UC LEADS

Source: https://grad.ucsd.edu/oar2/oar2office/programs/undergraduate-programs/uc-leads/index.html Parent: https://grad.ucsd.edu/oar2/oar2office/programs/undergraduate-programs/index.html

Undergraduate STEM Research Program

\ The University of California Leadership Excellence for Advanced DegreeS (UC LEADS) program prepares promising undergraduate students for advanced education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This program is designed to identify upper-division UCSD undergraduate students with the potential to succeed in these disciplines. In addition, this program provides students with undergraduate educational experiences that will prepare them to assume positions of leadership in industry, government, public service, and academia following completion of a STEM graduate degree.

Once chosen as UC LEADS scholars, the students embark upon a program of scientific research and graduate school preparation. 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.

Program Structure

Students admitted to the program comit to participate two years in the UC LEADS program before graduating. Here's the usual timeline and list of benefits of the program:

Other Components & Benefits

• Membership to professional organizations and societies
• Poster presentations at the annual UC LEADS Research and Leadership Symposium
• Application fee waivers to UC graduate programs
• Opportunity to meet other students interested in STEM on campus but also across the UC system
• GRE preparation
• Potential source of letters of recommendation
• Fellowship upon admission to a PhD degree at a UC campus

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 COHORT HAS CLOSED

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for selection, applicants must be:

• Seasoned UCSD sophomores or rising junior standing with two more full academic years until graduation (Students who have recently transferred from a community college with less than two years until graduation are encouraged to apply)
• Enrolled in a UCSD undergraduate major in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
• Interested in research (note: you do not have to have previous research experience to apply to this program)
• Intent to pursue a PhD and/or Master programs in a STEM field
• In good academic standing in undergraduate degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Able to demonstrate potential for success in a graduate program
• Students who have faced experiences that limited their access to educational, academic, financial, or mentorship opportunities in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or AB540 students

Application Instructions

1- Submit an Online Application - Due March 8, 2026 11:59pm PST

This steps takes about 10-20 minutes to complete.

2- Upload a Statement of Interest -DueMarch 8, 2026 11:59pm PST

This needs to be a PDF or Word document with a maximum of 1000 words (about 2 pages). Address the following prompts in your statement:

• Describe a STEM question, topic, or experience that sparked your curiosity. Why does research interest you, and what do you hope to gain from participating in this program?
• How do you see research fitting into your future goals? If you’ve thought about graduate school, what interests or questions do you have about it? If not, what would you like to learn or explore through this program?
• Many students face financial, educational, or personal challenges that shape how they navigate college. Please describe a challenge or circumstance that has influenced your academic journey and how it has affected your access to opportunities, learning experiences, or goals. What strengths or perspectives have you developed as a result?

Important note: There are no "right" answers, respond to the prompts based on your current exploration and reflection. UC LEADS values curiosity, effort, and growth, no previous research experience is needed. \

3- Letter of Recommendation - DueMarch 8, 2026 11:59pm PST

A person you designate as a recommender must upload a Letter of Recommendation in PDF or Word format. Letters from professors, supervisors, teachers, advisors, or others familiar with your passions and goals are preferred.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel that might consist of staff, faculty, and graduate students. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with staff and current scholars. Applicants will be evaluated based on a holistic review process of their applications, education/career goals, and aspirations.

Current Scholars

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Alumni Scholars

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Staff

FAQ

1. If I have additional questions, who should I contact?\
2. Please contact the program coordinator Edgar at eabeas@ucsd.edu
3. Can I do summer school or take summer courses and do this program?
4. Scholars are required to do 35 hours a week of a faculty mentored research experience during the summer, therefore summer school is not allowed.
5. I already have a UCSD faculty research mentor that I've been working with, can I still apply to this program?
6. Yes
7. I am a freshmen or senior, can I still apply?
8. Per our statewide efforts, every year new scholars need to have at least two years until they graduate from UCSD.
9. Are scholars given opportunities to present their research?
10. Yes, every summer scholars do a 15 minute oral presentation and then a research poster presentation in March at the UC LEADS Symposium.

Contact

Submit questions and inquiries to: ucleads@ucsd.edu

All eligible students are encouraged to apply. The UC LEADS program does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the selection process.

Non Discrimination Statement: In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories. More information about Proposition 209 can be found here. More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.

Programs for Undergraduate Students

• STARS
• UC LEADS
• GradAMP