Funding Opportunities for UCSC Students
We fund undergraduate and graduate students to join our research/action teams, intern with anti-poverty community organizations, conduct their own research projects with community partners, and engage with other initiatives that advance economic justice and meaningful change. Our current programs are described below. Please contact us at ceja@ucsc.edu to learn more about these and other opportunities.
CEJA Research/Action Teams
In collaboration with our community partners, the Center for Economic Justice and Action designs and conducts cutting-edge, scaleable research projects. UCSC undergraduate and graduate students are integral to these projects, assisting with all aspects of the research process from study design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination.
Our Research/Action Teams work collaboratively with their teammates and our partners, and gain invaluable skills along the way. Learn more about our paid student Research/Action teams at the Center for Economic Justice and Action projects page.
Please contact ceja@ucsc.edu if you are interested in getting involved!
CEJA Community Internships: Addressing Poverty and Inequality in Santa Cruz County
This program provides undergraduate students with paid opportunities to contribute to the vital work of organizations addressing poverty and inequality in Santa Cruz County, and to develop skills and gain valuable experience while doing so. Half of these internships will focus on women’s financial security, food security, and health equity. CEJA interns meet periodically as a cohort with CEJA staff for skills-building, mentoring, and to share experiences and insights from their placements.
This year’s summer internship program will run from June 24 to August 30, 2024. See the guidelines and application form here: Summer 2024 internship applications are due by May 7, 2024.
Learn more about our past 2023 cohort on our internship videos page.
Blum Scholars Grant Program
This program provides individual grants to undergraduate and graduate students to complete student-designed community-based research projects that address poverty, social enterprise, or participatory governance in the U.S. or abroad. Projects are to be completed during the summer months (June to September) under the sponsorship of a community organization.
Students must return for at least one quarter after completing their project and participate in a public event highlighting their work. The award serves as a stipend to help cover transportation costs, lodging, and meals. This grant program will not be offered 2024.
CEJA Basic Needs Innovation Fellowships
This program provides grants for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue their own projects to advance economic, food, and housing justice at UCSC. Projects may include research and/or other activities to better understand students’ basic needs, to develop or strengthen existing basic needs services, or to connect students with those resources.
Please check back for further information or reach out to ceja@ucsc for more questions or information.
CEJA Social Enterprise Fellows
Have a great idea for advancing the public good? Proposals are considered (contingent on funding availability) on a rolling basis. To share your ideas, contact us at ceja@ucsc.edu.