Event Date
Event Date
Link to a Map
UC Davis Credit Union Center
⭐️ Presented by Avanza Initiative in Inclusive Excellence
Join us for the Avanza Rising Scholars Conference, a free college and career motivational event for junior high, high school and community college students, as well as parents and community members!
Program Schedule (tentative)
| 7:30am | Check In Credit Union Center |
| 8:45am | Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speaker at Credit Union Center |
| 10:00am | Workshop Session 1 at Wellman Hall |
| 11:10am | Workshop Session 2 at Wellman Hall |
| 12:00pm | College and Community Resource Fair at Credit Union Center |
| 12:15pm | Lunch at the Credit Union Center |
| 1:15pm | Workshop Session 3 at Wellman Hall and Campus Tours at Credit Union Center |
| 2:20pm | Entertainment, Closing, and Raffles at at Credit Union Center |
Opening Remarks: Chancellor Gary S. May
Gary S. May is the seventh chancellor of UC Davis, one of the nation’s most academically and socially diverse universities. He is leading the university to new heights in academic excellence, enterprise research, public service and upward mobility for students of all backgrounds.
Chancellor May came to UC Davis in 2017 after serving as dean of Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering, the nation’s largest and most diverse school of its kind. May has won numerous awards for his research in computer-aided manufacturing of integrated circuits. In 2010, he was named “outstanding engineering alumnus” of UC Berkeley, where he earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.
Keynote Speaker: Aidín Castillo Mazantini
Aidín Castillo Mazantini is Executive Director of the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center (UCIMM), which provides free immigration legal services to undocumented students and to families of students enrolled at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz. With nearly twenty years of experience as an immigrants’ rights and social justice advocate, Aidín has dedicated her career to removing barriers related to immigration status and to combating immigration detention, enforcement, and criminalization.
Aidín is an experienced immigration attorney with expertise in removal defense. She previously served as Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Practice at Centro Legal de la Raza, one of the largest removal defense programs in California. Prior to becoming director of the program Aidín was a supervisor and staff attorney at Centro Legal where she represented hundreds of clients in affirmative and defensive immigration matters, including detained and non-detained cases and complex immigration matters. Prior to that, Aidín worked at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and was in charge of launching ILRC’s national immigration policy office in Washington, DC. During that time, she worked on legislative and regulatory advocacy, including the implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. She has also been a contributor to several publications and practice advisories for immigration practitioners. In 2022, Aidín was recognized by the National Legal Aid & Defender Association for her extraordinary contributions to advancing access to justice and racial equity in civil legal aid and public defense.
Aidín is a proud immigrant from Mexico, and a first-generation college student. She is a founding member of Scholars Promoting Education, Access, and Knowledge (SPEAK) one of the first undocumented student groups for college students. Aidín's experience as a formerly undocumented immigrant and DACA beneficiary, informs her work as an attorney and social justice advocate. Aidín is a graduate of UC Davis and UC Davis School of Law.
Mistress of Ceremonies: Leticia Ordaz
Leticia Ordaz is a publisher, international award-winning bilingual children’s book author, literacy advocate, and Emmy Award-winning television news anchor and reporter.
She is the founder of Cielito Lindo Books, a bilingual publishing house dedicated to connecting cultures through storytelling. Leticia is a 14-time honoree of the International Latino Book Awards—the largest Latino literary awards in the world—recognized for creating empowering stories that help children see themselves reflected in books.
A proud Mexican-American, Leticia serves as a trusted news anchor in Sacramento, California, where she has spent more than two decades covering major stories that impact communities across the region and the nation.
Workshop information will be updated as new workshops are confirmed. Please double check room numbers as a few have been changed. Last updated: April 22.
Workshops - Session 1 (10:00 - 10:50am)
| Workshop Name_____________________ | Location_____________ | Description__________________ |
|---|---|---|
| A Day in the Life of an Aggie! | Wellman Hall 216 | Ask us anything! Our Student Outreach Ambassadors are here to answer your questions about their student experience and life at UCD. |
| Building Your First Budget | Wellman Hall 230 | A well-designed budget is the best way for you to reach your goals and achieve financial independence without having to sacrifice all of life’s pleasures. Budgeting means analyzing the income you have coming in, and then developing a reasonable plan for what goes out. Essentially, a budget is a tool to make the most out of your money. With it, you will be able to identify, and eliminate wasteful spending, while keeping and even adding to those expenses that are truly important to you. |
| California State University Presentation | Wellman Hall 201 | Learn more about the CSU freshmen and transfer admissions, the application process, financial aid resources, timelines, and test requirements. Also learn about special programs available to you like EOP (low-income) and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) for families from migrant/agricultural backgrounds. |
| College Admission 101: Becoming a Competitive Applicant | Wellman Hall 106 | Explore the four higher education systems in California — University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), California Community Colleges, and private schools — and their admission requirements. You will also hear examples of well-rounded applicants and review “A-G’’ admission requirements for the UC and CSU systems. |
| College Link: Preparing for Success in Community College | Wellman Hall 207 | Listen to an overview of resources and strategies to be successful at a CA community college (CCC). Learn about the higher education system, degree and certificate options, and transfer requirements. |
| College Make it Happen | Wellman Hall 2 | Listen to an overview of career options and learn why good grades in middle school, and high school, are critical for college preparation. We will explore the four higher education systems in California University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), California Community Colleges, and private schools — and provide an overview of admission requirements for each. |
| Financial Aid–Start Finish | Wellman Hall 26 | In this presentation, offered by California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP), students and parents will learn about the types and sources of financial aid, how to apply for aid, how to keep aid once it is awarded, and what it can be spent on. |
| Fulfilling Careers in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology | Wellman Hall 115 | To know nature is to know one's self; and to protect nature is to preserve our future. Few are aware that motivated students in science, technology, engineering, and math can pursue lucrative and fulfilling careers in fisheries and wildlife biology. We provide a summary of the educational options and career pathways, the different types of jobs and employing organizations, and the compensation, benefits, and personal fulfillment that can be associated with a variety of careers focused on the science and conservation of fish, wildlife, and their diverse habitats. |
| Introduction to Enrolling in a California Community College | Wellman Hall 126 | Steps to enrolling in California Community College. If you’re considering attending a community college, join us to learn more about how the system works and what to expect. |
| Learning to Learn | Wellman Hall 212 | Get tips on improving your school performance and how to succeed in the educational system from an experienced educator. |
| Navigating your Career Journey | Wellman Hall 6 | "What are you going to do when you grow up?” Do you struggle to answer this question? This workshop will cover strategies to help you clarify your values, interests, skills, and personality to identify the potential careers best suited for you. Career planning is a life-long process and this workshop will help you begin your career development journey on the right foot. |
| The Nuts and Bolts to the Pathways to Medical School | Wellman Hall 234 | All high school students, transfer students, and guardians/counselors welcome. The UC Davis Health Professions Advising (HPA) office is here to guide UC Davis students and alumni throughout their journey to medical school. Learn about the resources HPA offers including advising appointments, prerequisite guidance, application timelines, test preparation and more. Questions will be welcome throughout the presentation. |
| Pathways to the Nursing Profession | Wellman Hall 202 | Get information about nursing careers from nurses and nursing students from the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Presenters will share their experiences, including applying to nursing school, answer your questions, and offer advice on becoming a nurse. |
| That Girl on TV Could Be Me: From First-Gen College Student to Emmy Award-winning News Anchor | Wellman Hall 119 | In this inspiring and interactive session, Emmy Award-winning journalist, international award-winning author, and founder of Cielito Lindo Books publishing house, Leticia Ordaz shares her journey as a first-generation college student who turned her dreams into reality. Through her children’s book That Girl on TV Could Be Me! The Journey of a Latina News Anchor, Ordaz encourages students to see themselves in spaces they may have never imagined. This 50-minute presentation empowers K–16 students—especially those from underrepresented communities—to believe in their potential, pursue higher education, and use their voices to tell meaningful stories. Students will leave motivated, seen, and equipped with the confidence to say, “That could be me.” |
| Universidad: Hazlo realidad | Wellman Hall 226 | Escuche una descripción general de las opciones de carreras y aprenda porque las buenas calificaciones en la escuela secundaria y preparatoria son fundamentales para la preparación universitaria. Exploraremos los cuatro sistemas de educación superior en California Universidad de California (UC), Universidad Estatal de California (CSU), Colegios comunitarios de California (CCC) y universidades privadas y proporcionaremos una visión general de los requisitos de admisión para cada uno. |
Workshop information will be updated as new workshops are confirmed. Please double check room numbers as a few have been changed. Last updated: April 22.
Workshops - Session 2 (11:10am - 12:00pm)
| Workshop Name_____________________ | Location_____________ | Description__________________ |
|---|---|---|
| Admisiones Universitarias 101: Cómo ser un Candidato Competitivo | Wellman Hall 226 | Explora los cuatro sistemas de educación superior en California - Universidad de California (UC), Universidad Estatal de California (CSU), Colegios comunitarios de California (CCC) y universidades privadas y sus requisitos de admisión. También escucharemos ejemplos de solicitantes preparados y revisaremos los requisitos de admisión “A-G” para los sistemas UC y CSU. |
| California State University Presentation | Wellman Hall 201 | Learn more about the CSU freshmen and transfer admissions, the application process, financial aid resources, timelines, and test requirements. Also learn about special programs available to you like EOP (low-income) and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) for families from migrant/agricultural backgrounds. |
| CalKIDS: The First Step Toward College | Wellman Hall 207 | Future College Grads! California has your back when it comes to dreaming big. With CalKIDS, you’re already on your way to funding college or career training after high school. For low-income public-school students, score a CalKIDS account with up to $1,500 free money to get you started! There’s no extra work needed with automatic enrollments. |
| College Admission 101: Becoming a Competitive Applicant | Wellman Hall 106 | Explore the four higher education systems in California — University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), California Community Colleges, and private schools — and their admission requirements. You will also hear examples of well-rounded applicants and review “A-G’’ admission requirements for the UC and CSU systems. |
| College Make it Happen | Wellman Hall 2 | Listen to an overview of career options and learn why good grades in middle school, and high school, are critical for college preparation. We will explore the four higher education systems in California University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), California Community Colleges, and private schools — and provide an overview of admission requirements for each. |
| Financial Aid and You — Ayuda Financiera y Usted | Wellman Hall 26 | Wondering how you can pay for college? Join us to discuss financial aid tips andtricks to illustrate how college is feasible for everyone. |
| Fostering a more equitable educational landscape for young Latino males | Wellman Hall 216 | This workshop emphasizes the significance of equity in education, particularly concerning the underrepresentation and challenges faced by young Latino males in higher education. Presenters will share their personal journeys from youth to the present, highlighting the importance of identifying and leveraging existing strengths, resources, and capabilities instead of focusing on deficiencies or needs. Key topics will include: the value of cultural wealth; the role of mentorship; and targeted institutional support aimed at enhancing the journey to college graduation. Join us in exploring these vital themes and understanding how we can foster a more equitable educational landscape. |
| Fulfilling Careers in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology | Wellman Hall 115 | To know nature is to know one's self; and to protect nature is to preserve our future. Few are aware that motivated students in science, technology, engineering, and math can pursue lucrative and fulfilling careers in fisheries and wildlife biology. We provide a summary of the educational options and career pathways, the different types of jobs and employing organizations, and the compensation, benefits, and personal fulfillment that can be associated with a variety of careers focused on the science and conservation of fish, wildlife, and their diverse habitats. |
| Global Education for All: Cultivating Global Leaders | Wellman Hall 109 | UC Davis is working towards Global Education for All—a goal aiming to provide 100% of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with global learning opportunities that change their lives and our world. This session will teach you about how you can develop the skills needed to succeed in this interconnected world through global academic, experiential, and leadership opportunities both on campus and abroad such as: study abroad and away, internships, externships, and traineeships, virtual international collaborations, hands-on learning and research that take on global challenges in our backyard and beyond, living and learning communities that connect culturally diverse students with each other and the resources of our global campus. |
| La Cultura Cura: Introduction to the Aztec Calendar | Wellman Hall 212 | Develop an understanding of the calendar system used by Aztecs and pre-Columbian peoples of Central Mexico. You will learn how to read the calendar, and how our ancestors introduced science and math to the world. |
| Law School for Transfer Students | Wellman Hall 126 | Led by the former Dean of the UC Davis School of Law, this workshop will provide students who are attending or plan to attend a California Community College information about the pathways to law school. |
| Navigating your Career Journey | Wellman Hall 6 | "What are you going to do when you grow up?” Do you struggle to answer this question? This workshop will cover strategies to help you clarify your values, interests, skills, and personality to identify the potential careers best suited for you. Career planning is a life-long process and this workshop will help you begin your career development journey on the right foot. |
| Our Journey as Veterinary Professionals | Wellman Hall 119 | The UC Davis Chapter of Latinx Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) aims to increase the visibility of current Latinx veterinary professionals and inspire more students to become veterinarians. LVMA is a community of Latinx excellence in veterinary medicine that advocates on behalf of Latinx veterinary professionals and Latinx clients, by addressing language and cultural barriers that impact client education and patient care. We will also be joined by members of National Association for Black Veterinarians (sNABV) and Middle Eastern, North African & South Asian Veterinary Student Association (MENASA). |
| Our Rights! Resources to Support Immigrant Students in their Academic Journey | Wellman Hall 230 | California laws and policies protect access to public higher education for students regardless of their immigration status. This workshop provides information about resources that are available to support immigrant students and US citizen students with immigrant parents. We will provide information about immigration pathways that may be available for people to live in the United States, and information about rights that protect all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration status. |
| Pathways to the Nursing Profession | Wellman Hall 202 | Get information about nursing careers from nurses and nursing students from the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Presenters will share their experiences, including applying to nursing school, answer your questions, and offer advice on becoming a nurse. |
| Preparing for Your Career as a Health Professional with HPA | Wellman Hall 234 | The UC Davis Health Professions Advising (HPA) office is here to guide UC Davis students and alumni throughout their journey for a health professional career, including in medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, physician assistant, and more. Join us to learn from HPA advisors on an intro to HPA resources and services, including advising and programming, and how to be successful as a pre-health student. Questions will be welcome throughout the presentation. |
Workshop information will be updated as new workshops are confirmed. Please double check room numbers as a few have been changed. Last updated: April 20.
Workshops - Session 3 (1:15 - 2:05pm)
| Workshop Name_____________________ | Location_____________ | Description__________________ |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering a Brighter Future | Wellman Hall 226 | Cultivating a diverse engineering workforce is essential to solving big world problems. Learn about opportunities in engineering and why this in-demand field needs your talent. |
| Environmental Justice 101 – How Communities of Color Can Make a Difference! | Wellman Hall 115 | Environmental racism happens in some of the poorest communities where people of color live and work. Learn how students and residents throughout California can engage in creating awareness to build healthier neighborhoods by fighting high concentrations of pollution through the transformative experience of community organizing. |
| Our Journey to Becoming a Medical Doctor | Wellman Hall 234 | Learn how to become a doctor. The presenter will share experiences, offer advice, and address questions on how to become a doctor. |
| You Can Be A Lawyer! Si se Puede! | Wellman Hall 119 | If you are fascinated by legal shows on television or have been told you should be a lawyer because you like to argue, consider a career in law. A law degree can be rewarding, empowering, and opens doors to a variety of careers beyond the legal profession. Join us for a discussion on law school and the career opportunities it provides. |
Take a Campus Tour
Explore UC Davis on a guided campus tour during the Avanza Rising Scholars Conference! Tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event. Pick up a tour ticket upon arrival to reserve your spot. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and accommodate small groups, with a maximum of 4 guests per tour. If tours reach capacity, discover campus through our self-guided tour.
Exhibitors
- California Human Development
- California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS)
- California Office of Student Assistance and Relief
- California State University, Chico
- California State University, East Bay
- California State University, Fullerton
- California State University, Sacramento College of Education/Ed Equity Program
- California Student Aid Commission
- City Year Sacramento
- FIELD / EPIC de Cesar Chavez High School
- Folsom Lake College
- Sacramento City College
- San Francisco State University
- Sierra College
- Simpson University
- Sonoma State University
- Stanford University
- UC Davis Admissions Office
- UC Davis CalTeach/Mathematics and Science Teaching Program (CalTeach/MAST)
- UC Davis Career Center
- UC Davis Chapter Latinx Veterinary Medical Association
- UC Davis College Corps
- UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- UC Davis College of Engineering Undergraduate Retention Programs (AvenueE)
- UC Davis College of Engineering Undergraduate Retention Programs (LEADR)
- UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education
- UC Davis Department of Chicana/o/x studies
- UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology
- UC Davis El Centro - Chicanx and Latinx Academic Retention Initiative
- UC Davis Global Learning Hub
- UC Davis Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Chapter
- UC Davis School of Medicine Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
- UC Davis School of Medicine - Office of Medical Pathways
- UC Davis Student Recruitment & Retention Center
- UC Davis Together for Wellness, Center for Reducing Health Disparities
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Merced
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of San Francisco
- Woodland Community College
Partnerships and Sponsorships
| 
|
|
|
|  |
|
|
Parking & Buses
NEW FOR 2026 DUE TO CONSTRUCTION!
Parking is FREE all day!
General Parking recommended at Pavilion Parking Structure
🚌 Bus Parking at Lot 30
Bus drop-off and pick-up instructions
VIP Parking at Lot 25
Committee & Contributors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and community partners who made this conference possible. Your dedication and support continue to make a lasting impact.
Mayté FríasAvanza Director | Thomas O'DonnellDirector of Academic InitiativesInclusive Excellence | Nancy AldereteAssistant Director of Chicanx/Latinx RecruitmentUndergraduate Admissions |
Rosa DenizProgram AnalystInclusive Excellence | Neptaly (Taty) AguileraBoard of DirectorsCalifornia Aggie Alumni Association | Caroline CabiasUC Davis Foundation BoardUC Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association |
Luis Carvajal-CarmonaAssociate Vice ChancellorInclusive Excellence | Jaritza GranilloAssistant Director, Equestrian CenterDepartment of Campus Recreation | Lars McBrideCRM Project ManagerUndergraduate Admissions |
Judy NguyenAssistant Director, Foundation and Corporate EngagementDevelopment and Alumni Relations | Aury Gutierrez-ZavalaSocial Work Senior Case ManagerAggie Compass Basic Needs Center | Jee Young BhanGraduate Student ResearcherInclusive Excellence |
Sherri Reed BennettExecutive DirectorCalifornia Education Lab | Alexandria HurttResearch FellowCalifornia Education Lab | Elaina LopezProgram AnalystInclusive Excellence |
Lemar DeguzmanDigital Media Communications SpecialistInclusive Excellence | Alexandra Eller SchwarzAssistant Director of External Engagement and Corporate SponsorshipsDevelopment and Alumni Relations, UC Davis |