LAEP

The Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) offers students paid research positions that may relate to their major, career goals, or the exploration of career options. LAEP is funded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to support underrepresented students with financial need. Participants in this program will be hired as Research Assistants and will be paid hourly wages to conduct research with UC San Diego faculty. You can learn more about the program and funding development at csac.ca.gov/laep. More information about the program at UC San Diego can be found at https://ugresearch.ucsd.edu/programs/laep/index.html.

Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled at least half-time at UC San Diego as an undergraduate student.
• Have demonstrated financial need.
• Are a CA resident.
• Are eligible to work in the U.S.
• Be in good academic standing with your school and major.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
• Priority will be given to eligible students who are first-generation college students, current/former foster youth, homeless, or at risk of being homeless. Further priority will be given to students who are majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline.

Find a Mentor
Students must have a faculty member who has agreed to be their mentor prior to finishing the LAEP application. Students are responsible for finding and contacting their own mentor, but the LAEP coordinator can help if you’re having a hard time. Start looking for a mentor early—be proactive!

• Students should reach out to potential mentors and discuss their project ideas before adding a faculty member’s name and email to the LAEP application.