The Degree-Defining Experiences Program offers transformational learning opportunities for thousands of undergraduates in the form of experiential field courses and other activities outside the classroom.
As students, you seek out unforgettable experiences that make learning immersive and meaningful.
UC Santa Cruz has a longstanding reputation of utilizing its unrivaled natural setting to provide powerful hands-on learning experiences that have been shown to deeply impact students’ lives. Building on that success, the Science Division has launched the Degree-Defining Experiences Program, which is designed to inspire students in a way that forever changes how you see your time at UC Santa Cruz and your role in the world. This initiative aligns with University of California’s broader priority on real-world learning as a way to equip students with practical career skills.
The program, launched in Fall 2024, offers successively deeper levels of experiences: from introductory programs for first-year students like overnight visits to Lick Observatory, to intermediate degree-specific offerings—like promoting student interest and awareness of the process of research SCUBA certification—to more intensive opportunities like internships in cancer-bioinformatics research. A generous donation from the Helen and Will Webster Foundation launched the program, and additional funders have stepped in.
36
projects
during year two
$1M
in funding for
year two projects
2300
students
impacted in year one
Project Descriptions
UC Santa Cruz has long championed experiential learning. We now aim to elevate this tradition to new heights with a much larger number of new projects segmented into the following three tiers.
These programs are unique, innovative offerings from our various departments, student-success units, and faculty members. Some programs do not yet have specific information online. But please check back often, as we will add more details about how to get involved as that information becomes available.
Student Testimonials
Danissa Coffey
Oakes ’23, ecology and evolutionary biology
Field Methods for Large Marine Vertebrates
“It blew my mind that I was capable of doing so many things I never imagined myself being able to do, like being inches away from hundreds of elephant seals, and accomplishing my major goal of attaching satellite tags to elephant seals. Being part of this field class was by far the most impactful educational experience I’ve had so far.”
Joseph-Blue Sun
Cowell ’26, marine biology
ACCESS Diving Program
“When I got accepted to the ACCESS Diving Program, I felt really uncomfortable at first. A lot of the divers were very knowledgeable in the field, but most of the time I couldn’t really relate to them. My program leaders, though, really made me feel comfortable-not just with diving, but also with the idea of grad school. That was a huge takeaway for me. We often had two students paired with one leader, which created such a supportive environment. It was also powerful to see representation in the field and to be guided by people who were patient, encouraging, and understanding.”
Diego Carranco
Carson ’27, biochemistry and molecular biology
ACE and UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves Partnership for Field Experiences
“As a biochemistry major, my passion is uncovering the hidden patterns in nature and understanding the world around me. I felt that being in this environment would contribute to that in some way. The trip to Fort Ord that I participated in was an opportunity to connect more deeply with nature and learn about the microbiomes within it.”
Zimin Cohen
Porter ’26, molecular, cell, & developmental biology; bioinformatics minor
Treehouse Undergraduate Bioinformatics Immersion (TUBI)
“Through my participation in the Treehouse Undergraduate Bioinformatics Immersion (TUBI) project, I learned that I’m more interested in cancer biology and genomics than I ever expected. It sparked my interest in bioinformatics and also opened my eyes to cancer research as a whole. Before, I didn’t know what cancer research actually looked like in practice. I realized this is work that can genuinely impact people’s lives and this is the kind of science I want to do.”
Kai Monahan
Oakes ’25, art
Immersive Arts Research class
“Taking these courses and being part of this program has been genuinely life-changing for my artistic practice. It opened doors for me to understand site specificity and to connect my art with care for the natural environment, social practice, and politics. I’ve made so many meaningful connections and it’s really shifted how I approach my work and greatly influenced the direction I’m moving in now. I’ve also received opportunities like scholarships and grants as a direct result of my involvement in these programs.”
Bella Shamoon
Cowell ’25, ecology and evolutionary biology
Marine Ecology Field Quarter
“A degree-defining experience is something you carry with you—fond memories or meaningful experiences you take with you when leaving college. But also, more literally, it’s something that makes your entire time at an institution feel worthwhile.
Having an experience like Sitka, or some of the other programs under the DDE umbrella, can really change how much you value the education you’ve just gone through.”
How to Give
Students who engage in transformative experiences are more successful in their undergraduate careers, gain a strong sense of belonging in their fields of study, and develop deep connections with their faculty mentors, student peers, and the university. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all UC Santa Cruz students, regardless of their financial means, have pivotal experiences that give them the skills, confidence, and connections that they need to excel in their careers and to become change-makers in their communities.
Leadership
For further information or questions, please reach out to Amber Wyld, DDEP Program Manager.
What students are saying…
Undergraduates who participated in the program’s first year described how the experiences–from aquatic adventures and mountaintop stargazing, to lab work aimed at saving lives–have profoundly shaped their educational journey and career outlook.
