Advocacy Annual Events and Other Opportunities

The Pell Grant is the main way the federal government helps low-income students afford college, with more than 7 million students taking advantage of the grant each year to pay a portion of their educational expenses. Forty years ago, the Pell Grant covered more than 75 percent of a student’s four-year public college costs. Over time, disinvestment has eroded the value of the grant to around 28 percent.

The power of a great story can change the world. We need your help – your stories – to spread the word about why science matters. Help us remind Congress that now is the time to invest in science, that now is the time to Fund it Forward!

@scicoalition’s #FundItForward Student Video Challenge! Students, tell us how investments in fundamental science has impacted your work. The challenge is open July through mid-October. Learn more https://bit.ly/3hoGA47 #ThankstoScience #FundScience

Annually, students join campus leadership for advocacy meetings at the State Capitol to advocate for UC and share student experiences with legislators and their staff. 

Upper-class undergraduate & graduate students: Join us for a three-and-a-half-day program in DC to learn about Congress, the federal budget process, and effective science communication. Students will have an opportunity to meet with their Members of Congress or congressional staff. 

UCAN Student Ambassadors are students from across UC who represent student interests to state and federal government.  Ambassadors help influence state policies and budget decisions that impact UC, and work to ensure that state lawmakers hear and understand the student point of view.

All UC students from all majors are encouraged to apply! Applications are accepted late summer.