UCLA Center for Diverse Leadership in Science
The UCLA Center for Diverse Leadership in Science is a nationally recognized program that fosters inclusive excellence in STEM. Since 2018, CDLS has supported more than 500 fellows, from high school students to postdocs, through hands-on research, leadership training, and community collaboration. We focus on community-rooted science in areas such as climate, environmental resilience, ethical AI, ocean and health sciences, and more. Our mission is to build a more inclusive scientific workforce that contributes to healthier communities and a more just, sustainable world.
CDLS maintains an early-career retention rate of over 90%—a remarkable achievement in a field where the average is less than half that.
Support the Center for Diverse Leadership in Science
A Critical Moment for CDLS
Recently, two major grants from the National Science Foundation—accounting for nearly 80% of our operating budget—were unexpectedly discontinued. This has created a significant funding gap, putting at risk the fellowships, programs, and community partnerships we’ve developed over the last decade.
To continue our work without disruption, we’re seeking immediate support from individuals and organizations who believe in science that reflects and serves all communities.
How You Can Help
We’ve launched the #SaveOurCenter campaign to keep CDLS programs going and protect student support and staff positions.
• Make a donation today to our main CDLS fund: Every contribution helps sustain our fellows and community initiatives.
https://bit.ly/SaveOurCenter
• Get involved: Interested in learning more or partnering with us?
Contact us at cdls@ucla.edu
Why CDLS Matters
CDLS is more than a program—it’s building the future of science and society. We train future leaders, from high school through postdoctoral levels, and build lasting collaborations with community organizations.
With your support, we can continue building a future where science is diverse, inclusive, and community centered.
Thank you for standing with us.
Other areas you can direct your gift:
Climate and Community Futures Lab:
The Climate and Community Futures Lab bridges climate and ocean science with geochemistry, geobiology, and data science and service learning. From tracing past environmental signals in fossils and modeling future climate impacts, to co-designing neighborhood workshops on air quality and resilience planning, our interdisciplinary research empowers scientists, community-members, and policymakers with the data and tools they need to build a just, sustainable future. The lab is at the nexus of workforce development, STEM literacy, computer science and technology skills, and applied problems in climate, environment, chemistry, and related areas including health, that represents critical intersections for addressing challenges that impact all of our labs.
Consortium for Developing Leadership in Science:
The Consortium for Developing Leadership in Science (CDLS) supports the next generations of science and community leaders from across the country and globe. Our work supports leadership development, networking, fellowships, projects, and participatory research and education platforms. As a movement catalyst, CDLS fosters cross-sector partnerships, mentors nearly-career researchers, and builds inclusive infrastructures that accelerate innovation and social impact.
If you would like to direct your gift to the Climate and Community Futures Labs or the Consortium for Developing Leadership in Science, please contact Rachel Scott Foster, rscottfoster@support.ucla.edu.
