Center for Undergraduate Research and Engaged Learning (CUREL)

Director: Gladis Herrera-Berkowitz Student Services Building #2106

• (951) 827-7389

engage.ucr.edu

As a unit within the Division of Undergraduate Education, the Center for Undergraduate Research & Engaged Learning provides transformative, high-impact programs that prepare students for academic, professional, and civic success. Through undergraduate research, leadership development, capital internships, community-engaged learning, mentorship, and specialized advising for prestigious scholarships and national awards, the Center equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in graduate education, competitive careers, and leadership roles.

Capital Internships (UCCS + UCDC) UC Center in Sacramento (UCCS) and UC Washington Center (UCDC) combine coursework and professional experience while living, interning, and attending classes in Sacramento or Washington, D.C.

Chancellor's Research Fellowship (CRF) The Chancellor's Research Fellowship (CRF) is a prestigious, competitive award that recognizes and supports exceptional undergraduate students engaged in faculty-mentored research and creative activities across all academic disciplines. Designed to cultivate the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders, the fellowship provides research funding, intensive professional development, and opportunities to strengthen leadership, mentorship, and service. Open to sophomore and junior students, the CRF prepares participants for success in graduate education, competitive fellowships, and research-driven careers while fostering a community of undergraduate researchers committed to advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to their fields.

Community Engaged Learning Community engagement allows students to conduct faculty-mentored research in the support of the community. Additionally, students can connect with on and off-campus departments and non-profit organizations for volunteer opportunities to help them engage in the community, and group service events.

EXCEL+ Career Readiness and Leadership The EXCEL+ Career Readiness and Leadership program is designed to assist UC Riverside students in articulating skills obtained through participation in courses, high-impact programs and extracurricular activities.

Global Career Accelerator An innovative, online experiential program offering students the opportunity to develop global competencies and gain real-world work experience. Participants collaborate with peers from 50+ countries on projects for leading companies like Spotify, Netflix, Intel, and the GRAMMYs. Students can earn up to 8 academic credits and 4 micro-credentials focused on key industry tools. The flexible, virtual format prepares students for success in today's global, remote, and hybrid work environments.

Mini-Grants CUREL offers mini-grants to enable undergraduates to participate in faculty-mentored research and creative projects of their own design as well as student travel to present their research at conferences. Prestigious Scholarships CUREL supports students in applying for national and international awards by providing guidance on these opportunities. Professional staff provides targeted writing support to students applying for prestigious scholarships/ fellowships, undergraduate research and journal submissions.

R’Courses 1 unit, S/NC course offerings facilitated by UC Riverside undergraduate students that design and lead their own original courses. Each course has a faculty instructor of record who provides mentoring and support behind the scenes. Students develop leadership skills, to innovate the undergraduate curriculum, and to promote democratic, experience-based education to campus.

Tilga Scholarship The Tilga Scholarship provides financial support to UCR undergraduate students pursuing unpaid internship opportunities. This scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers and promote equitable access to experiential learning. Ideal applicants will demonstrate a strong commitment to their professional development. Preferential consideration is given to students participating in the EXCEL+ Leadership and Career Readiness Program.

Undergraduate Research Journal The Undergraduate Research Journal is a multidisciplinary, student-led publication that showcases outstanding faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity from across the UCR campus. Guided by a Faculty Advisory Board, the Journal provides students with a unique opportunity to participate in the scholarly publishing process as both authors and editors. Each year, the Journal is published and celebrated during a spring quarter unveiling event that recognizes the exceptional achievements of UCR's undergraduate researchers and student editors.

Undergraduate Research Symposium The Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Symposium celebrates undergraduate research and creative activities across all disciplines at UC Riverside, and provides a positive learning experience for presenters and guests.

uResarch Portal The uResearch Portal is a one-stop shop for students to find opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored research, scholarship, and creative activities.