OVERVIEW
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.
Each UC LEADS Scholar is provided with resources over the two-year period to:
- Receive funding to conduct research with the guidance of a faculty mentor during the academic year
- Participate in two summer research programs at UCLA and another UC campus
- Learn about research and graduate study opportunities other UC campuses
- Attend and present research at the Annual UC LEADS Research & Leadership Symposium
- Annually attend a National Conference to present research findings
- Participate quarterly in journal club and leadership training seminars
- Participate in professional development seminars and workshops
- Participate in quarterly group social activities
ELIGIBILITY
- Physical Sciences or Engineering major (beginning 2014 the UCLA UC LEADS program is no longer admitting Life Science Majors)
- Educationally and/or economically disadvantaged
- Interested in research and have identified a research lab
- Seasoned UC sophomores or rising junior standing. Since this is a two-year program, UC LEADS scholars must be available to spend one summer performing research at their home campus and a second summer performing research at another UC campus.
- Intending to pursue a PhD in a STEM field
- In good academic standing in undergraduate degree program with a 3.0 GPA minimum
- Able to demonstrate potential for success in a graduate program
- US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or AB-540 status
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Maintain full-time status, each quarter, during the duration of the program
- Attend and present research at the Annual UC LEADS Research & Leadership Symposium
- Annually attend a National Conference to present research findings
- Participate quarterly in journal club and leadership training seminars
- Participate in group social activities
SCHOLARSHIP/FUNDING
- Academic year scholarships up to $6000
- Summer Research Scholarship up to $5000
- Scholarships disbursed at the beginning of each quarter
- Financial Aid. *Scholarships are awarded through the UCLA Financial Aid Office. if you are receiving financial aid, your package may be adjusted to ensure you do not exceed your financial need.
APPLICATION
- 2025 Application deadline: March 7, 2025
- The application can be accessed as a Survey on MyUCLA under the “Campus Life” tab. See the Application page for more information
CONTACT
ucleads@college.ucla.edu
Visit the UC-Wide UC LEADS webpage for more information about the program.