Engaging Education Board of Directors
Engaging Education Board
“The work we do is based out of love and selflessness. We plant seeds while we are here for the future generations. We work to make higher education more accessible and affordable - not something that is unattainable”
-Ysabelle Habon, e2 CoChair 2020-2022
The e2 Board of Directors (BOD) is composed entirely of students, each representing a student-initiated outreach or retention program. The e2 BOD has full charge of its budget and is dedicated to developing initiatives that dismantle institutional barriers faced by historically underrepresented communities.
| Measure 10 | Measure 15 |
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| Engaging Education Program Fee | Community and Resource Empowerment Fee |
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This fee supports programming that addresses the low rates of recruitment, retention, and graduation of historically underrepresented communities in the university system.
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The portion of this fee that is governed by e2 funds current and future K-12 student-initiated outreach programs such as A Step Forward, ORALE, and Desination Higher Education.
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e2 is a space where students develop programs and campaigns that improve students’ lives and their communities. The all-student e2 Board of Directors (BOD) works collectively to identify barriers to success and takes action to create positive change.
For example, four e2 retention programs survey students each year to listen to their concerns and experiences. Based on this direct student feedback, e2 retention programs create effective resources for students such as study jams, professional development workshops, and self-care workshops.
e2 student-initiated outreach (SIO) programs reach out to youth throughout California to encourage and support them in accessing higher education. SIO programs host high school and middle school students on campus and tour schools throughout the state. The e2 SIO yield programs are more successful than any other outreach program at UCSC, including those led by career staff: e2 programs recruit and average of 60% of all participating high school students.
The e2 BOD plans ahead to improve the center’s services. For example, in 2023, the Board determined the need for spaces that would support community building. It contracted with an alum architect who worked closely with a student planning committee and over a 6-month period redesigned the e2 center, literally removing walls, setting up open working spaces and a lounge area, creating a space that honors student leadership.
Oct. 29In 2003, CA Legislators officially recognized Oct. 29 as e2 Day
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212Student participants in e2's JUSTICE program since 2013 |
125Prospective frosh attendants in SIO online panel |
2,200Student participants in e2 programs |
Future Planning
e2 BOD is able to respond to student needs because it sets aside funds to ensure the steady development of programs and the creation of new, innovative programs. For example, the renovation project described above, moved quickly from conception to completion due to the availability of pilot program funding.
Another example is the JUSTICE program, which brings incoming first year students to campus for an all-expenses paid, 8-day summer orientation program. JUSTICE offers an intensive academic course and life skills workshops that have proven to prepare new students for the rigors of college classes and the opportunities they can take advantage of. The alumni of JUSTICE excel in their first year, confidently exploring majors, campus programs, and jobs. The launch of the successful program was made possible by pilot program funding set aside by the e2 BOD ($80K).
“It's not just a decision about the present or folks there in the moment. This is also for future cohorts , creating longevity for the usage of the space, and creating new opportunities to be innovative.”
-Nelson Ramirez, e2 Board Representative 2022 - 2023
Currently, the BOD is developing its SIO programs by expanding the on campus tours that it offers middle, high school, and community college students and using its experiences to further develop its assessment and targeting of outreach efforts. This successful expansion and deeper understanding of how to serve youth from historically excluded communities is opening up partnerships with schools throughout the Central Coast. Responsible budget planning gives the BOD the ability to continuously and confidently imagine and achieve programs that shift to meet the changing needs of youth. Future planning supports the expansion of e2’s SIO programs by guaranteeing funding for upcoming years.
