First-Gen Transfer Student Photographers for Documentary Project

Job Description

UCSC’s Global and Community Health program and the UCSC Well-Being Collective are hiring 10 undergraduate first-generation transfer students to participate in a documentary project. The project will explore how basic needs—such as food security, housing, and transportation—affect first-gen transfer students’ wellbeing and sense of belonging on campus.

Students will use photography to document their lived experiences, engage in reflective practices, and collaborate with faculty and peers to envision strategies for better supporting first-gen transfer students. Participants will also help plan exhibitions to share findings with the UCSC community and beyond.

Selected students will receive $20/hour for their participation (Fall 2025 and Winter 2026).

Position Duties

• Attend a 2-hour Photovoice training on November 7, 2025, from 3–5pm.
• Capture photographs documenting daily life related to health, wellbeing, belonging, housing, transportation, and food security.
• Maintain a daily reflective journal connecting experiences to photographs.
• Participate in an interview with faculty researchers about your photographs.
• Participate in a focus group with other participants.
• Assist in planning and presenting a UCSC campus photo exhibition and a community exhibition.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Must be both a first-generation student and a transfer student at UCSC.
• Interest in documenting lived experiences and sharing perspectives.
• Willingness to participate in group discussions and reflective activities.
• Access to a device that can capture photos (phone or camera). If not available, project staff will assist in locating one.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Openness to learning and applying the Photovoice method of documentary photography.
• Ability to engage thoughtfully with peers and faculty in collaborative sessions.
• Interest in photography, storytelling, community engagement, or advocacy (formal experience not required).

Application Details

• Apply via Handshake and complete the required Google Form by Oct 10 (link here: https://forms.gle/SrUGkV4vpcheybHH6).
• Applications will be reviewed, and students who meet the criteria will be contacted by October 24, 2025.

 Note: Students who are not both first-gen and transfer students at UCSC will not be eligible for participation.