Become a Voice for Social Change

Come build the future in the heart of california

research.ucmerced.edu

the carnegie foundation ranked uc merced among 107 top universities in the country as "higher research" institution

the carnegie foundation ranked uc merced among 107 top universities in the country as "higher research" institution

You are coming of age in a world where change is happening at an unprecedented pace. You can lend your voice to local and global efforts no matter where on the planet you live. At UC Merced, you can find out what needs to be fixed, support your favorite cause and collaborate with the next generation of leaders.

"But Wait. I'm not an Activist."

Whether you’re a History, Biological Sciences or Mechanical Engineering major, or anything in between, there are many ways to add value to the world. At UC Merced, you’ll conduct research, learn theories and perform outreach, and discover the right fit for you.

create teachable moments for others:

UC Merced and community leaders teamed up for Merced County Project 10% in 2013 in an effort to help increase high school graduation rates. Still going strong today, our students relate their struggles in school and act as mentors to eighth-graders.

Learn about the country’s political climate first-hand:

In the UCDC program (@bobcatsindc), you can network with lawmakers, and attend debates and hearings during an internship in Washington, D.C. In 2018, Psychology major Jessica Teran Salazar, pictured below, served as a congressional intern for California Rep. Pete Aguilar. Jessica, who comes from a low-income immigrant family, said the opportunity gave her a chance to see change happen.

"But Wait. I'm not an Activist."

Whether you’re a History, Biological Sciences or Mechanical Engineering major, or anything in between, there are many ways to add value to the world. At UC Merced, you’ll conduct research, learn theories and perform outreach, and discover the right fit for you.

create teachable moments for others:

UC Merced and community leaders teamed up for Merced County Project 10% in 2013 in an effort to help increase high school graduation rates. Still going strong today, our students relate their struggles in school and act as mentors to eighth-graders.

Learn about the country’s political climate first-hand:

In the UCDC program (@bobcatsindc), you can network with lawmakers, and attend debates and hearings during an internship in Washington, D.C. In 2018, Psychology major Jessica Teran Salazar, pictured below, served as a congressional intern for California Rep. Pete Aguilar. Jessica, who comes from a low-income immigrant family, said the opportunity gave her a chance to see change happen.

18 research facilities, institutes and centers

18 research facilities, institutes and centers

research innovative ways to save the planet:

UC Solar, a collaborative made up of faculty and student researchers from nine UC campuses, is finding innovative ways to lower natural gas consumption to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. They’re currently developing green technologies that purify unusable water cheaply and efficiently without leaving a large carbon footprint.

meet others who say, "i want to help, too!"

UC Merced students who are motivated to make an impact join (and help form) clubs and organizations. Like the pre-dental students in the Project Smile Pre-Dental Club (@projectsmileucm): They work in clinics in Guatemala, and so far have helped provide free dental care to more than 3,000 Guatemalan children.

support a cause and volunteer:

For students in the Bobcat Eats Food Waste Awareness and Prevention Program (@bobcateatsfoodwasteprogram), the ability to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste has allowed them to have a direct effect on an issue — food security. In less than a year, the program has helped save more than 845,000 pounds of food — the equivalent of over 600,000 meals.