Access and Equity

Access and Equity Work

access and equity image

This work is committed to defining and building connections across campus and the region to create opportunities for students to enter the STEM workforce, with a focus on those historically underrepresented in the STEM fields. Efforts are designed to:

  1. Create clarity, connectivity, and flexibility through the design, development and implementation of systems, programs and alliances.
  2. Understand current student population characteristics and how they inform organizational practice.
  3. Explore trends in persistence and retention, as well as future workforce needs and strategically respond to changes

The Avenue Model

The Avenue system is designed to serve high-potential, low-resource students who possess and demonstrate commitment or potential for leadership to positively impact the elimination barriers that prevent full participation of women and those historically underrepresented in STEM careers.

This model is heavily reliant on partnership with area community colleges to streamline the transfer process, often referred to as the transfer maze.  

The Avenue model delivers a series of interventions and wraparound services, leveraging existing programs and fills gaps remaining in the transfer student pipeline. The Avenue model can be replicated and applied in other areas of the student’s journey throughout higher education. Learn more about supporting the Avenue Programs here.

students on lab tour

AvenueE - Engineering and Computer Science

AvenueE is designed to help community college transfer students smoothly transition to UC Davis, and ultimately, a career in engineering or computer science. The program was developed by UC Davis and founding corporate partner, Chevron, in collaboration with Los Rios, Peralta, San Joaquin Delta, and Contra Costa Community College districts. This program is designed for students who possess a demonstrated commitment or potential for leadership to positively impact the elimination of barriers that prevent full participation of women and historically underrepresented groups in Engineering and Computer Science.  This cohort based program provides industry tours, summer internships, mentorship, and research opportunities that strengthen the connection between coursework and application of engineering design principles.  The program is designed to develop passion for learning and research that will make the students innovators, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Learn more at: https://avenuee.engineering.ucdavis.edu/ 
biology students in a lab

Avenue B - Biological Sciences

In collaboration with the College of Biological Sciences, AvenueB is designed to help community college transfer students smoothly transition to UC Davis, and ultimately, a career in the biological sciences. The program was developed by UC Davis with generous funding from Genentech Foundation, in collaboration with Los Rios, Yuba, San Joaquin Delta, and Contra Costa Community College Districts.

Learn more at: https://avenueb.ucdavis.edu/
Medical students

Avenue M - Pathway to UC Davis School of Medicine

Avenue M is designed for undergraduates committed to addressing the health care needs of underrepresented and underserved populations, initially focusing on developing physicians committed to improving care for Black and Indigenous Communities. Avenue M seeks to eliminate the structural hurdles faced by students who possess a demonstrated commitment or potential for leadership to positively impact the delivery of quality healthcare to underserved communities, through a pathway program. Avenue M will leverage successful programs at the UCD core campus and UC Davis School of Medicine, eliminating barriers to entry, and enhancing the learning environment and academic success of students. Avenue M will engage in the following strategies: 

- Individualized course map to enhance success at UCD and UCDSOM
- Small group study skill development and targeted tutoring
- Consistent pre-health advising, including application preparation assistance
- Professional and academic mentoring by URiM faculty
- Cohort experiences outside the classroom with ancillary support
- Early and scaffolded research and clinical experiences
- MCAT preparation and financial assistance

AvenueM will address the biggest historical barrier for students: the costly and potentially intimidating transitions from community college to 4-year college to medical, residency, and practice. Currently in the design phase, Avenue M will create a seamless pathway to an MD degree for UC Davis.