“A UC Santa Cruz education is a catalyst for change, empowering students to address society’s greatest challenges and to create a better future, for themselves and others. We are committed to providing our students with an unparalleled undergraduate education through hands-on learning experiences and cutting-edge research opportunities.
“From advancing sustainability initiatives to innovating in STEM and the arts, our graduates emerge as critical thinkers and changemakers ready to make a national and global impact. Our Student Success Initiative expands these opportunities, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive, lead, and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.”
Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive
At UC Santa Cruz, we empower students to succeed—academically, personally, and professionally. Through financial aid, experiential learning opportunities, and campuswide resources, we open doors to experiences that foster connection, well-being, and lasting success.
Your support of the Student Success Initiative fuels this mission. From ensuring that students have secure housing and food to providing mental health services and mentorship, your generosity transforms lives and drives social mobility, paving the way for a brighter future.
BY THE NUMBERS
Reducing financial barriers
$67M
raised (July 1, 2021— Dec. 31, 2024)
23,660 donors
(July 1, 2021— Dec. 31, 2024)
The Student Success Initiative provides scholarships and fellowships to ensure that undergraduate and graduate students can access transformative educational, research, and career-building experiences.
The Sabatte Family Scholarship was announced in September 2024 and is already helping 40 highachieving UCSC students fully focus on their studies and campus life. This $20 million scholarship fund will provide tuition and living expenses for about 40 talented students each year for the next 30 years, ultimately benefiting thousands of student scholars.
$7M donated by UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board of Trustees
(July 1, 2021–Dec. 31, 2024)
65%
of UCSC students receive some form of financial aid.
“I chose UC Santa Cruz for the quality education, research opportunities, breathtaking campus, and community. I am grateful for the Sabatte Family Scholarship because it relieves my financial stress. I will be able to focus on my academics without worrying about the financial aspect of my undergraduate experience.”
Christian Fajardo Hernandez (John R. Lewis ’28), Sabatte Family Scholar
Providing access to basic needs
40% more student housing by 2030.
When basic needs are met, students thrive. Stable access to food and housing empowers them to excel academically, build connections, participate fully in campus life, and embrace the full UC Santa Cruz experience.
Construction is underway for a new campus childcare center and housing complex for students with families. The family-student housing complex will accommodate approximately 330 people. Also underway is a new apartment complex on Delaware Avenue that will house up to 400 upper-division undergraduate students and more than 60 employees. The second phase of the Kresge College renovation will provide housing for 550 students.
UCSC is committed to providing 40 percent more housing for our students by 2030.
CURRENT HOUSING PROJECTS
to be housed in new family-student housing complex
Delaware Avenue complex
400 undergraduates
60 employees students to be housed at Kresge College phase two
Navigating campus life
56% of UCSC undergraduates are newgeneration students: the first generation of their family to attend college; Pell Grant eligible, meaning their family earns less than $45,000 a year; and/or from a background historically underrepresented in higher education.
As an EOP Ambassador and fellow first-generation student, I am excited to support and guide students toward success to help them reach their full potential.”
University life can be challenging, especially for students from lessresourced backgrounds. The Student Success Initiative opens doors to essential resources—mentor networks, peer support, and emotional guidance— empowering students to navigate and thrive at UC Santa Cruz.
The Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) support students who are historically under-represented in higher education with mentorship, academic support, and community. EOP Ambassadors empower their peers by connecting them to vital resources, leading workshops on academic and financial success, and fostering a strong support network at UC Santa Cruz.
UCSC’s athletic and recreation programs are essential to Slug success, providing access to fitness, wellness, and community- building activities that foster resilience and balance.
UC Santa Cruz Adventure Rec within the Department of Athletics & Recreation provides students with outdoor experiences that promote student leadership, social belonging, personal growth, and a sense of accomplishment through real adventure.
“The Nik Madsen Memorial Endowment for Whole Heart Leadership allowed me to participate in an eight-day raft guide training on the American River. I gained confidence as a leader while learning effective communication and decision-making in outdoor adventure settings. Pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, I discovered a supportive, inspiring community and had a life-changing experience. I’m eager to apply the skills, connections, and energy I’ve gained from this incredible opportunity.”
Some of the most transformative moments at UC Santa Cruz happen outside the classroom—through experiential learning and co-curricular opportunities that inspire growth and discovery.
Our goal is for every UCSC student to have the opportunity to participate in degree-defining experiences. Transformative gifts make this happen.
“Through the Transforming Futures program and the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program, I’ve been able to strengthen my leadership skills, build confidence, and expand my opportunities at UCSC. The support and community have empowered me to pursue my goals with determination and use my education to create a meaningful impact. These experiences have reinforced my ability to navigate challenges and thrive in new environments.”
Marianas
Fernandez (John R. Lewis ’25, sociology and legal studies)
Advancing diversity, impact, and social mobility
in the nation for racial and gender diversity in leadership (Women’s Power Gap Initiative, 2022)
Top 15 public universities in the nation for “making an impact”
(Princeton Review, 2024)
Ranked #18 national public universities with the greatest social mobility
(U.S. News and World Report, 2025)
national public universities for excellence in undergraduate teaching
(U.S. News and World Report, 2025) #12
Thank You
Your support of the Student Suc cess Initiative expands educational opportunities, enhances student well-being, and drives social mobility— empowering students to tackle the nation’s and the world’s greatest challenges. Learn more about how your gift is making a difference for Banana Slugs.
