OFP aims to promote scholar engagement in experiential learning projects that generate new knowledge and facilitate skills development to enrich the academic, personal, and professional growth of UC Merced scholars. In addition to completing an experiential learning project, OFP scholars also enroll in a required 1-unit class as part of the program that links their academic interests with project goals and career planning.

About the Program:

•  Experiential learning projects are completed in partnership with various faculty, departments, and units across UC Merced.
•  The experiences are project-based and may not replace or replicate existing student employment positions.
•  Participating faculty, departments, and units design projects and designate a mentor to guide and support the OFP fellow.
•  The experiential learning project must have defined deliverables.
•  OFP scholars are expected to dedicate 8-10 hours per week to their experiential learning projects and must enroll in a required 1-unit class in either the fall or spring semester.
•  OFP experiential learning projects are expected to be completed within the 2024-2025 academic year and will run from September 2024 through April 2025.
•  OFP scholars will present the culmination of their projects during an OFP showcase which will take place in late April 2025.
•  Upon successful completion of all OFP requirements, the scholars will receive a fellowship (up to $7,200) awarded through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.