, High School Inspiring K-12 students to explore STEM through hands-on workshops and activities.
American Indian Recruitment (AIR) Programs Middle School, High School Mentoring, tutoring, and cultural connection for Native American students, fostering academic success and heritage.
BIPOC Support Foundation Elementary, Middle School Empowers students of color through academic support, career pathways, and social-emotional tools.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County Elementary, Middle School, High School Mentoring relationships for youth, promoting education, recreation, and personal growth.
Business & Entrepreneurship Online Immersion Middle School, High School Explore entrepreneurship through a two-week course, utilizing Rady School of Management resources and startup community professionals.
Casa de Amistad Elementary, Middle School, High School Supports underserved youth and families through tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment activities, building a brighter future.
Contextual Robotics Institute Elementary, Middle School, High School Educates future innovators and establishing San Diego/Cali Baja as a robotics hub through open houses, school outreach, and high school internships.
COSMOS High School A rigorous four-week summer residential pre-college program for talented students in grades 8-12, focusing on STEM subjects and hands-on curricula.
CS foreach High School A student organization at UC San Diego striving for more equitable access to computer science opportunities and resources.
Data Science Discovery Bootcamp High School Empowers underrepresented high school students through a week-long data science program introducing programming and hands-on learning.
Elementary Institute of Science Elementary, Middle School, High School Inspires a love of science and creates opportunity for diverse children and youth through hands-on experiences and mentorship.
Foundations in Data Science (FinDS) - Advanced High School Welcomes incoming UC San Diego first-year students from first-generation or underserved populations, providing personalized connections and opportunities for a smooth transition to university life.
Future Leaders Summer Program High School Unique summer program that helps high school students develop problem-solving and diplomacy skills in global affairs.
Futures Programs- UC San Diego Extended Studies High School College and Career Pathway Programs for high school students, providing a head start on college coursework and career exploration.
Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability High School Combines scientific research with leadership training and personal growth skills to develop future leaders of change, focusing on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Junior Achievement Elementary, Middle School, High School This program highlights the value of education, and helps students plan for their future, learn about real-world work, and hands-on learning experience.
OASIS Summer Bridge Program UCSD Admitted Students Welcomes incoming UC San Diego first-year students from first-generation or underserved populations, providing personalized connections and opportunities for a smooth transition to university life.
Ocean Discovery Institute Elementary, Middle School, High School Provides science experiences, mentoring, and growth mindset tools for success exclusively for students in San Diego Unified School District's Hoover Cluster.
Project Next High School Helps high schoolers plan and prepare for their next chapter by introducing them to diverse opportunities in post-secondary training, education, and employment.
Sally Ride Science Academy Elementary School, Middle School, High School Provides engaging STEAM workshops for students in grades 3-12, exploring careers in space exploration, marine biology, and computer science.

Athletics and Recreation

Program Name / Link School Group Description
Access Youth Academy Elementary, Middle School, High School After school program offering tutoring and squash practice, and providing the oppotunity for community invoplvement for underserved youth.
Athletics- Men's Basketball Camp Elementary, Middle School, High School UC San Diego coaches and players provide basketball training and college-level experience for young athletes.
Birch Aquarium Bridge Builders Program High School Ocean science education and mentorship for underrepresented high school students.
Boys and Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Elementary, Middle School, High School Provides positive activities to develop education, health, self-esteem, and character of youth, offering a safe and supportive environment for young people to grow and thrive.
Knock Around Camp Elementary These camps create a low-pressure, high-energy, positive environment for children to create friendships, explore creativity, and have fun through summer camps.
UC San Diego Sport Camps High School, Community College These camps offer fun and educational instruction for young athletes, providing a true college basketball experience and opportunities for skill development.

College Access

Program Name / Link School Group Description
Aspirations in Computing High School Honors 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, and non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests and encourages them to pursue their passions.
Barrio Logan College Institute Elementary, Middle School, High School Provides academic support, career guidance, and college readiness for underserved students.
Cal-SOAP Middle School, High School Provide information on postsecondary education and financial aid to elementary through high school students, raising academic achievement levels.
California Transfer Support Network Community College Offers personalized transfer plans and comprehensive credit evaluation techniques for transfer students.
EAOP Middle School, High School These programs aim to increase the number of low-income and first-generation students attending Higher Education.
First Gen Scholars High School Empowers first-generation, low-income students to navigate the college admissions process and graduate debt-free through mentorship and support.
HKN Outreach Elementary School, Middle School, High School Outreach program which introduces underserved students to the engineering field and aims to inspire them to pursue higher education in STEM disciplines.
Reality Changers Middle School, High School Prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities, providing college access, financial aid, and personal development support.
San Diego Area Writing Project Elementary School, Middle School, High School Enhances student learning by improving writing instruction, offering professional development for teachers, and hosting networking workshops and conferences.
TRIO Provides educational opportunity outreach and student services, supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education.
Triton Underground Scholars High School, Community College Supports incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or system-impacted individuals in pursuing higher education, providing peer coaching, social events, and campus visits.
Urban League of San Diego County Helps to develop students' knowledge and attitudes toward post-secondary success, providing academic support, college readiness, and career preparation.

Personal and Professional Development

Program Name / Link School Group Description
Astronomy & Astrophysics Outreach Middle School, High School Sharing astronomy wonders with the public through events, tours, and hands-on experiences.
Bridging Efficient Solutions Together Middle School, High School Empowers underserved youth in the San Diego area through business and community partnerships, providing opportunities for success and personal growth.
Chicano Federation of San Diego County, INC Infant and Toddlers Offers home-based parenting and child development education, socialization, and field trips for ages 0-5.
CREATE Career Pathways Program (CPP) High School Offers high school students from San Diego and Imperial Valley free, individualized online advising, group advising, and a Discord community for engineering, computing, education, health, and business pathways.
Kitchens for Good High School, Community College Dual instruction programs and apprenticeships, focusing on kitchen knife skills and life skills for high school students, community college students, and young adults.
MANA de San Diego Middle School, High School, Community College Empowers Latinas through education, leadership development, community service, and advocacy, providing a supportive community for personal and professional growth.
Movement BE Elementary, Middle School, High School Offers carefully curated programs, safe spaces for creativity, self-expression, and emotional support for San Diego youth.
Oasis Hope Scholar Program UCSD Admitted Students Supporting students who identify as current or former foster youth, under legal guardianship, unaccompanied homeless, or disconnected, providing holistic support and resources for success.
The PATHways to STEM through Enhanced Access and Mentorship (PATHS) UCSD Admitted Students Boosts the success of underrepresented students in STEM and medicine, offering mentorship, campus support, hands-on training, and professional exposure.
The San Diego Science Project at UC San Diego Provides technical assistance to schools and school districts, delivering engaging science programs and resources, and building bridges between researchers and educators.
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at UC San Diego College Promotes professional development and preparing undergraduates for their futures, offering events, workshops, and resources for students and professionals.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Of UC San Diego Fosters academic success, leadership, and community service, welcoming students from all backgrounds to promote Hispanic excellence in STEM.
Student Employment Program UCSD Admitted Students Employs more than 6,300 students, providing opportunities for students to work part-time on-campus and off-campus, and preparing students for successful and meaningful careers.
Youth Will High School, Community College Offers access to opportunities for low-income and disadvantaged youth, providing leadership, personal development, and community engagement programs.

Research

Program Name / Link School Group Description
Academic Connections High School Conduct research alongside UC San Diego instructors while exploring STEM fields and developing academic skills.
Design Lab at UC San Diego Focuses on design as a way of thinking, ensuring that we solve the right problem, and establishing San Diego as a hub for design innovation.
Engineers for Exploration UCSD Admitted Students Multidisciplinary and collaborative research projects focused on environmental protection, cultural heritage, and hands-on learning for undergraduate and graduate students.
IEM OPALS High School Internship Program High School, Community College Provides pre-college students with a strong foundation in STEM, emphasizing realistic expectations and fostering a thoughtful and rigorous research mindset through hands-on research experiences.
OPALS Summer Internship High School Sets pre-college students up with a strong foundation in STEM, emphasizing realistic expectations and fostering a thoughtful and rigorous research mindset through hands-on research experiences.
OPTIMUS ( Outreach Program To Inspire Minority and Underrepresented Students) High School An eight-week cancer research internship for high school students, providing hands-on training in cancer research labs, shadowing doctors in clinics, and learning about medicine and research.
Problem Solve Like an Expert Transfer A three-week immersive problem-solving boot camp for community college students, teaching skills through hands-on projects, case studies, and exercises.
Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) High School, College Recruitx high school and undergraduate students to join an interdisciplinary research collaboration focused on reducing pathogenicity in built environments.
Research Immersion in Materials Science & Engineering (RIMSE) High School, College, Graduate School Offers hands-on courses to prepare trainees for work in materials science and materials engineering research, running for eight to ten weeks each summer.
Research Scholars High School Provides high school students with advanced educational opportunities, leveraging UC San Diego's research expertise, and offering hands-on experience and knowledge in various fields.
San Diego & Imperial Community Colleges Regional consortium CC Students Creates and supports career education programs, helping students prepare for the future, and ensuring equal opportunities for success
SPARK (Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative medicine Knowledge) High School A paid, six-week internship program for California high school students, providing hands-on training in stem cell research and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.