EOP Programs
Programs and resources that support your success
Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) offer support that goes beyond academics. From your first days at UCSC to life after graduation, we provide programs, services, and tools that build community, remove barriers, and help you thrive—personally, professionally, and academically.
IGNITE Orientation
Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Innovation, & Transforming Education
Start your UCSC journey with confidence. IGNITE is an extended orientation program for first-year freshmen and transfer students, combining multiple specialized orientation programs into one flexible, choose-your-own-adventure format.
What you’ll experience:
- Summer virtual workshops to prepare for college life
- Five-day fall on-campus experience
- Customizable programming that reflects your intersecting identities
- Social events and interactive workshops
- Connections with EOP, Services for Transfer Re-entry and Resilient Scholars (STARRS) and campus Resource Centers.
Student spotlight: “We were able to be experts at UCSC before class officially began. It was truly a life-changing experience.”
— Anna Nguyen, on the extended orientation experience
Ready to get started? Learn more and apply
EOP Ambassadors Program
Connect with peer mentors who understand your journey.
Our EOP Ambassadors are students like you who provide guidance, support, and insider knowledge about making the most of your UCSC experience.
Ambassadors help with:
- Navigating campus resources and getting involved in the EOP community
- Workshop facilitation on topics like time management and budgeting
- Graduate school preparation, including application processes, required exams, and personal statements
- Supporting prospective EOP students interested in learning about the UCSC campus
This program combines our previous Peer Advising Leaders and Graduate Preparation Services roles into one comprehensive support system.
Check our events calendar for workshops and peer mentoring sessions.
Textbook Access Program (TAP)
Financial support for essential course materials.
Don’t let textbook costs hold you back from academic success. TAP offers a quarterly voucher to help you access the materials you need.
Program highlights:
- $150 voucher per quarter for textbooks and school supplies, usable at the Baytree Campus Store
- Priority given to students who have exhausted other financial aid (but not required)
To keep your TAP award:
- Reapply each year
- Meet with an EOP academic counselor quarterly
- Attend one EOP academic event per quarter
Ready to apply? Submit your TAP application for 2025-26
EOP STEM Program
Support for science, tech, engineering, and math students.
Whether you’re declared, proposed, or exploring STEM possibilities, we’re here to help you thrive in STEM fields.
Our STEM support includes:
- Dedicated EOP STEM academic counselors
- Peer mentoring from upper-division STEM students
- RISE Scholars first-year experience (30-60 students/year)
- Workshops on STEM academics, career development, and wellness
- Connections to ACE tutoring, research opportunities, and more
Location: Physical Sciences Building, Room 214
Wellness Program
Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being.
Our Wellness Program promotes physical and mental health through inclusive activities designed specifically for EOP students.
We offer:
- Quarterly workshops and recreational activities
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Community-building events that foster belonging
- Partnerships with campus and community organizations
Check our events calendar for upcoming wellness sessions
This program was created through student advocacy and the passage of Measure 68 in the 2017 campus elections—a testament to the power of student voice in shaping campus resources.
Plan your finances with the Budget Grid
Managing your money is a key part of navigating college—especially when financial stress is a concern. The Budget Grid is a simple spreadsheet designed specifically for EOP students to help you plan your expenses each quarter, identify any funding gaps early, and stay on track.
