The Cal-Bridge Program is a statewide collaboration between the California State University (CSU) system, the University of California (UC) system, California community colleges, and participating out-of-state institutions (e.g., the University of Arizona, the California Institute of Technology, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University). Cal-Bridge strives to increase underrepresented students’ representation and degree acquisition in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) PhD programs. Participating students receive extensive mentoring (meeting at least twice a month in their junior and senior years) from two faculty mentors: one from UC and one from CSU (home institution). Students also benefit from professional development opportunities focused on academic success and the graduate school application process. In addition, students can take advantage of research opportunities at participating undergraduate institutions and present their research at regional and national academic conferences.
