The UCSB-Smithsonian Scholars program provides low-income/1st generation college students from UCSB and the local community colleges with research experiences and introduces them to a scientific community early in their academic career to prepare them for research at the university or other institutions. At Santa Cruz Island select students will embark on a multi-day field training with UCSB and Smithsonian research staff who travel regularly to the islands for their work. Students will be learning about ongoing research projects, endemic species monitoring, visiting restoration sites, and learning to communicate science to the general public.

Approved