Going to UCR will become more affordable for more than 50 students pursuing computing-related majors.

UCR’s Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) has been awarded a $2 million grant over six years from the National Science Foundation to expand educational opportunities for scholarships for low-income students in fields such as computer science, data science, and robotics.

Known as the Scholar XL award, the grant aims to overcome financial barriers and boost social mobility for its recipients.

Paea LePendu, an associate teaching professor in the school’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, leads the Scholar XL program, which will offer scholarships this year to 25 students: 15 incoming first-year students, five sophomores, and five transfer students. To qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.

“This grant is about increasing social mobility for our students,” LePendu said. “At the Bourns College of Engineering, broadening participation in STEM is not just something we say. We do it with intention. The scholarships this grant provides give low-income students a fighting chance to go even further.”

Scholarships under Scholar XL provide substantial support—up to $15,000 per year per student, for a total of 55 students over six years, with additional funding available for those who pursue a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree. Students can expect continuous funding each year until they graduate, helping reduce or eliminate the need for loans and part-time work, which often limit educational and career advancement opportunities.

The Scholar XL program, which will be promoted to eligible students this month, represents UCR’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diversity and equity in STEM fields. By reducing financial burdens, the initiative allows students to focus on academics and extracurricular experiences that can further their careers and educational goals.

For more information on eligibility and application details, students are encouraged to check their emails and follow UCR announcements in the coming weeks.