UCLA has played a key role in keeping California a global economic leader, but California’s needs are growing. Overseas competition is increasing, and businesses need a constant flow of good people and ideas.

To keep the state competitive, UCLA must be able to address some of California’s long-term challenges and needs. Your quality of life, your next job, the water you drink — UCLA will make a difference in all of them.

• Every dollar taxpayers invest in UCLA generates almost $15 in economic activity. <more>
• Nearly 1,300 inventions are managed by UCLA, earning the university more than $18 million.
• Each year, UCLA educates more than 25,000 undergraduates, 11,000 graduates and 60,000 Extension students.

1. The Next Big
    Opportunity

U.S. Representative Diane Watson on three things that make California uniquely competitive in the global economy — and the part UCLA must play to keep it that way. <more> (PDF)

2. Advocating for
    the Future

UCLA and UC serve as engines for quality of life in California. However, with state and federal funding dramatically decreasing, advancing UCLA’s welfare has become a crucial job. Alumni participation in advocacy efforts takes on even greater importance since research shows the most influential messengers in shaping perceptions about UCLA are “influencers” (family, friends, other students, alumni and teachers). Standard “image makers” (newspapers, TV, radio, Web and brochures) have significantly less impact on the reputation of UCLA than peer-to-peer communication and general word of mouth (see chart). Learn more about getting involved here.

Read AAP student success stories here

3. Educating Future
    Leaders

UCLA trains California’s skilled workforce. Highlights from the breadth of UCLA’s educational offerings include:

• Reaching the community through 4,500 courses at UCLA Extension.
• Offering the number-one ranked Fully Employed MBA program in the country, at UCLA’s Anderson School.
• Serving first-generation, low-income and traditionally underrepresented students in the nation’s premier student retention program — Academic Advancement Program (AAP).

4. Natural Resources Matter

Without a sustainable supply of clean drinking water, the future of drought-prone California’s economy is at risk. What’s UCLA doing about it? <more>

5. UCLA
    Invents

UCLA’s technologies are in 72 California companies. Learn how UCLA is driving innovation to market. <more> (PDF)

6. You Can’t
    Compete If
    You’re Sick.

You know that UCLA educates our doctors and nurses, cares for patients and discovers amazing new medical treatments. But did you know that if a pandemic hits or bioterrorists strike, the nation’s first response will likely come from Westwood? <more>

Explore sample projects

7. It’s All
    Digital
    From Here

The study of the arts, humanities and social sciences is being revolutionized by digital technology, and UCLA researchers are leading the way. In the digital age, staying at the forefront translates to competitive advantage. <more>