UC Computing Transfer Scholars Program
The UC Computing Transfer Scholars Program is a National Science Foundation-funded program focused on creating a space for current community 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 students transferring to computing majors from two-year institutions. We foster a sense of belonging and validation while providing the resources necessary to succeed in STEM disciplines.
*Computing majors include: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cognitive Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, and Technology and Information Management.
How to get involved:
Prospective transfer students: Community college students planning to major in computing can connect with UC peer educators for mentorship and advice on transferring. The program also offers workshops to support your transfer journey. If you would like to be added to our monthly newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events, please fill out this form.
Admitted Fall 2025 UCSC transfer students: Our UCSC Transfer Computing Scholars Cohort application for admitted Fall 2025 students is now open. We will select 40 transfer students to participate in our free support program for computing majors. If selected for our cohort experience, you’ll receive personalized coaching, ongoing mentorship, and you will join a welcoming transfer community of future engineers and peers. If you’d like to be considered for our transfer cohort program, please fill out our application below.
Application deadline: Friday, August 8, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.
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 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 students in STEM, and serves as a model for other institutions seeking to improve retention and success among students 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
Student Affairs Specialist
Carmen Cherrelle Robinson
- Title
- Director, Student Success
- Department
- Physical & Biological Sciences Division – Dean’s Office
- Campus Email
Assessment Coordinator
Kip T Tellez
- Title
- Professor
- Department
- Education Department
- Campus Email
Peer Educator
Nirja Rajesh Basawa
- Campus Email
Lead Faculty
Seshadhri Comandur
- Title
- Professor
- Department
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Campus Email
Narges Norouzi
- Title
- Teaching Professor
- Campus Email
Supporting Faculty
Jose Renau
- Title
- Department Chair
- Department
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Campus Email
Alvaro Cardenas
- Title
- Professor
- Department
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Campus Email
Leilani H Gilpin
- Title
- Assistant Professor
- Department
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Campus Email
Daniel Juon Fremont
- Title
- Assistant Professor
- Department
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Campus Email
Marcella M Gomez
- Title
- Associate Professor
- Department
- Applied Mathematics
- Campus Email
Community college partners
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Learn about all of the resources available to transfer students.
Meet with an advisor, get connected to helpful academic programs, and explore FAQs.
UCSC strives to create an environment in which all students can succeed. We are committed to helping all students graduate, graduate in good time, and thrive academically.