• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and/or serving underserved communities, which may include the nominee’s research, work, volunteer, or lived experiences.
• Accepted admission to a UCLA PhD program for academic year 2026 – 2027.
• U.S. citizen, national, permanent residents, or undocumented students who qualify for nonresident supplemental tuition exemptions under AB 540.

• Advanced introduction to UCLA faculty and research
• Early mentorship from UCLA faculty and peers
• Advanced introduction to UCLA campus and resources
• Acquisition of critical skills through workshops and lectures, including grant writing skills through a draft grant research statement
• Community building with other incoming, first-year doctoral students and networking opportunities with Competitive Edge Alumni
• Summer stipend of $6,000

All Competitive Edge students are expected to participate in all Competitive Edge activities and programs including the Competitive Edge Welcome & Program Orientation and Program Closing. Any absences will result in a reduction of the student’s Competitive Edge summer stipend. Additionally, Competitive Edge Students are expected to adhere to the following:

• Meet with their assigned faculty mentor (virtually, in-person, via telephone) to agree upon both (1) the proposed summer research project and (2) accompanying draft research statement/overview for either the National Science Foundation (NSF) or Graduate Summer Research Mentorship (GSRM);
• Attend at least one UCLA Graduate Writing Center (GWC) consultation appointment for feedback on your draft grant research statement/ overview;
• Provide proof of California health insurance before the program start date;
• Schedule and attend weekly meetings with your faculty mentor to discuss your summer research project and draft grant research statement/ overview;
• Access online, virtual resources that provide information about life as a Graduate Student in UCLA and Los Angeles;
• Provide feedback on overall satisfaction of Competitive Edge  after the conclusion of the program;
• Remain aware of and communicate all academic and/or financial holds that may impede your ability to receive your summer stipend to the Competitive Edge Program Coordinators;
• Review all emails from Competitive Edge Administrators and respond in a timely manner, when requested; and 
• Any other expectations as determined by the Competitive Edge Advisory Board and Administrators.

All Competitive Edge Faculty Mentors are expected to be in-residence for the duration of the Competitive Edge program. Faculty mentors who are not in-residence for the entirety of the Competitive Edge Program are expected to engage with their student remotely through virtual or phone meetings. Faculty who do not meet with their student weekly may be released from their mentorship responsibilities and have their student assigned to another in-residence, UCLA faculty member within the department. As a Competitive Edge mentor, faculty commit to the following:

• Submit Faculty Nomination Letter during nomination period;
• Meet with your Competitive Edge Students at least once per week, in person or remotely, throughout the Competitive Edge Program to discuss progression on their student’s research progress as well as their draft grant research statement;
• Establish a high knowledge level of the Competitive Edge Program and its component parts;
• Attend both the Competitive Edge Welcome Breakfast and Closing Ceremony if program on-campus;
• Submit proposed summer research and mentorship plan specific to your Competitive Edge student during the nomination process;
• Review the program components and expectations for both Competitive Edge students and Faculty Mentors; and
• Agree that required, department trainings, orientation or other events will not conflict with any Competitive Edge programs or events.