The Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP) is an intensive, five-week on-campus summer research program. It is designed to enhance the academic experience of undergraduate students. SAEP is a landmark program on the University of California, Irvine campus under the School of Social Sciences. The decades-long program is a model of success that offers a rigorous research experience , ensuring their success. Participants receive 8 units of academic credit (P/NP) during Summer Session I.

The goals of SAEP are to:

• Strengthen analytical, speaking, and research skills that prepare students for graduate school, an honors thesis, Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), summer research and/or internship programs.
• Provide an orientation to graduate education and how to apply to graduate programs.
• Prepare participants for working with historically underserved communities through volunteerism, public advocacy, and internships.
• Offer participants three challenging academic courses: Graduate School Preparation and Professionalization, Research Methods, and Research Design

Participants will attend classes and weekly presentations by faculty, graduate students, SAEP alumni, and community leaders. Speakers will address various topics including graduate school preparation and professionalization, as well as life purpose and career goals.

SAEP is designed to be challenging but rewarding. It demands a five-week total commitment from all participants. It is best suited for students who are highly motivated, energetic, and strongly committed to a graduate or professional education. It provides a seminar-based intensive, cooperative learning experience for the cohort.

Participants are introduced to academic culture, the research university, and to the meaning of a graduate education. Having research experience while attending a research-centered school like UCI shows potential grad schools personal motivation and initiative.

SAEP participants reflect the diverse communities of California and the program encourages service and leadership. Applicants should plan on graduating no sooner than one full academic year following the completion of the program. Candidates will plan on staying at UCI for at least a year after completion of SAEP to take full advantage of all of the opportunities presented to them.

The more than 500 SAEP students from the past thirty years have gone on to win national scholarships, fellowships, and other major awards. Many continue to do research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) or the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) programs at UCI or complete an honors thesis. The majority of SAEP participants have graduated from or are currently enrolled in graduate programs, public policy and public health programs, law school, and teaching/counseling programs.

The School of Social Sciences has sponsored and administered this distinct undergraduate academic research program on the UCI campus since it launched in 1991. SAEP has drawn on the support of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Center for Educational Partnership, the Office of Financial Aid, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, the Office of Summer Sessions, the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor.

For further information please contact us at: saepuci@gmail.com