2009 UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced DegreeS (UC LEADS)

Application deadline is March 26, 2009.
Please Note: Continuation of the UC LEADS program is contingent upon funding availability.

Program Purpose

The UC LEADS Program is one of the most prestigious fellowships awarded by the University of California system. This program provides up to nine UCLA upper-division undergraduate students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with educational experiences that prepare them to assume positions of leadership in academia, industry, government and public service following the completion of a doctoral degree, preferably at the University of California.

UC LEADS funding comes in part from the State of California as part of the Student Academic Preparation and Educational Partnerships (SAPEP). The University of California's SAPEP programs seek to raise student achievement levels generally and to close achievement gaps between groups of students throughout the K–20 pipeline so that more educationally disadvantaged students are prepared for postsecondary education, to pursue graduate and professional school opportunities and to achieve success in the workplace.

As funding allows, each UC LEADS Scholar is provided with resources to conduct research, travel, offset fees in the academic year, and a stipend plus room and board in the summer. In addition, over the two-year period from July 2009 through June 2011, scholars will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in two summer research programs at a UC campus
• Conduct research with the guidance of a faculty mentor
• Attend and present research at the Annual UC LEADS Research & Leadership Symposium
• Travel to other UC campuses to discuss research and graduate study opportunities
• Attend an annual professional conference in your discipline
• Participate in campus workshops and specialized training

The summer experience at UCLA includes an intensive, personalized scientific writing course.

Please view the UC LEADS Program Book for additional information.

Program Expectations

Scholars are expected to complete the entire two-year program. The research objectives of the program are substantial and require a full-time student commitment. At the beginning of each academic year, scholars will be expected to develop a detailed plan of action with the guidance of their faculty mentor. The Action Plan will include information such as:

• Frequency of meetings between Scholar and faculty mentor (minimum of twice a month).
• List of doctoral programs to be visited, excluding summer research experience (must include at least one other UC campus).
• Scholar participation at regional or national professional or scientific meetings.
• Presentation of Scholar's work.
• Participation in at least two research experiences (one during the summer and one during the academic year) facilitated by or in cooperation with a faculty mentor.
• Confirmation of participation in the Annual UC LEADS Symposium (Scholars are required to do a poster presentation each year). View Sample Abstracts.
• Scholar's participation in fellowship-seeking or grant-writing workshops (second year only).
• List of graduate programs to which the Scholar intends to apply (second year only).
• Timetable for the proposed scholar activities.
• Budget Plan of estimated cost for the activities contained in the action plan.

Eligibility

A long-term goal of this program is to help broaden and expand the pool of academically talented young scholars committed to careers in university teaching and research. All qualified students are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, gender or national origin. Selection of participants will be based on academic merit and availability of appropriate faculty mentors. Special consideration will be given to applicants whose socioeconomic background, access to educational opportunities and other life experiences suggest that they would especially benefit from this type of program, and who demonstrate potential to contribute to the diversity and excellence of research and teaching in higher education.

• Applicants must be enrolled at University of California, Los Angeles, in an undergraduate degree program in the physical, life, or computer sciences; engineering; mathematics; physical anthropology, archaeology, geography, linguistics or experimental psychology. Transfer students are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants should apply prior to their junior year and/or should be on track to receive the baccalaureate degree at the conclusion of the second year of the UC LEADS program.
• Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• Applicants must have an interest in using the doctoral degree to promote diversity in science, engineering and mathematics fields; and demonstrate perseverance and commitment to educational achievement.
• Students who intend to pursue professional graduate degrees in management (MBA), law (JD), medicine (MD) or dentistry (DDS) are not eligible for this program.

Program Dates

UC LEADS is a two-year program encompassing two summers (in the form of summer research programs) and two full academic years. The first summer is spent at UCLA, the second is spent at another UC campus.

Award

Please Note: Continuation of the UC LEADS program is contingent upon funding availability.

During the summer research programs, UC LEADS Scholars will receive a minimum stipend of $3,000, plus room and board.

During the academic years, UC LEADS Scholars will have funds available to conduct research, travel, offset fees in the academic year and/or a stipend.

As a condition of acceptance into the program, participants will be asked to update information on their educational and career activities. This tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we be able to conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continued funding for the program. The information collected remains strictly confidential.

Deadline

All application materials and supporting documents must be postmarked by March 26, 2009 .

For Further Information Contact

Dr. Cherie Francis at cfrancis@gdnet.ucla.edu or (310) 206-2557.

How To Apply

A complete application must include the following components:

1. A completed Online Application Form.
    
2. One Letter of Recommendation (iPDF-164KB)
   Should be from a faculty member who can best assess your ability for scientific research.
    
3. An unofficial copy of your Undergraduate Transcript including Fall Quarter 2008 grades. Degree Progress Reports and URSA reports are not acceptable.
    
4. Your Personal Statement (iPDF-163KB)
    
5. Your Research Statement (iPDF-87KB)
   In no more than 500 words describe the academic area and research you would like to conduct research in if selected for this program.
    
6. Your Financial Statement (iPDF-175KB)
    
7. Verification of Your Financial Aid Package. If you are currently receiving financial aid, the program requires a copy of one of the following: your financial aid transcript, award letter or contract.
    
8. A copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
    
9. A Completed Application Verification Form (iPDF-165KB)
   It will be returned to you. To receive this verification, you must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

All documents must be submitted to:

UCLA Graduate Division
ATTN: UC LEADS Program
1252 Murphy Hall, Box 951419
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1419