UCLA Samueli Senior Class Gift: Diversity and Inclusion

We are the UCLA Samueli class of 2018 and we stand for diversity and inclusion in engineering. The CEED Summer Bridge program recently lost its 35 year-long housing contract, so the class of 2018 will leave its senior gift to supporting this crucial program that ensures the retention of our peers. 

The 2018 Senior Class Committee is raising funds for UCLA Samueli CEED (Center for Excellence in Engineering Diversity) Summer Bridge, a program dedicated to preparing incoming freshman and transfer students of underrepresented minorities for the rigors of being an engineering student. This program addresses the high attrition and low retention rates of underrepresented and minority students across all college campuses, and very successfully prepares students to achieve high levels of success in their engineering disciplines. UCLA has one of the highest retention rates for underrepresented engineering students (75%, compared to a national average retention rate of 40%) in Engineering because of the program. 

This school-sponsored program recently lost its 35 year-long housing contract, causing expenses to nearly double. With an increased cost in the program, combined with initiatives to increase the number of underrepresented students, retention rates for students are at risk of dropping. 

As our 2018 class gift, we are leaving our legacy by helping to ensure the retention and graduation rates of our underrepresented students through the continuation of CEED Summer Bridge by raising $10,000 to cover the increased cost. 

Our gift of $10,000 ensures a successful college career for over 100 fellow Bruin Engineers from underrepresented backgrounds.

Inspired by classes that came before us, we too have chosen to leave our mark on the school before we graduate. The UCLA Samueli Class of 2018 gift will solidify our legacy as the class that rose to the challenge, and stood for diversity and inclusion in Engineering. 

$20.18 can fund one day for one student in the four week Summer Bridge program. 

 C.E.E.D., founded in 1983, is the first program of its kind at any college or university. What better way to leave your legacy by honoring one of UCLA Samueli's proudest legacies? 

By making a gift, you are inspiring others to follow suit. If every graduating senior made a gift of $20.18 we could reach our goal. Your gift could make all the difference.