BLUM OPPORTUNITIES
We fund undergraduate and graduate students to join our research/action teams, intern with anti-poverty community organizations, conduct their own research projects with community partners, and engage with other initiatives that advance meaningful community-oriented change. Our current programs are described below. Please contact us at blumcenter@ucsc.edu to learn more about these and other opportunities.
Blum Research/Action Teams
In collaboration with our community partners, the Blum Center designs and conducts cutting-edge, scaleable research projects. UCSC undergraduate and graduate students are integral to these projects, assisting with all aspects of the research process from study design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination. Our Research/Action Teams work collaboratively with their teammates and our partners, and gain invaluable skills along the way. Learn more about our paid student Research/Action teams at Blum Center projects.
Blum Internships: Addressing Poverty and Inequality in Santa Cruz County
This program provides undergraduate students with paid opportunities to contribute to the vital work of organizations addressing poverty and inequality in Santa Cruz County, and to develop skills and gain valuable experience while doing so. Blum interns also meet periodically as a cohort with Blum staff for skills-building, mentoring, and to share experiences and insights from their placements. See the guidelines and application form will be posted for Summer 2024 in early spring 2024.
Check out the inspiring short video presentations on the internship experiences.
Blum Scholars Grant Program
This program provides individual grants to undergraduate and graduate students to complete student-designed community-based research projects that address poverty, social enterprise, or participatory governance in the U.S. or abroad. Projects are to be completed during the summer months (June to September) under the sponsorship of a community organization. Students must return for at least one quarter after completing their project and participate in a public event highlighting their work. The award serves as a stipend to help cover transportation costs, lodging, and meals. See the guidelines and submission form here: 2023 Call For Proposals. The submission deadline for 2023 has passed.
See the final presentations from our 2020 Scholars here.
View a list of past Blum Scholar Research recipients (2015-2020) here.
Basic Needs Innovation Fellowships
This program provides grants for undergraduate or graduate students to pursue their own projects to advance economic, food, and housing justice on our campus. Projects may include research and/or other activities to better understand students’ basic needs, to develop or strengthen existing basic needs services, or to connect students with those resources. Next call tba.
For information about past fellowship projects, click here.
Social Enterprise Fellows
Have a great idea for advancing the public good? Proposals are considered (contingent on funding availability) on a rolling basis. Contact us at blumcenter@ucsc.edu