UCAN Ambassador Application 2025-2026

Through virtual briefings led by UC staff, Ambassadors will learn about advocacy and the legislative process, and the critical role that advocates play in advancing UC’s mission with lawmakers.

More detailed information about the program, as well as Ambassador roles and program qualifications, is available here.

Applications are due October 31, 2025.

1. Name *This question is required.

2. Email *This question is required. This question requires a valid email address.

3. Tell us about yourself

What does your UC education mean to you? Why are you proud to be a UC student? *This question is required.

4. Leadership

Describe an example of a leadership experience in which you positively and proactively influenced others, overcame an undesired outcome, achieved something you found meaningful or contributed to a successful group effort. *This question is required.

5. Advocacy experience

As a UCAN student ambassador, one of your top goals will be to get more students involved in advocating on behalf of the University of California.

Walk us through a time when you engaged in grassroots advocacy. If you haven’t, what strategies, resources, or networks would you use to mobilize students (consider engagement through digital means, on-campus opportunities and/or through partnerships with organizations you have connections with)? *This question is required.

6. Advocacy proposal

Draft a brief powerful paragraph persuading federal legislators not to cut federal funding for Pell Grants or another federal program or fund that you or someone you know relies on. Be specific about why the program matters and the impact losing this funding would have on students, communities, and the nation.

Hypothetical: UCAN will launch a campaign to contact federal legislators to urge them to reject proposed cuts. UCAN will alert its network of nearly 65,000 advocates, post on its social media accounts to increase awareness, and ask partner organizations to elevate with their networks and thereby expand the reach of the campaign. The key to success is maximizing the volume of advocates reaching out to lawmakers.

What would you do to publicize, encourage participation in, and expand the reach of that campaign? Please consider both in-person and digital tactics in your response. *This question is required.

7. Social media engagement

A personal presence on social media is not a program requirement. However, UCAN operates in the digital space and has a significant social media presence.

Do you have a history of engagement on social media through your own accounts or other organizational accounts? What are some past examples of engagement and what was the purpose? How do you measure the success of social media engagement? Please feel free to share past examples of the creative use of social media either for personal or professional purposes. *This question is required.

8. Student organizations

Please list what student organizations you are involved with on campus, and what leadership role(s) you have in them, if applicable. *This question is required.

9. Commitments

Please list any other on/off-campus commitments such as volunteer groups or employment. You don’t need to re-list information already provided. *This question is required.

11. Graduation year

Eligible applicants must not graduate earlier than Spring 2026 *This question is required.

12. Major *This question is required.

14. What kind of student are you? (check all that apply)

First generation
Pell Grant / Cal Grant / Middle Class Scholarship recipient
Veteran
Transfer
Other: Please enter an 'other' value for this selection.

15. 10 hours per month commitment

The time commitment varies from month to month. Program participants should expect to attend one-hour monthly meetings, spend one hour with campus government relations staff, and spend 3-5 hours tabling on campus or attending events. There will be additional events and activities suggested and led by you and your fellow Ambassadors! *This question is required.

I affirm that I will be able to commit 10 hours per month to the UCAN Ambassador Program should I be selected, and that I will be responsive to calls or emails regarding the selection process in the coming weeks.

16. Acknowledgement

The UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) is the grassroots advocacy community jointly managed by the State and Federal Governmental Relations teams for UC Office of the President. The UCAN network is a diverse network of alumni, students, parents of students, staff, and other stakeholders interested in the success of the University. Advocates lend their voices on key University budget and legislative priorities that are determined by the UC Board of Regents and UC leadership. As such, UCAN does not engage on priorities not expressly approved by the Regents, President, or other University leadership, nor can it endorse or support political candidates or organizations. *This question is required.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the roles and responsibilities of UCAN student ambassadors.

17. How did you hear about the UCAN Student Ambassador Program? (check all that apply)

You’ll receive email updates from the UC Advocacy Network. You can unsubscribe at any time.

UCAN Student Ambassador Application