UCLA Cooperative Education Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a variety of cooperative education programs designed to enhance students' academic experience through practical, real-world application of their studies. These programs, spanning various disciplines and departments, provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and explore career paths.

The Essence of Cooperative Education

Cooperative education, often shortened to "co-op," is an educational approach that strategically alternates periods of classroom-based learning with periods of paid, practical work experience. This model, pioneered by Herman Schneider in 1906 at the University of Cincinnati, aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Co-op programs are particularly prevalent in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), offering students hands-on learning experiences while earning college credit and compensation. While some institutions mandate co-op participation, others offer it as an optional enrichment activity.

Benefits of Co-op Programs

Participating in co-op programs offers numerous advantages for students:

Relevant On-the-Job Experience: Co-op students gain practical experience directly related to their field of study.
Improved Academic Performance: The application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios often enhances understanding and improves classroom performance.
Career Opportunities: Many co-op students receive job offers from their placement employers, benefiting from a "try before you buy" arrangement.
Enhanced Resume: Even without immediate job offers, co-op experience significantly strengthens a student's resume, providing a competitive edge in the job market or graduate school admissions.
Financial Support: Co-op positions provide income that can help students finance their education without affecting their eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Cooperative Education Program

The Cooperative Education Program is a structured plan that allows undergraduate students to integrate academic study with practical employment in private industry or government organizations at the federal, state, county, or city level.

Key UCLA Programs and Initiatives

Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS)

PEERS is an intensive academic support program specifically designed for underrepresented and life-challenged students in the sciences. Founded in 2004 by Physics professor Charles Buchannan and Chemistry professor Dick Weiss, PEERS aims to promote academic excellence and increase retention rates among STEM students from backgrounds where STEM retention is typically below 50%.

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Addressing STEM Retention Challenges

While the absolute number of undergraduate STEM majors has increased in recent years, their proportion of the overall undergraduate population has decreased. This decline is occurring even as STEM job growth surpasses other employment sectors. Studies indicate that the lack of retention in STEM fields is not due to ability or motivation, but rather a loss of interest and feeling overwhelmed by demanding courses that focus on memorization rather than conceptual understanding. These issues are compounded by a lack of clear understanding among young people about what STEM professionals do.

Supporting Underrepresented Students in STEM

Retention rates in STEM are particularly concerning among underrepresented minority undergraduates. While underrepresented minority students are as likely as their white peers to choose a STEM major, their graduation rates with a STEM degree are significantly lower. To address these disparities, PEERS provides targeted support and resources.

The Treisman Model and Collaborative Learning

PEERS incorporates elements of the Treisman Model, a collaborative learning method developed by Uri Treisman to improve the performance of African American students in calculus. This model emphasizes collaborative learning and small-group teaching methods, fostering a sense of community and promoting deeper understanding of the material. Studies have shown that students engaged in collaborative learning perform significantly better than their peers.

Understanding the PEERS Student Population

PEERS students often face significant life challenges, as reflected in their higher average "Life Challenge Scores" compared to the general UCLA student population. Many are first-generation college students who lack the academic support structures enjoyed by their peers. Additionally, a significant percentage of PEERS students are female, highlighting the importance of addressing gender-related issues and cultural barriers to women pursuing education in science.

PEERS Mission and Values

PEERS fosters a collaborative environment where students work together on challenging problems designed to emphasize key concepts. The program emphasizes facilitation over traditional teaching, empowering students to learn from each other.

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The Value of PEERS Workshops

PEERS utilizes controlled studies to assess the effectiveness of its programs. Data indicates that PEERS students who participate in collaborative learning workshops achieve significantly higher grades in core science courses, resulting in a higher overall GPA. This improved academic performance leads to increased retention in science majors and faster graduation rates.

Facilitator Responsibilities

Facilitators play a crucial role in the success of PEERS workshops. They are responsible for staying current with course content, developing pedagogical materials, ensuring workshops meet student needs, and providing guidance and support.

Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity (CEED)

The HSSEAS Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity (CEED) is dedicated to creating a community of collaborative and sustainable partnerships that increase academic opportunities for urban, disadvantaged, and underrepresented students. CEED offers a range of programs and services, including:

Science and Mathematics Achievement and Research Training for Students (SMARTS): A summer program providing inquiry-based engineering, mathematics, and science enrichment for ninth to twelfth graders.
MESA Schools Program (MSP): A partnership with middle and high schools to implement services focused on outreach and student development in engineering, mathematics, science, and technology.
Hewlett-Packard Diversity in Education Initiative (HP-DEI): A collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District to implement mathematics/science reform in urban schools.
CEED Summer Bridge: A program designed to support underrepresented and disadvantaged engineering students as they transition to college.
Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW): Intensive workshops providing collaborative learning and facilitated study groups in mathematics and science.
Academic Advising and Counseling: Providing students with guidance and support to navigate their academic journey.
Tutoring: Offering academic assistance to students in need.
Career Development: Providing opportunities for students to explore career options and connect with industry professionals.
Student Study Center: A dedicated space for students to study, collaborate, and access resources.
OMEGA: A program that pairs engineering students with faculty mentors.

Student Organizations

CEED supports student chapters of several engineering organizations, including:

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES): Encourages American Indians to pursue careers in STEM while preserving their cultural heritage.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): Promotes academic excellence and provides support for black students in science and engineering.
Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists (SOLES): Promotes engineering as a career option for Latino students and provides academic and professional development opportunities.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Supports women in engineering and provides resources and networking opportunities.

International Cooperation Education (ICE) Program

The International Cooperation Education (ICE) Program connects students with summer internships and job opportunities overseas. Since 1971, ICE has facilitated placements for over 16,000 students in various roles across Europe, Asia, and South America.

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Opportunities Offered

ICE offers a diverse range of positions, including teaching English, engineering, office work, summer camp counseling, manual labor, hospitality, retail, child care, biotech, business, banking, computer programming, sales, marketing, organic farming, social work, accounting, and news. Some positions require knowledge of the local language, while others do not.

Program Support

ICE assists students with obtaining necessary work permits and visas. Applicants must be available to work during the summer months.

Additional Opportunities

Elective Reading Program

Geffen Academy's Elective Reading program offers students the chance to read freely and for enjoyment, an essential element of a complete education.

General Information

UCLA students are responsible for adhering to all University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as outlined in the UCLA General Catalog. The catalog provides detailed information about academic programs, course descriptions, degree requirements, and fees, which are subject to change without notice.

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