EOP STEM

Your STEM community at UCSC

The EOP STEM program supports first-generation and low-income students pursuing—or exploring—majors in science, technology, engineering, and math. Whether you’re already declared, proposed, or still deciding, we’re here to help you thrive in STEM.

Connect with us

Location: Physical Sciences Building, room 214

Email: eop@ucsc.edu

Instagram: @eopucsc

Appointments: Schedule via Slug Success

Who we serve

All undergraduate students who are proposed, declared, or interested in a STEM major or minor—whether you started in STEM or switched in after enrolling.

Includes programs in:

STEM academic counseling

Meet with an EOP STEM academic counselor who understands your path.

We offer one-on-one support with:

Campus navigation and resources
Problem solving strategies
Coaching & referrals
STEM career development

Get started: Schedule via Slug Success

Peer mentoring

Learn from experienced STEM students.

Our trained peer mentors (3rd+ year students) can help with:

Academic skill building (time management, note-taking, study strategies)
Help-seeking strategies (office hours navigation, campus resources)
Support for test anxiety and imposter syndrome
Tailored guidance for your unique needs

When: Drop-in hours multiple times per week—no appointment needed!

Where: Academic Resources Center 216A (check in at the EOP Front desk for directions).

RISE Scholars Program

Rising, Inspiring & Science Excellence

RISE is a first-year experience for 30-60 frosh and transfer students in the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences (PBSci) who have EOP status.

Applications for 2025-26 are now closed.

RISE includes:

Bi-weekly peer mentor meetings
Two quarterly sessions with an EOP academic counselor
Mandatory community events each quarter
Access to STEM tutoring (ACE/LSS)
Research opportunities and professional development
A tight-knit community of fellow STEM students

“I never once felt lost as I knew that I had a solid support system.”
— Jonathan Green | Rachel Carson College | Molecular & Cell Development Biology

Student on bike smiling next to student sitting on bench

Workshops and events

Join us for quarterly workshops designed to build your STEM identity and academic success. Topics include:

STEM academics and study strategies
Professional development
Wellness and self-care
Career exploration

Open to both EOP and non-EOP students!

Additional STEM resources at UCSC

For engineering students

Baskin Engineering Excellence Scholars (BEES): Academic preparation and support for engineering majors.

MESA Engineering Program: Support for first-generation engineering students.

Computing Transfer Scholars: National Science Foundation-funded program for community college transfer students.

For science and math students

Science Excellence (Sci-X) Advising: Academic planning and seminars for first-year science and math majors.

For all STEM students

Academic Excellence (ACE) program: Interactive problem-solving sessions and peer mentoring program for STEM majors.

Department-specific advising

Get tailored support from your major department: