The Graduate Division at the University of California, Santa Barbara is proud to launch UCSB GRAD EDGE (Engagement and Development for Graduate Equity) — an eight-week summer bridge program designed to support incoming doctoral students from California State University (CSU) campuses as they transition into UCSB graduate study.
Funded through the University of California’s Growing Our Own initiative, UCSB GRAD EDGE strengthens doctoral recruitment and persistence by providing early research engagement, structured mentorship, and community-building prior to the start of the academic year.
While UCSB regularly enrolls high-potential students from CSU campuses — particularly those with HSI and BSI designations — doctoral admission rates for many CSU applicants fall below the campus average. UCSB GRAD EDGE addresses this gap by providing an early research immersion and structured transition experience prior to the start of the academic year.
The 2026 pilot cohort will support ten incoming doctoral students in a summer residency running July 12 – September 4, 2026.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
UCSB GRAD EDGE is an intensive 8-week summer residency beginning on July 12th 2026. The program will support 10 incoming doctoral students.
The experience is structured around three core pillars:
Each GRAD EDGE Fellow will:
- Begin a defined research project
- Work under the direct mentorship of a faculty member in their home department
- Develop essential research skills
- Gain early acclimation to graduate-level expectations
This early engagement allows students to build research momentum before the fall quarter begins.
Fellows will participate in a curated workshop series designed to demystify the doctoral experience, including:
- Navigating the graduate school environment and “unwritten rules”
- Building strong mentorship networks
- Creating an Individual Development Plan (IDP) Time management and research productivity
- Wellness and sustainable academic practices
- Career exploration within and beyond the academy
This programming is intentionally designed to strengthen institutional literacy and doctoral readiness.
UCSB GRAD EDGE emphasizes connection and belonging.
The program will:
- Build a strong peer support cohort
- Reduce early feelings of isolation
- Connect students with campus partners and resources
- Establish networks before the academic year begins
Participants will enter the fall quarter with an established scholarly community and support system.
FELLOW SUPPORT & FUNDING
Each UCSB GRAD EDGE Fellow will receive:
- Summer housing in San Clemente Villages (4 Bedroom - Option)
- A $1,000 stipend covering summer meals
- A $5,000 GRAD EDGE Fellow stipend
This financial support ensures fellows can fully engage in the summer residency experience.
Program Expectations for GRAD EDGE Fellows
All GRAD EDGE Fellows are expected to fully participate in all program activities, including the GRAD EDGE Welcome & Program Orientation and the Program Closing Research Symposium. Because GRAD EDGE provides a funded summer residency experience, full engagement is required. Absences may result in a reduction of the Fellow’s summer stipend.
In addition, Fellows are expected to:
- Meet with their assigned faculty mentor (virtually or in person) prior to and at the start of the program to (1) define the proposed summer research project and (2) develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) outlining goals for the first year of doctoral study; (3) Prepare an end-of-program oral presentation for the GRAD EDGE Research Symposium;
- Schedule and attend weekly meetings with their faculty mentor to discuss research progress and academic transition planning;
- Attend and actively participate in all weekly professional development workshops and designated campus engagement opportunities designed to introduce key resources for graduate student life at UCSB;
- Complete required pre- and post-program surveys, as well as periodic feedback assessments during the program and follow-up surveys during the first year of doctoral study;
- Remain aware of and communicate any academic or financial holds that may impede receipt of the summer stipend to the GRAD EDGE Coordinator;
- Monitor and respond in a timely manner to all official GRAD EDGE communications.
Program expectations for GRAD EDGE Faculty Mentors
The success of UCSB GRAD EDGE relies fundamentally on the partnership and commitment of faculty and academic departments.
Faculty mentors commit to:
- Nominating an accepted doctoral applicant
- Holding regular meetings during the 8-week summer residency
- Providing active research mentorship
- Assisting fellows in preparing their end-of-program oral research symposium presentation
- Collaborating with the fellow to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Supporting continued academic and mentoring development during the subsequent academic year
This model allows faculty to invest early in high-potential doctoral scholars and strengthen long-term mentorship relationships.
UCSB GRAD EDGE is open to:
- Incoming UCSB doctoral students (PhD track)
- Students admitted for the 2026–2027 academic year
- Students who have completed a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree at a California State University campus with HSI or BSI designation
Eligible students will be identified through departmental collaboration and nomination processes.
A faculty member must submit a nomination form for each recommended student.
The nomination should address:
- A clear justification for the nomination, including why the student would benefit from participating in GRAD EDGE
- How the student’s research interests align with or can be supported by the department
- A justification for the selection of the proposed faculty mentor
- A plan for providing continued academic and/or mentoring support during and after the summer bridge program
Faculty mentors must be available to meet regularly with and support their mentees throughout the full eight-week program.
Departments are strongly encouraged, but not required, to obtain a brief statement of interest from prospective students to help inform the nomination.
- Nomination period opens: January 21, 2026
- Preferred deadline: February 28, 2026
- Final deadline: March 15, 2026
- Nomination review: Early March 2026
- GRAD EDGE offers sent: Early–mid April 2026
- Student decision date: Late April 2026
- Final cohort confirmed: Mid–late May 2026
Nominations will be reviewed beginning March 1st. Departments may nominate more than one eligible student.
Our Commitment
UCSB GRAD EDGE represents a strategic pilot investment in strengthening equitable doctoral pathways across California’s public higher education systems.
By investing in early research immersion, mentorship, and community-building, the program aims to:
- Enhance doctoral persistence
- Strengthen research confidence
- Increase long-term scholarly success
- Deepen institutional collaboration between the CSU and UC systems
The partnership and commitment of faculty and departments will be essential to ensuring this initiative establishes a meaningful and sustainable pathway for incoming doctoral students.
CONTACT
For additional information about UCSB GRAD EDGE, please contact:
Sebastian Lopez-Padilla (he/him/el)
GRAD EDGE Coordinator
graddiv-gradedge@ucsb.edu