One of the most meaningful experiences students can have at UCSC is to engage in research that matters. Our unique project—No Place Like Home: The Affordable Housing Crisis Study of Santa Cruz—gives students a chance to participate in both research and community action, working with faculty and local nonprofits to address a critical issue. Students gain hands-on research skills while also working with community organizations and giving back to local residents.
The project is a cooperative effort led by the Critical Sustainabilities Project, the Center for Labor Studies, and Community Bridges, the largest nonprofit agency in Santa Cruz County. In the past two years, more than 150 UCSC students have participated in our “community-initiated, student-engaged” research, helping students build crucial skills for future careers in research and/or community action.
Your contribution will help expand our work into the summer months, providing students with paid research internships. Many students of modest means are not able to take advantage of unpaid research opportunities over the summer. Your contribution will help students conduct field surveys, analyze data, create outreach and multimedia materials, and build the bilingual project website, while also working with local parents and community leaders.
Giving Day is an opportunity for you to make a significant impact, together with other generous donors who will match funds during this one-day event. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to provide summer internships for 10 students, and every dollar helps! Please consider making a tax-deductible gift on Giving Day to help us continue to make a difference in the lives of UCSC students and the Santa Cruz community.
