The Stacey Nicholas Office of Outreach, Access, and Inclusion (OAI) in the Samueli School of Engineering at UCI was established in 2015 to recruit, retain, and graduate talented students from historically excluded populations who are currently underrepresented in engineering. We provide a supportive environment for students to excel and feel a sense of belonging on campus.
Additionally, we house and support organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and MAES: Latinos in Science and Engineering. Our mission is to ensure that every student in engineering feels connected and has the resources and support they need to thrive.
Your generous donations last Giving Day have allowed us to expand and amplify our work. For example, more students were able to benefit from attending national conferences offering them valuable opportunities to network, gain exposure to cutting-edge research and innovations in their respective fields, gaining access to internships and job opportunities, and overall contributing to their professional development. We were also able to expand our tutoring services and offered more scholarship opportunities to low-income students.
Students’ testimonials on their attendance to national, professional conferences:
“Thank you so much for providing funding for our members! This is one of the biggest events we have been to. This event facilitated major personal and professional growth and we’re thankful for being able to have access to it.”
“This was an invaluable experience where I received so much information and knowledge about the industry. It really opened my eyes to how the industry works.”
Students’ Testimonials on What OAI Means to Them:
“When I think of OAI, I automatically think about the amazing group of supporters and the welcoming community they introduced me to. OAI to me is a safe place where I can ask questions and not be afraid to challenge the answer. It’s the place where I learn the most through my peers and tutors.”
“OAI has been one of my #1 supporters, even before I transferred to UCI, with the office's unwavering dedication towards the development & success of underrepresented groups. It's incredibly empowering to witness the extra mile staff & tutors will go to assist students.”
“OAI is a place I know I can always go to for help. The staff is so kind to help guide me through any academic/personal challenges I have.”
Your Giving Day gift to OAI will ensure that students receive support such as mentoring, tutoring, professional development, scholarship assistance, research opportunities, and resources for freshman and transfer students adapting to their transition to UCI. With your help, we can ensure the success of our students and create a lasting impact on their educational journey.
Photo taken at the Hike Social Event with the NSF’s S-STEM Scholars.
Photo taken at the SHPE National Convention in Salt Lake City, on Nov 2023 with the UCI SHPE chapter members.
