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 a comprehensive support program designed to empower engineering students who are committed to academic and professional excellence and seek opportunities to grow as leaders in fostering inclusivity and expanding access within engineering and tech fields. 

Our mission is to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to excel academically, professionally, and personally. Through a strong community and tailored resources, we foster an environment where students can thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in engineering. 

Our vision is to cultivate an inclusive engineering community where students have access to opportunities, mentorship, and professional pathways. By equipping them with the skills, innovation, and determination to solve global challenges, we empower the next generation of engineers to create lasting impact and advance engineering for the greater good. 

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

CMSP AvenueM is a community college to medical school pathway program that aims to reduce barriers to entry to medical and other healthcare careers. The program is designed for undergraduates committed to addressing the health care needs of Northern California’s urban, rural and remote populations, developing physicians committed to improving care for medically underserved communities. UC Davis School of Medicine will partner with three transfer institutions – UC Davis, California State University (CSU), Sacramento, and Cal Poly Humboldt – and a network of community colleges feeding into them, to establish this robust educational ecosystem. The CMSP AvenueM program provides support and mentorship to students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and geographically underserved communities.

Learn more at: https://avenuem.ucdavis.edu/