Supernova: Seeding Talent in Physics and Astrophysics to Prepare the
Next Generation Workforce in the Bay Area

Adriane Steinacker (Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics) and David Belanger (Department of Physics) have received a five year grant of $600,000 from the National Science Foundation with the goal of creating opportunities for talented but financially needy students to complete a baccalaureate degree in physics or astrophysics, a track that will ensure them high chances of landing a well-paid job with a broad range of choices.

Students will come from Cabrillo Community College, Hartnell Community College, De Anza College, and Foothill College and will be supported as they make the transition to UCSC. This represents a pool of students that may have never thought of a college degree as a real option. The program will thus be seeding the idea that obtaining a higher education degree is within their realm of possibility. The success that is envisioned for this first-generation of awardees will, in turn, act as seed for coming generations. Mentors for the program will include many faculty from UCSC as well as from the community colleges.