The UC Computing Transfer Scholars Program is a National Science Foundation-funded program focused on creating a culturally affirming space for current city college students interested in pursuing computing majors at any UC campus, with primary support for those intending to transfer to UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley. The program provides targeted support for underrepresented students transferring to computing majors from two-year institutions. We promote a sense of belonging and validation while offering the resources needed to succeed in STEM disciplines.

*Computing majors include: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cognitive Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, and Technology and Information Management.

We aim to provide:

A community of support

We aim to build a supportive community for transfer students interested in UC computing majors by fostering connections with current UC students, faculty, and staff.

Student connections

​Our program offers monthly virtual workshops led by the program coordinator and current UC students, focusing on resources to support prospective computing transfer students. Participants also have opportunities for one-on-one meetings with current UC students, known as peer educators, who share their perspectives and experiences navigating resources for transfer students intending to major in computing.

Guidance navigating transfer resources

The UC Computing Scholars Program uses an innovative, cohort-based model that centers on the experiences of students in computing disciplines. By integrating culturally affirming academic preparation, peer and faculty mentorship, and community-building activities, the program fosters a sense of belonging and STEM identity. This holistic approach to support and retention addresses the challenges faced by underrepresented students in STEM, and serves as a model for other institutions seeking to improve retention and success among underrepresented groups in computing-focused STEM majors.

Upcoming events

Stay in touch

Meet the team

Program Coordinator

Kenya Alas

• Title
  • UC Computing Transfer Scholars Program Coordinator
• Department
  • Educational Opportunity Program
• Campus Email
  • kealas@ucsc.edu

Student Affairs Specialist

Carmen Cherrelle Robinson

• Title
  • Director, Student Success
• Department
  • Physical & Biological Sciences Division – Dean’s Office
• Campus Email
  • crobins3@ucsc.edu

Assessment Coordinator

Kip T Tellez

• Title
  • Professor
• Department
  • Education Department
• Campus Email
  • ktellez@ucsc.edu

Peer Educator

Nirja Rajesh Basawa

• Campus Email
  • nbasawa@ucsc.edu

Lead Faculty

Seshadhri Comandur

• Title
  • Professor
• Department
  • Computer Science and Engineering
• Campus Email
  • sesh@ucsc.edu

Narges Norouzi

• Title
  • Teaching Professor
• Campus Email
  • nanorouz@ucsc.edu

Jose Renau

• Title
  • Department Chair
• Department
  • Computer Science and Engineering
• Campus Email
  • renau@ucsc.edu

Alvaro Cardenas

• Title
  • Professor
• Department
  • Computer Science and Engineering
• Campus Email
  • alacarde@ucsc.edu

Leilani H Gilpin

• Title
  • Assistant Professor
• Department
  • Computer Science and Engineering
• Campus Email
  • lgilpin@ucsc.edu

Daniel Juon Fremont

• Title
  • Assistant Professor
• Department
  • Computer Science and Engineering
• Campus Email
  • dfremont@ucsc.edu

Marcella M Gomez

• Title
  • Associate Professor
• Department
  • Applied Mathematics
• Campus Email
  • mgomez26@ucsc.edu

Community college partners