P2
Office of the President
TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE:
DISCUSSION ITEM
For Meeting of July 20, 2022
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN THE SUMMER
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The University’s public service mission includes a broad range of activities organized by the UC
to serve state and local communities; students, teachers and staff in K-12 schools and community
colleges; and the public in general. These programs not only strengthen our teaching and
research missions, but also enliven and support the communities we serve and provide positive
connections to the University for Californians from across the state. Community engagement
programs include academic year and summer academic enrichment, arts and lecture programs,
and student-or faculty-initiated community service projects, among others.
Though many of our undergraduate students may be away from our campuses during the summer
months, UC’s impact on the communities we serve doesn’t slow down. This discussion focuses
on select systemwide community engagement programs that provide summer academic
experiences for California students. Summer academic enrichment for California students helps
to improve academic performance, advance student learning, build bridges in a range of
communities, and engage students in the intellectual life of the University.
BACKGROUND
UC campuses and locations are vibrant sites of inquiry in the summer, hosting thousands of K-12
students through a variety of programs, workshops, academic camps, and residential programs
developed in collaboration with schools and communities. Among these are:
• California Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS): Offered at four
campuses (Davis, Irvine, San Diego, Santa Cruz), COSMOS is an intensive four-week
summer residential program for students who have demonstrated an aptitude for
academic and professional careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) subjects. Talented and motivated students completing grades 8-12 have the
opportunity to work with renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art
facilities while exploring advanced STEM topics far beyond the courses usually offered
in California high schools. Through challenging curricula that are both hands-on and lab
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND -2- P2
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
July 20, 2022
intensive, COSMOS fosters its students’ interests, skills, and awareness of educational
and career options in STEM fields.
• UC Natural Reserve System (UCNRS): The UC Natural Reserve System is a library of
ecosystems throughout California. Most of the State's major habitat types are represented,
from coastal tidepools to inland deserts, and lush wetlands to redwood forests. The NRS
offers outdoor laboratories to field scientists, classrooms without walls for students, and
nature’s inspiration to all. Within UCNRS, programs such as Adventure Risk Challenge
empower underserved youth through transformational literacy, leadership, and outdoor
experiences.
• University-Community Links (UC Links): One of UC’s Student Academic Preparation
and Educational Partnerships (SAPEP) programs, UC Links is a collaborative network of
university and community partners. UC Links brings young people from underserved
California communities together with university students in collaborative digital and
hands-on learning activities. University faculty and their students work closely with
community leaders to develop engaging programs specifically designed to serve the
needs of local young people. UC Links programs take place at various localities
throughout California and include academic year and summer programming.
Guide to Acronyms
COSMOS California Summer School for Mathematics and Science
SAPEP Student Academic Preparation and Educational Partnerships
UCNRS UC Natural Reserve System
UC LINKS University-Community Links
