Re-Entry Student Support
Quick overview
Who this is for: Students returning to school after time away—including students who are older, financially independent, parenting, or navigating a less common path to college.
What we offer: Scholarships for re-entry students, free resources and space in the STARRS lounge, and opportunities to build community.
Connect with us
Location: Bay Tree Building, Quarry Plaza
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Email: starrs@ucsc.edu
Appointments: Schedule via Slug Success
Welcome, re-entry students!
We’re glad you’re here. Whether you’re returning to college after working, parenting, caregiving, or pursuing other paths, your experience brings strength and perspective to the UCSC community. This page connects you with scholarships, spaces, and peer support created with you in mind.
Key programs and services
The Services for Transfer Re-entry and Resilient Scholars (STARRS) team offers Re-entry Scholar Programs to support students returning to college after time away, including specialized scholarships, a casual coffee chat series to build connections, and a welcoming lounge where you can study and hang out between classes.
Re-entry scholarships
STARRS offers scholarships specifically for re-entry students. These opportunities are designed to support your academic journey and recognize the resilience you bring.
OLLI Sylvia Miller Scholarship for incoming re-entry students:
- Up to $4,000 applied for the first year of your attendance at UCSC. Application will be open during Summer quarter.
Re-entry Scholarships:
- Up to $2,000 to be utilized for the following summer or academic year. This opportunity is open to all matriculated re-entry students enrolled during Winter quarter, who do not plan on graduating in Spring. Application will be open during Winter quarter.
Crankstart and Osher Scholarship:
- Details coming soon.
Re-entry Coffee Chats
Want to meet other students who are also older, working, parenting, or returning to school after time away? Join us for casual, welcoming Re-entry Coffee Chats to build community and share experiences.
Email starrs@ucsc.edu for upcoming dates.
STARRS Lounge
A welcoming space created with transfer and re-entry students in mind. All are welcome.
What you’ll find:
- Computer lab with FREE printing
- Microwave and fridge access
- Study and lounge spaces
- Personal care pantry
Where to find us: The STARRS Lounge is currently located in the Bay Tree Building (2nd floor) in Quarry Plaza. The lounge is open during the academic year, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Additional resources for re-entry students
Housing
- Redwood Grove apartments: Campus apartments for students 23 and older.
- Family Student Housing: Family-friendly apartments with on-site childcare.
- Community Rentals: Off-campus housing resources
More campus resources
Connect with our team
The staff behind STARRS and our Re-entry Scholar Programs are deeply committed to supporting students returning to higher education. Whether you need help balancing academic and life responsibilities, connecting with resources, navigating campus systems after time away, or just want someone to talk to who understands the unique journey of returning to school, we’re here for you. Our approach is student-centered, community-driven, and grounded in the belief that higher education can be transformative.
Reach out anytime—we’d love to connect.
Email: starrs@ucsc.edu
Our mission
The Re-entry Scholar Program’s mission is to teach students to use the knowledge and focus that they have developed through life experiences to enrich their education at UC Santa Cruz. By guiding students toward the resources and opportunities available to them, RSP aims to help students identify, fulfill, and exceed their aspirations.