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The Competitive Edge program is an intensive, six-week, full-time bridge program for newly admitted, entering doctoral students who have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and/or serving underrepresented communities. Each Competitive Edge Fellow will work on a summer research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Additionally, Competitive Edge Fellows participate in social and professional development activities to enhance their success in UCLA doctoral programs.
The Competitive Edge program offers research opportunities to its fellows by allowing them to explore and advance their specific areas of interest through faculty-mentored projects. The program focuses not only on research but also on promoting social and professional development activities that enable fellows to establish a network and access resources that can help them succeed in their doctoral program, irrespective of their area of study. Some of the examples of topics covered under professional development and social activities include overcoming imposter syndrome, writing successful grant and fellowship applications, financing graduate education, journal club, and ice cream mixers.
In assessing the impact of the Competitive Edge Program, a 2024 Competitive Edge Fellow shared “ I am very grateful for the Competitive Edge program. As a result of my involvement, I feel like I have a head start on my research and a thorough understanding of the many available campus resources. Most importantly to me, I feel supported by my cohort and the Competitive Edge program facilitators, helping me reach the confidence to take on large challenges and find my place in my field.”
The 2025 Competitive Edge program will be held in-person at the UCLA campus.
All Competitive Edge Fellows 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 Fellow’s Competitive Edge summer stipend. Additionally, Competitive Edge Fellows are expected to adhere to the following:
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 Fellow remotely through virtual or phone meetings. Faculty who do not meet with their Fellow weekly may be released from their mentorship responsibilities and have their Fellow assigned to another in-residence, UCLA faculty member within the department. As a Competitive Edge mentor, faculty commit to the following:
Nominations will take place through your home academic department. Please contact your Student Affairs Officer (SAO) if you are interested in being nominated. All participants must have a faculty mentor during the summer prior to their enrollment to be considered for nomination.
Erika Salazar (she/her/ella)
Manager, Diversity & Outreach Initiatives
askgrad@grad.ucla.edu
Last updated: April 2025