The UCSB SACNAS Career Pathways Program is currently accepting grant applications for travel/experience dates through June 30, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis and awarded on a rolling basis and as funding sources permit.
Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for these grants to support opportunities including, but not limited to:
- Attending or presenting at scientific conferences (e.g., SACNAS, SHPE, NSBE, APS, AAAS, etc)
- Visits to graduate school programs
- Group visits to job shadow at a company
- Other career and professional events
Selected students are eligible to receive up to $1,000 throughout their time at UCSB.
To receive priority consideration, please submit your application at least 4 weeks prior to the event.
Program Details
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All currently enrolled full time UCSB STEM majors
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US Citizens or Permanent Residents
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Priority will be given to students who are low-income, first generation and/or identify as being from a group underrepresented in their discipline
Selection Criteria:
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Potential for substantive professional development and/or career learning
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Impact of the award to finance and enable engagement in the opportunity
Once awarded, set-up a Zoom meeting with Carli Ruskauff (cnsi-csep@ucsb.edu) to discuss your travel/experience plans, allowable expenses, and documentation needed for reimbursements.
Sharing about your experience with your peers is a vital component of the SACNAS Career Pathways Program. You will be required to complete a Post-Experience Packet comprised of:
- Images/pictures from your experience
- Short summary review of your experience
- Quote/s
The images/pictures and quotes may be posted on CSEP social media, website, as well as archived for future viewing, with your consent.
Set-up a Zoom meeting with Carli Ruskauff (cnsi-csep@ucsb.edu) to arrange travel/event reimbursements.
Participant Experiences
"I am a first generation college student, now graduate student, and my trip to Cornell University had many firsts. I flew on a plane by myself for the first time. I saw my first snow storm. And I met my cohort at the Applied Mathematics program for the first time, who were very friendly. It was comforting seeing other women who were having a positive experience and to meet faculty who gave a strong impression that they were dedicated in supporting diverse group of students while also advancing mathematics. None of this information could I have found on the graduate programs website, which made the trip very worth it before committing! Because of my visit, I decided to pursue my PhD in Applied Mathematics at Cornell University. The SACNAS Career Pathways experience allowed me to meet my academic community for the next 5 years, which was a critical aspect I was weighing in during my graduate school search."
- Emily Lopez | Mathematics BS | 2022 Admitted Students Welcome - Cornell Center for Applied Mathematics
"The majority of my time was either spent attending workshops, attending booths, or presenting my research poster. Likewise, I also spent a good chunk of my time networking with fellow students in the field or working professionals in similar positions that I want to be in. I certainly gained new, profound confidence when speaking to other students or professionals. Likewise, the ability to network with someone at such an event. I believe an event like this is suitable for all sorts of students - students conducting research, first/second years still figuring out whether they want to pursue industry or research, and third/fourth years who already have a solid idea of their path. There are all sorts of opportunities for everyone at this conference. I found profound motivation to continue my studies and defy the odds as an underrepresented student in STEM."
- Ezequiel Contreras Martinez | Physics BS | 2022 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference
"This conference provided me with an amazing opportunity to present my research to a diverse group of individuals at different moments in their scientific careers, have stimulating conversations with other STEM professionals, and discuss interesting ideas and aspirations I personally have with others who provided me with great advice and encouragement. I was also able to learn a lot about potential graduate schools that I might be interested in attending and speak to representatives about programs their schools or companies offer that would be beneficial to improving my personal and professional skills. Additionally, I feel extremely grateful to have attended this conference in Puerto Rico where I had the amazing opportunity of being able to immerse myself in the culture and explore the beauty of the local area! This experience allowed me to converse, exchange ideas, and generate creativity and inspiration with other STEM individuals, and it overall helped me to gain confidence in my skills as a researcher and future graduate school student."
- Madison Cohen | Microbiology BS | 2022 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference
"My trip to UC Berkeley was an amazing experience. I toured Berkeley's School of Public Health and met with the program manager and a student currently in the program. Both answered all my questions and made me feel like I belonged at Berkeley. I was also able to connect with the DREAM office, an organization on campus who specializes in supporting underrepresented students in public health. As a first-generation student from a low-income background, I know how jarring it can be to relocate to a new environment. This opportunity allowed me to get familiar with the area, which I did not do before coming to UCSB. I was able to meet so many people who I know I can turn to in times of need. I would highly recommend visiting the school you're interested in as it could make or break your decision! This experience reinforced my decision to get my master's and demonstrated that I am on the right path with many people supporting me along the way."
- Abraham Soto | Biology BA | UC Berkeley- Tour of the School of Public Health
