Through intensive, hands-on training sessions, students participating in the CEED & WE@UCLA Solar Technical Academy will learn valuable skills from leading innovators, researchers, and professionals in the solar energy sector. These hands-on training sessions will strengthen students’ technical, analytical, critical thinking and communication skills to meet the challenges of climate change. Through a 1.5-hour orientation and four 2-hour in-person sessions taking place during Spring 2024, students participating in this program will walk away with tangible skills and a greater understanding of today’s technical challenges for solar energy.

To be considered for the program, applicants must submit a one-page essay. 

This program is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements below.

Eligibility: Must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents; Must be enrolled at UCLA Samueli Engineering during Spring quarter 2024 as a 2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th Year, or 5th Year undergraduate student; Must have MATLAB experience; and Must be  majoring in one of the following disciplines: 

- Chemical Engineering

- Computer Engineering

- Computer Science & Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Materials Science & Engineering

A note on the application: Demographic and personal background questions help us to learn more about our candidate pool. The information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with industry partners.

Class level and major are being collected for data analysis purposes and will be reported in aggregate.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 23rd at 11:59 p.m.

 
Session Dates

      (Week 1) Monday, April 1 Mandatory Participant Orientation (Virtual, 6-7:30 p.m.) Audio and visual capability is required

(Week 1) Wednesday, April 3 Introduction to the Physics of Solar Cells and Spectral Design (In-person, James West Alumni Center, 6-8 p.m.)

(Week 2) Wednesday, April 10 Angle of Sunlight and Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) (In-person, Boelter Penthouse, 6-8 p.m.)

(Week 3) Wednesday, April 17 Fabrication of Advanced Luminescent Solar Concentrator Designs for Chosen Application (In-person, The Eisler Lab, 6-8 p.m.)

(Week 4) Wednesday, April 24 Characterization and Analysis of LSC Modules for Chosen Applications & Graduation (In-person, James West Alumni Center, 6-8 p.m.)

To successfully complete the program, participants must attend all five sessions.

Through intensive, hands-on training sessions, students participating in the WE@UCLA Leadership Academy will have the opportunity to learn valuable skills from today’s industry leaders. These experiential hybrid training sessions focus on strengthening students’ team management, networking, communication, and other critical leadership skills. Accomplished UCLA Engineering Alumnae and industry professionals will share their experiences and advice to help Cadets acquire and master important skills for the future. Through four sessions taking place during Fall Quarter, Cadets (that's what we call our Academy participants) build community, sharpen job-related skills, practice interviewing for an engineering role, network with companies looking to hire engineering graduates, and clarify their own values, goals, and leadership style.       

To be considered for the program, applicants must submit a resume and one-page essay. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of UCLA faculty, staff and community partners.     

Eligibility: UCLA Engineering students from any engineering major in the 2025-26 academic year.

Class level and major are being collected for data analysis purposes and will be reported in aggregate. However, with your permission, your resume can be made available to outside industry professionals.   

Application Deadline: 5/2/25 at 11:59 pm  

All WE@UCLA Leadership Academy participants must be available and therefore agree to attend sessions on the following dates:   

• Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) In-person session
• Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 (10:30am - 3pm) Virtual session from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., In-Person session from 1 - 3 p.m.  
• Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 (10:30am - 3:00pm) Virtual session from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., In-Person Session from 1 - 3 p.m. 
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 (noon - 2:00pm) In person session

 If you have questions about the WE@UCLA Leadership Academy, please contact Alumni Career Engagement by emailing our office at gko@support.ucla.edu.