The University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS) program is designed to engage and educate California's future leaders by preparing promising students for advanced education in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM). The program is designed to identify upper-division undergraduate students with the potential to succeed in these disciplines, but who have experienced situations or conditions that have adversely impacted their advancement in their field of study.

Program Benefits

Once chosen as UC LEADS Scholars, the students embark upon a two-year program of scientific research and graduate school preparation guided by individual Faculty Mentors and staff at the California NanoSystems Institute in partnership with the Graduate Division. Scholars are provided with an excellent opportunity to explore their discipline, experience a research environment, and improve their opportunities for future study in their chosen field. Each Scholar is mentored by a member of the UC faculty, who assists the student in designing a plan of research and enrichment activities fitted to the individual interests and academic goals of the Scholar which includes:

• Academic year research experience ($11/hr, up to $1000/quarter)
• Summer research experience at UCSB ($3000 stipend, plus $900 toward housing expenses)
• Summer research experience at a UC campus of students choice ($3000 stipend, plus housing expenses)
• Oral and written science communication skills development
• Weekly professional development workshops and research seminars
• Participation in University-wide UC LEADS Symposium
• Attendance at professional or scientific society meetings
• Preparation for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)