• PACE Program Transfer Application 2026-27

    PACE Program Transfer Application 2026-27

  • The PACE 2026-27 application is currently open for incoming, undergraduate transfers ONLY and will close August 6, 2026.

     

    We are so excited that you are interested in joining the Personal and Career Experience (PACE) Fellowship program for the 2026-27 academic year.

    The PACE programs provide AB 540 and CA Dream Act students opportunities to participate in an experiential learning opportunities (ELO), receive mentorship, professional development, and financial support. For the 2026-27 academic year, the PACE Fellowship Program will be housed under the Academic Internship Program (AIP). PACE Fellows will be required to follow AIP guidelines, including completeing a deliverable for each quarter they participate in the program. 

    Questions? Please view our PACE Fellowship Student Info Session on the USS website to learn more about the program, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process. We also highlight how the fellowship supports your academic and professional growth. 

    Watch Info Session Video Here: PACE Fellowship Info Session

    For additional support, please email us at undocu@ucsd.edu.  

     

    In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories. All eligible students are encouraged to apply. The PACE Fellowship Program does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process. 

    • More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.
    • More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.

  • PACE Fellowship Eligibility & Program Requirements

    You are eligible to participate in the PACE Fellowship Program if you meet all of the following: 

    • An undergraduate with current enrollment at UC San Diego for the current academic year in which you apply.
    • 2.5 UC GPA (incoming transfer excempt from this requirement) 
    • Ineligible for federal financial aid (e.g., Pell Grants, Direct Loans).
    • Have AB 540 California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption.
    • Have a California Dream Act (CADAA) Application on file. 
    • Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI) is equal to or less than the maximum to qualify for a Pell Grant ($6,600).
    • Demonstrate sufficient financial need.

    Don’t meet the PACE Fellowship criteria? Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to explore other available scholarship or fellowship opportunities.

     

    Fellows are responsible for completeing all requirements each quarter to remain in the Fellowship Program:

    • Commit 8-10 hours weekly to an ELO for the entire academic year.
    • Attend the in-person PACE Orientation in October.
    • Enroll in the AIP course for all three quarters.
    • Class is taken for 2 units and is for Pass/No Pass.
    • Complete a deliverable each quarter in accordance with AIP guidelines.
    • Submit Quarterly Program Assessments.

  • Ready to apply? Great! 

    Please be prepared to provide all of the following information:

    • Answer Demographic Questions
    • Submit a Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae 
    • Submit a screenshot of your 2026-27 Financial Aid Award Letter
    • Review ELO Guidelines
    • Answer 3 Short Essay Response Questions

    *If you are a person with a disability and need accommodations to complete this application or to participate in any of our programming, please contact undocu@ucsd.edu for assistance.

     

    Deadline to Apply:

    August 6, 2026

  • Eligibility Questions

    Students must be AB 540 and have a CA Dream Act application on file to join the PACE Programs. No exceptions.
  • Are you an AB 540 student?*
  • Are you receiving the aid form the CA Dream Act?*
  • Do you currently have DACA?*

  • Demographic Questions

    Please complete all required questions.
  •  -
  • Transfer Student*
  • Academic Year*

  • Required Documents

    Please submit your resume and/or ciriculum vitae and financial aid package below.
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  • If you are unsure as to how to access your financial aid package, here is a tutorial showing you how!

  • Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO)

    An Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO) is a hands-on learning experience that allows PACE Fellows to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world or professional setting. All fellows are expected to participate in the same ELO they select for the full academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring).

  • Guidelines for Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO):

    Participants in the PACE Fellowship Program gain hands-on experience by working under the guidance of a mentor at an on-campus host site. The Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO) is a central part of the program and helps students build professional skills, explore career interests, and apply what they are learning in real-world settings. Students can secure an ELO in one of three ways:

    • Build Your Own ELO: Students work with a faculty or staff mentor to design a customized experiential learning opportunity aligned with their interests and goals. Students should review the How to Find a Host/Mentor and Developing an ELO guides before starting. Once the ELO is agreed upon, the Experiential Learning Opportunity Template must be completed. 
    • Returning ELO: This option is for returning PACE Fellows who plan to continue with the same mentor and/or ELO. Students should confirm their continuation with their mentor and update any necessary details.
    • Select from the PACE Directory: Students can choose from a list of pre-developed ELOs curated by Undocumented Student Services from submission made by campus departments across campus. The directory will be shared after the PACE Application is submitted, along with instructions on how to apply and interview for the ELO they are interested in.

     

    All students must submit the PACE Application by August 6, 2026 and have a confirmed ELO and mentor by August 21, 2026 to fully participate in the program.

    If a student selected "I am unsure" option, you must email undocu@ucsd.edu and share this information in order for your PACE Fellowship application to be fully considered. If a student does not secure an ELO independently, they will be supported through the directory process. 

  • Please indicate your current plan for choosing your Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO):*

  • Short Essay Response Questions

    Please throughly read the questions below and provide thoughtful responses to each question. Please provide 4 to 6 sentences with as much detail as possible, as this will allow us to best match you with experiential learning opportunities and ensure that you are supported throughout the Fellowship year.

  • Click the "Submit" button to Submit your 2026-27 PACE Application. After you submit your application you will not be able to make changes to your application. 

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