UC LEADS

Overview

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.

Application

APPLICATION

Due March 7, 2025

The application has three parts:

  1. Online application consisting of two (2) essays;
    • Research Statement: The current research statement should be a brief summary of your research experience (introduction, hypothesis, materials & methods, Expected/Actual Results). OR If you are not currently in a research lab, please list three (3) faculty with whom you would like to work. Please elaborate on why you would like to work with these faculty specifically. Please note, the Online application can be found on students MyUCLA account, under the Campus Life tab. 
    • Personal Statement: Please elaborate on all of the following topics: your family, education, your community background, your career objectives, factors which contributed to your decision to study science, your particular area of research interest, why you wish to participate in the UC LEADS program, and how your participation may help you achieve your career goals.
  2. One letter of recommendation
    • These should be on letterhead and emailed to ucleads@college.ucla.edu. The letter of recommendation does not require a cover sheet.
    • If you are currently in an on campus lab, you are strongly encouraged to request your LOR from your Principle Investigator(PI). If you are not yet in a research lab, we encourage a letter writer who can speak to your strengths as a researcher.
  3. Laboratory Training Certification