Career Opportunities & Research Exploration (CORE): Success in College, Careers, & Community
WHAT IS CORE?
Career Opportunities & Research Exploration (CORE) is an experiential learning program out of the Calvin E. Bright Success Center, in partnership with UCM’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC). The purpose of CORE is to produce students who are successful in college, in their careers, and actively engaged in the communities they learn, live, and/or work in. CORE provides paid experiential learning opportunities for students to build, analyze, and apply the theories & models they learn in the classroom to solve real world challenges. We know many students learn best through hands-on experiences and the opportunity to reflect on their learning. We think students bring more to the classroom when they have real world experiences to draw upon.
CORE is designed specifically for the future demographics of higher education (low income students, first generation students, students of color, and those specialized student populations that remain in the margins of higher education). CORE emphasizes and promotes graduate school completion, paid experiential learning opportunities for students, and encourages students to consider choosing a career as a college administrator. The CORE program seeks to enhance the fields of student affairs & academic affairs by training & providing developmental experiential learning opportunities to UC Merced students so that they become the next generation of leaders at higher education institutions across the country.
WHY is CORE Important?
The CORE program will develop students who are successful leaders. CORE focuses on authentic leadership attainment to ensure that all students are successful in college, in their career, and in their communities.
CORE is based on a strong core belief that all students – no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or academic skill – can succeed. The CORE program is focused on one mission – student success in college, careers, and community. By participating in the CORE program students will be able to:
• Get accepted into a graduate program of their choice
• Attain meaningful employment within 6months of graduation
• Collaborate, communicate, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for success in every field of study and profession
• Become empowered & informed citizens
• Increase their radiating influence in the communities they learn, live, and/or work in
• Expand their positive influence on society
WHO is Eligible for CORE?
Any UC Merced student who is currently in good academic standing.
WHEN will CORE Happen?
In Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 UC Merced students will be offered the opportunity to enroll in one of the three CORE courses:
1. USTU 030 Research Skills (success in college)
2. USTU 090 Student Affairs (success in careers)
3. USTU 092 CORE Opportunity Fellowship Seminar (success in community)
Every student that is enrolled and actively participating in a CORE course will be eligible for a paid experiential learning fellowship during the 2025-2026 academic year.
