Office of Outreach, Access and Inclusion (OAI)

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.

 


See what people are sharing about UC Irvine Giving Day 2025!
Office of Access and Inclusion Fund Donor Map
Rank State Gifts
1 NONE 0
1 AA 0
1 AE 0
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Early Bird Challenge
Event
Early Bird Challenge
Thanks to a generous gift from UC Irvine Foundation trustees Gary and Melanie Singer, donors will be chosen at random to unlock an additional $500 for the school, program or cause supported during the Giving Day Early Access Period (ends 11:59pm on April 21)!
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Engineering 120 Gifts for $100,000 Challenge
$25,000
Engineering 120 Gifts for $100,000 Challenge
Thanks to a generous commitment from an anonymous donor, every 30 gifts made to any Samueli School of Engineering initiative on Giving Day will unlock $25,000 in support for the school. Help us reach 120 gifts to unlock the full $100,000!
1 / 30 Gifts
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1965 Challenge
$1,965
1965 Challenge
In celebration of UC Irvine's founding, the 1,965th gift will receive $1,965 in matching funds for the school, program or cause supported from UC Irvine alum and trustee, Terry Godfrey ’86 and Steve Godfrey!
163 / 1,965 Gifts
Leaderboard
Brilliant Future Challenge
Thanks to a generous commitment from UC Irvine Foundation trustee Julie Hill, the top-3 schools with the largest growth in donors over last year's Giving Day will share a bonus prize of $5,000!
Rank Prize School % +/- Goal
1 $2,500 Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing -39.47% 23
goal: 38
2 $1,500 School of Social Sciences -91.67% 3
goal: 36
3 $1,000 School of Social Ecology -93.55% 4
goal: 62
4 Donald Bren School of ICS -95.12% 4
goal: 82
5 School of Humanities -95.52% 3
goal: 67
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Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at james.yokelle@uci.edu.

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