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Scholars

Scholars

UC Merced’s Opportunities Fellowship Program (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.

 

With 25 projects available across different faculty, departments, and units at UC Merced in Spring 2024, OFP was able to support 27 scholars during the initial launch of the program!

 

Scholar FAQs

 

To be eligible to receive an OFP fellowship, UC Merced scholars must:

  •  Be ineligible for federal financial aid.
  •  Have an "AB 540" exception and CA Dream Act on file.
  •  Have an EFC or student aid index equal to or less than the maximum to qualify for a Pell Grant ($6,000).
  •  Have sufficient financial need to receive the fellowship.

Yes! All eligible UC Merced scholars are encouraged to apply.

  •  Scholars: Participants will gain valuable experience and develop essential skills necessary to continue their growth as well-rounded individuals and professionals. OFP will also facilitate scholars' ability to make informed academic and professional choices while simultaneously building valuable connections within the campus community.
  •  UC Merced Faculty/Departments/Units: OFP will tap into the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of scholars within the UC Merced community. By involving scholars, UC Merced will benefit from enhanced services, new resources, and increased knowledge contributing to a more vibrant and engaged campus community.

All OFP scholars are expected to:

  •  Dedicate 8-10 hours per week to their experiential learning projects.
  •  Enroll in a required 1-unit class (either the fall or spring semester) and actively participate in the course.
  •  Meet regularly with their project mentors.
  •  Complete the project check-in surveys that will be administered by OFP staff.
  •  Make timely progress on their projects.
  •  Complete their projects within the 2024-2025 academic year.
  •  Present their project accomplishments during an OFP showcase which will take place in late April 2025.
  •  Respond to any communications from OFP staff in a timely manner.
  •  Contact OFP staff if they have any questions or concerns during the program.

Yes! Upon successful completion of all the program requirements, OFP scholars will receive a fellowship (up to $7,200) awarded through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

To participate in OFP scholars must be in “good” academic standing (overall GPA of 2.0 or above).

To submit your application for consideration, please complete the online form using the link below. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Maria Ramirez Loyola (mramirezloyola@ucmerced.edu) or Victoria Ordaza Garcia (vordazgarcia@ucmerced.edu).

  •  OFP 2024-2025: Link for scholar applications now closed.
  •  Deadline to apply for OFP: August 28th at 11:59 pm PST.