About the program

Be a voice for UC students

Through virtual monthly meetings led by UC staff, Ambassadors will learn about advocacy and the legislative process, and the critical role that advocates play in advancing UC’s mission with lawmakers. Working with UC advocacy teams, Ambassadors will come to understand how state and federal legislation and policies — including the budget process — impact the University.

Ambassadors who meet key program criteria will be eligible to join advocacy trips to Sacramento and/or Washington, D.C., with their allowable travel, lodging and food expenses covered. During these events, Ambassadors will meet directly with legislators and their staffs – bringing the UC student voice to our state and nation’s capitals!*

What Ambassadors do

• Work with UC advocacy teams to understand how state and federal legislation and policies—including the budget process—impact the UC system.

• Increase student awareness and participation in the UC Advocacy Network.

• Encourage student action on state and federal advocacy campaigns. Ambassadors help mobilize students and others to get involved in digital campaigns that support University priorities.

• Share outreach strategies and best practices with other Ambassadors.

• Ambassadors who meet key program criteria will be eligible to join advocacy trips to Sacramento and/or Washington, D.C. advocacy trips where they will meet directly with legislators and their staffs.*

• Participate in a program kick-off call to take place on December 1, 2023, and 1-hour virtual monthly meetings running from January-June 2024. Optional office hours will also be available for Ambassadors to further connect with program staff.

At the end of the program, Ambassadors will:

• Have a deeper understanding about state and federal legislative processes.

• Understand how grassroots advocacy campaigns are developed.

• Feel prepared to participate in legislative advocacy meetings and events.

• Gain resume-building experience in public affairs and advocacy.

• Be able to apply news skills outside of the Ambassador program!

Qualifications

• The UCAN Student Ambassador program is open to all University of California undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

• No prior student government or advocacy experience is required.

• You must be able to attend the virtual kick-off call and virtual monthly meetings, and commit at least 10 hours per month for outreach and engagement activities.

Applications for the 2023-2024 program year are now closed. Applications will reopen summer 2024.

For more information, please contact Sarah Crowe.