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Transfer-to-Excellence

The Transfer-to-Excellence (TTE) Summer Research Program is a competitive summer internship for California community college students. This is a residential program consisting of nine-weeks of hands-on research experience in the laboratories of UC Berkeley science and engineering professors. TTE interns also participate in enrichment activities to enhance their preparation and confidence to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a career that applies their technical education. This program is jointly funded by an NSF REU Site grant, the Hopper Dean Foundation, and the College of Engineering.

Exciting research areas

The TTE Summer Research Program provides research experience for undergraduates in different disciplines within the College of Engineering. For more details on possible projects, view the potential faculty hosts and past intern projects.

Thi Lan Nhi Pham presents TTE research
2022 Transfer-to-Excellence Interns present their research findings at the conclusion of the summer

Program benefits

  • 9-weeks of hands-on research guided by faculty sponsors and graduate student mentors
  • Advising and support for transfer to a 4-year institution
  • Seminars on preparing for a careers in science and engineering
  • Guest speakers, lab tours, and field trips
  • $3,600 stipend plus room and board
  • Travel allowance up to $300
  • Participation in UC Berkeley’s Transfer Alliance Project (TAP), and TTE Online Mentoring program upon return to community college.

Fast facts

60% of participants transfer to UC Berkeley!
86% of participants transfer to a UC campus
97% of past participants have transferred to a bachelors in STEM program
96% of participants are from one or more groups underrepresented in STEM

 

Ted Llera, with Nobel Prize winning Professor Jennifer Doudna. Ted transferred to UC Berkeley and continues to work with his faculty host
TTE Interns play chess after a long day of research
Interns hang out in Downtown Berkeley after a long day of research from various engineering sub-disciplines
Sela Murphy presents research poster
TTE Intern, Sela Murphy, presents her research on materials science at a poster session

Learn more

Recording of “Finding Research Opportunities as a Community College Student” webinar including TTE info session.

More ways to explore TTE:

Minimum eligibility criteria

Transfer-to-Excellence has a competitive application process. Applications not meeting the minimum eligibility criteria will not be reviewed by the admissions committee.

  • No prior research experience required
  • Enrolled in a California community college at the time of application.
    • High school students in dual-enrollment programs will not be considered.
  • 3.0 grade point average or higher for science, engineering, and math courses
  • Will have completed two semester calculus courses, or three quarter calculus courses, by June 9, 2023. May be fulfilled by AP or IB test scores
  • Will have completed three science or engineering courses, one of which has a laboratory component, by June 9, 2023. May be fulfilled by AP or IB test scores
  • Will return to a community college in California in Fall 2023
  • Will apply for transfer admission to a baccalaureate program in science or engineering in Fall 2023 (for Fall 2024 start)
  • At least eighteen years of age by April 1, 2023
  • Due to funding restrictions, international students utilizing F-1 of J-1 visas are unfortunately not eligible for this program
    • Undocumented students are encouraged to apply

Community college students who receive financial aid, are the first in their family to go to college, are women, are veterans, and/or are members of other communities underrepresented in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.

2023 Program dates

June 9 – August 12, 2023

Apply to TTE 

The 2023 application is now closed. All applicants will receive admission decisions by April 18. The 2024 application will open in November.

Step 1: Download and review the FAQ and Application Preview Packet

  • This document is provided so that students can preview the application questions and prepare their responses only. It should not be submitted.

Step 2: Complete the online application via Submittable

  • Attach your transcripts, sample work, and emails of two people who can write letters of recommendation for you.
  • Your recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions to submit your letter of recommendation. Please remind them that they will be receiving an email from either TTE or Submittable with directions on how to submit their letters. If they are not receiving the emails, please have them check their spam/junk folders.
  • All applications and letters of recommendations must be received by Friday, February 3 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Late and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Contact

Contact Nicole McIntyre, TTE Program Director and Associate Director of Transfer Programs : nicolemcintyre@berkeley.edu

If you need disability accommodations to assist you with the admissions process, please contact eng-ada@berkeley.edu.