Strengthening STEM Pathways

About CAMP at UC Davis

The California Alliance for Maximizing Potential, or CAMP, represents the University of California branch of the National Science Foundation. CAMP is focused on advancing inclusive excellence in STEM. The program is hosted on nine UC campuses, with UC Irvine serving as the lead campus for the California Alliance, known as CAMP Statewide. CAMP continues to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics pathways and serves all undergraduate students.

CAMP at UC Davis seeks to significantly increase the number of students matriculating into and successfully completing high-quality STEM degree programs. Emphasis is placed on transforming undergraduate STEM education through innovative, evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, as well as relevant educational experiences. The shared experience of building community and presenting research at conferences leads to positive impacts on persistence, social-emotional parameters and graduation rates. These combined strategies enable the production of well-prepared students who are highly qualified and motivated to pursue graduate education or careers in STEM fields.

CAMP at UC Davis aims to recruit and retain students in STEM majors, facilitate their academic success and encourage their transition to graduate study. Faculty-mentored research experiences play a significant role in the program and CAMP Scholars actively participate in research throughout the summer and the academic year.

CAMP at UC Davis offers two pathways for students as either Emerging Scholars or Research Scholars. The application below applies to both programs.

CAMP Research Scholars

Students accepted as Research Scholars receive stipends to conduct research with a faculty mentor. Stipend amounts range from $500 to $3,500 for the summer (determined based on options for summer programming) and up to $1,000 per quarter during the academic year. Research activities take place during the academic year or the summer.

Research Scholars with an active research position must conduct research, attend weekly professional development workshops, and meet regularly with the CAMP Program Manager for advising. 

CAMP Emerging Scholars

Students accepted as Emerging Scholars do not receive research stipends but participate in CAMP program activities such as tutoring, workshops, seminars, and field trips. 

CAMP benefits

• Faculty research mentors help students formulate their research interests and develop their research skills.  Faculty also write letters of recommendation for students applying to graduate school. Students gain extensive, year-round research experience, including help choosing a faculty research mentor.
• Students receive information on topics such as scientific communication, creating a scientific poster, and enhancing educational and communication skills through academic and professional development workshops and seminars.
• CAMP provides students with individual academic and holistic advising and coaching several times throughout the quarter.
• Students gain leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Students build their STEM research identities and profiles.
• Community-building experiences are offered to students with similar academic, personal, and professional interests.
• The summer research program offers students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor during the summer.
• Scholars receive quarterly and summer research stipends (CAMP Research Scholars only).
• Students participate in a UC-wide CAMP Symposium, the Undergraduate Research Conference, and other conferences and symposia.
• Participants are invited to attend graduate school field trips.

Program eligibility

To qualify for the CAMP program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Declare a STEM major
• Be a full-time, second-year or above UC Davis student in good academic standing (current UC Davis transfer students encouraged to apply)
• Have and maintain a 2.70 UC cumulative GPA
• Interested in research (previous research experience not required to apply)

Priority consideration provided to:

• First-generation college students (neither parent nor legal guardian earned a bachelor’s degree)
• Students with demonstrated financial need
• Students who intend to pursue a master's or Ph.D. degree
• Transfer students from a community college

This program is not open to students who intend to pursue professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, management, or law.

Expectations

The CAMP program sets high expectations for scholars. We offer extensive academic and research support throughout the year so students can maximize their potential and successfully reach their educational goals.

Scholars are expected to:

• Actively participate in all workshops, seminars, and assignments; utilize individual support services as appropriate; and maintain at least a 2.7 UC cumulative GPA or better and a full-time course load during the academic year.
• Spend a minimum of 8-10 hours a week in a research lab each quarter during the academic year and 30-35 hours a week during summer (if applicable).
• Present at the UC-wide CAMP Symposium at UC Irvine; the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference; and the Research Scholars Symposium (summer scholars).
• Conduct themselves in a manner that fosters collegiality, honesty, safety, and respect for self and others in accordance with the university’s Code of Academic Conduct and aspire to the goals outlined in the Principles of Community. Through active participation, students are expected to adhere to CAMP guidelines and be seen by faculty and their peers as models of excellence and personal integrity.

Information Sessions

Join us online to learn more about our programs:

Undergraduate Research Programs (URP) Information Session (Online)
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 5:10–6:00 p.m.
Zoom Link:
https://ucdavis.zoom.us/j/92122525887?pwd=zN5oielkeGm2vtp4UIPO66vgEsoRv6.1
Meeting ID: 921 2252 5887
Passcode: 573518

2025-26 application information and deadlines

Now accepting applications for summer research program. 

Apply by June 1, 2026.
Letter of recommendation for Research Scholar Applicants only due June 5, 2026. 

Application materials include:

• CAMP online application
• Personal statement
• College transcripts required for new, entering fall transfers only
• Letter of recommendation, required for Research Scholar applicants only, due Feb. 27.

Apply online now