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Press Release
Stephanie Shook of San Diego has been awarded the first University of California Alumni “Change the World” Scholarship from UC San Diego Extension to pursue a certificate in urban planning and development.
All of the more than 1 million UC alumni are eligible to apply for merit scholarships of up to $5,500 to enter any continuing education certificate or special study program offered by UC San Diego Extension.
Shook, who earned her bachelor’s of science degree from UC Berkeley, is employed by the City of San Diego finance department. She was formerly with a large California home builder but was laid off during the recent economic downturn, which hit the real estate industry particularly hard.
“I researched the urban planning and development certificate offered by UC San Diego Extension, and knew this would help me transition into the area of redevelopment that I so desire,” said Shook. “I have been fortunate to work on bond financings for the City’s redevelopment agency.”
The UC San Diego Extension Scholarship Committee cited her “passion for transforming particular areas of blight into new, modern neighborhoods” and volunteer efforts with San Diego’s Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC).
All persons who have received a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree from any UC campus are eligible to apply by completing an online “Change the World” Scholarship form from the extension.ucsd.edu/scholarships Web site before the next deadline date of October 15, 2009.
What does it mean to change the world? The definition is purposely broad, and can range from cultural enrichment to regional economic development. UC San Diego Extension is looking to reward alumni with the promise and potential to improve the quality of life in San Diego, and beyond. In the application essay, potential recipients can explain how they would help California build a globally competitive talent pool, accelerate economic vitality or foster community-building conversations if they receive this advanced training.
Certificate programs offer a practical, concentrated study in a specific professional area and most can be started any academic quarter. For the convenience of working adults, classes for most of UC San Diego Extension’s certificate programs and specialized study programs are held evenings and weekends on the UC San Diego main campus and three other locations in Sorrento Mesa, Rancho Bernardo and Mission Valley.
UC San Diego offers approximately 100 certificates or special study programs. Some areas of possible study for career changers or those wishing to add new skills to their resume include: Business; Digital Arts; Education; Engineering and Defense Technology; English Language Studies; Foreign Languages; Healthcare and Behavioral Sciences; Humanities and Writing; Information Technology and Software Engineering; Law; Leadership and Management Development; Life Sciences; Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health; Photography, Art and Music, and Public Service, Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business.
Certificate programs at UC San Diego Extension have never been more popular. This past year UC San Diego Extension had approximately 54,000 enrollees, which translates to a record 22,600 students in more than 4,600 courses.
Pursuing a continuing education certificate on a part-time basis can be a cost-effective and time-effective way to gain applied knowledge for employment areas in higher demand. According to a 2009 survey of 487 certificate graduates, 84 percent reported they accomplished the goals they set for themselves by obtaining an UC San Diego Extension certificate. Approximately 62 percent of certificate graduates are under the age of 39. Approximately 85 percent already have a college degree and 10 percent are alumni of UC San Diego.
The “Change the World” scholarships are automatically renewed, provided the recipient continues to pass their coursework and remains active in the certificate program. Scholarships cover tuition only, are non-transferable and carry no cash value.
Scholarships are awarded each academic quarter. Applications must be received by January 15, April 15, July 15, or October 15. Recipients and non-recipients are notified by email by March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. Applications will be considered for the upcoming quarter. The UC San Diego Extension Scholarship Committee will review scholarship applications four times a year and reserves the right not to award a scholarship.
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About UC San Diego Extension (extension.ucsd.edu)
As the continuing education and public programs arm of the university, UC San Diego Extension educates approximately 54,000 enrollees a year, which translates to over 22,600 students in more than 4,600 courses. UC San Diego Extension is recognized nationally and internationally for linking the public to expert professionals and the knowledge resources of the University of California. Through UCSD-TV, 1 million San Diego homes enjoy daily access to an abundance of useful ideas, creative minds and provocative thinkers. Although a part of the university since 1966, Extension receives no state support and relies on the funding generated from fees, contracts, grants, sponsors and donors for its annual budget of approximately $35 million.
