UC Irvine Giving Day

The Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) Center at UC Irvine strives to cultivate a community of authentic student leaders who aspire to develop innovative, student-initiated outreach and retention programs that foster critical dialogue, mentorship and shift the educational paradigm to improve college access, readiness and retention rates for historically marginalized communities in higher education. SOAR is a dynamic space that empowers student scholars through praxis to advocate and develop a transformative and equitable educational environment where students can use their education as a vehicle for social impact.

This Giving Day, your gift to the SOAR Legacy Fund will help SOAR support the following initiatives:

SOAR Laptop Loan program - A student-initiated program that began in 2021 due to the financial adversities low-income students faced during the pandemic. Providing students with laptops allows us to meet the needs of a hybrid learning environment at UC Irvine. This program is a continuation of that legacy to continue supporting the technological needs of students experiencing financial hardships. With a growing number of students in need of laptops, we at the SOAR center are hoping to meet the increasing demand and ensure equitable access to essential academic resources that enhance academic success. This year, we are fundraising for 2 brand new laptops to support students across campus.

SOAR Snack Cart – Another vital resource within our center. It offers students convenient access to snacks between classes, helping them stay energized and focused throughout the day. Supporting the Snack Cart ensures that students have access to basic nutritional resources that contribute to their overall well-being and academic performance. 

This Giving Day, support students by supporting SOAR!

Testimonials

“I really love the laptop loan program because I am taking a chemistry lab, and I am required to use a laptop. So, if it wasn't for this program, I wouldn't have had a laptop for class.” – Melanie (2024)

“The program has been great. Really glad that SOAR has this program for students. I didn't have a laptop for a long period of time because it wasn't a priority compared to other expenses. So having this laptop was helpful to complete assignments outside of class and outside of school. I think the program is great . . .” – Sheila (2024)

“I’ve really appreciated this program because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to have access to a computer” – Marina (2025)

Thank you for supporting the Student Outreach and Retention Center this Giving Day!