California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP)

UCSD's CAMP Science Program offers support and advancement opportunities to underrepresented students seeking bachelor's degrees in chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, or other sciences.

Through CAMP, you can take advantage of events and services designed to meet the needs of a culturally and intellectually diverse group of students. Activities include workshops, research projects, meetings with faculty, social events, and more.

You are eligible to apply if you are both:

• A member of an underserved minority (African American, Chicano, Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander)
• and
• Majoring in chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, or other sciences

To apply, download an enrollment form (PDF) or link to the online form. You can join CAMP at any time of year.

CAMP activities and features include:

• Research opportunities: Link to details about the Summer Research Program.
• Field trips: Each quarter, the CAMP Science Program visits a local company, a research institution, or a lab on campus. During these field trips, you'll meet research scientists, learn about daily operations, and tour the facilities.
• Workshops: Throughout the year, CAMP offers informational and skill-building workshops. Topics include study skills and time management, careers in science, resume preparation, how to apply to graduate school, and summer research opportunities.
• Academic year research: See opportunities available through the Faculty Mentor Program.
• Coffee with faculty: Speakers at this quarterly event are faculty members who'll share research interests, career path tips, their experience as undergraduate and graduate students, current position, what it's like to be a professor/ scientist, etc. You're encouraged to ask questions and chat while you enjoy a hot beverage and pastry, courtesy of CAMP.
• Study break dinners: Spend time with your peers enjoying food (provided by CAMP), playing games, and learning about upcoming events and opportunities. This quarterly event provides a relaxed atmosphere for CAMP students to meet and exchange information.
• Book exchange program: This exchange fosters collaboration among CAMP members, who are encouraged to spare fellow participants the expense of purchasing textbooks. A master list of "needed" and "available" books is updated quarterly and sent to CAMP members near the beginning of the quarter.
• CAMP quarterly newsletter: Along with a list of services and upcoming events, the newsletter features student accomplishments, research fellowships, graduations, graduate school enrollment/ completion, honors and awards. Articles from students are welcome.
• Resource Room and computer room:
  • The Resource Room, University Center 411 ( map), is a place for CAMP students to study, hold meetings, or relax between classes. Here, you can check out materials from the AEP library to help you with classes and projects, and see bulletin boards for details about scholarships, conferences, research and career opportunities, graduate school, upcoming events, and more.
  • A computer room is also available with IBM and Macintosh computers and laser printers. Feel free to use these computers to write papers or prepare graphs for courses.
• Book scholarships: If you receive a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or significantly improve your GPA for the quarter, you are eligible for book scholarships of $150 to $200. You may receive 1 award per school year, and to satisfy eligibility requirements, you must be:
  • An active CAMP participant
  • Enrolled full time
  Note: At least 2 of the courses taken during your qualifying quarter must count toward major requirements.
  Link to the book scholarship application (PDF).

Mailing address:
CAMP Science Program
UCSD Academic Enrichment Programs
9500 Gilman Drive #0311
La Jolla, CA 92093-0311