The UC Merced Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP), in partnership with K-12 school districts, implements five-week summer academies focused on mathematics, targeting incoming students in grades 5-8 to provide targeted academic front-loading interventions that support students' readiness for their sequential math courses. The goal is to ensure that students are placed in and successfully complete Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1, or Geometry or Integrated Math 2, before transitioning to 9th grade. The academies aim to increase the number of students who successfully meet and exceed the a-g subject course requirements, particularly in mathematics.
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Education will prepare middle school and high school students for college access and success. The seven-year GEAR UP project provides multiple academic activities and services for students through high school and their freshman year in college. It also provides extensive professional development for teachers and counselors.
Established in 2015, the UC Merced CEP’s Gateway Scholars Program is a privately funded program designed to provide students with ongoing academic advising to ensure that they successfully complete the required college preparatory courses (the “a–g” course pattern) to become eligible to apply to four-year colleges/universities. The Gateway Scholars Program’s primary purpose is to significantly increase the number of students from under-resourced schools who are prepared to enroll and attain a post-secondary education with a focus on subject-borderline students in need of early intervention.
The Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) was established in 2004 through a grant from the California Student Aid Commission. Its primary purpose is to empower parents to clearly understand how to help their children navigate the many issues related to financing higher education and attending a college or university.
In 2006, the UC Merced Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) received a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement the <strong>Talent Search Program</strong> at six schools in the San Joaquin Central Valley. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths from under-resourced backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. In 2011, the CEP was awarded three grants to serve three existing Talent Search Partnership schools and expand the program to Fresno High School and Roosevelt High School within the Fresno Unified School District (FUSD). In 2016, the CEP secured five grants and expanded the program to Edison High School and McLane High School in the FUSD, as well as Livingston High School from the Merced Union High School District.
Established in 2005, the Transfer Scholars Program works with high school students who are community-college bound and seeks to inform and advise them on aspects related to transferring from a community college to a four-year college or university.
The UC Scholars Early Academic Outreach Program (hereinafter "EAOP"), established in 2000, provides students with ongoing academic advising to ensure they successfully complete the required college preparatory courses (the "a–g" course pattern) for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU). EAOP students and their families receive the necessary information and services to prepare for postsecondary education, including assistance in college applications, college enrollment, and financial aid processes.
In 2007, the UC Merced Center for Educational Partnerships received a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch the <strong>Upward Bound Program</strong> and develop and implement solutions to address the low rate of students from Hoover High School and Sunnyside High School entering postsecondary institutions. The program expanded to Gustine High School in 2017. UC Merced CEP currently operates three Upward Bound Programs.
In 2017, the UC Merced Center for Educational Partnerships received a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch the <strong>Upward Bound Math and Science Program</strong> at Orosi High School, which was renewed in 2022. The program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science, and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in these fields, leading to careers in STEM fields.
In 2023, the UC Merced Center for Educational Partnerships received a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement the Veterans Upward Bound Program in the tri-county regions of Stanislaus, Merced, and Fresno. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.