Program Overview

The Adulting 101: IRL Program supports students’ ability to succeed with their basic needs, career readiness, and financial wellness. Through a combination of workshops, resources, and mentorship, the program will equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate basic needs, financial and career challenges to achieve their personal and academic goals. 

The program consists of three main areas of focus: Basic Needs, Career Development, and Financial Wellness. Participants are required to engage in an orientation meeting and a minimum of six activities, with two activities from each area, over the course of two quarters. 

Through program participation, students will have the opportunity to receive a Basic Needs grant up to $500 through the course of the program. 

 

Adulting 101: IRL is sponsored by the Basic Needs Department in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid and the Career Center. 

Adulting 101 2024

How does it work?

  • Submit program application
  • Attend 6 program activities during the Winter-Spring quarter
  • Attend a mandatory orientation and closing session

Timeline

  • Program Applications Open: October 28, 2024
  • Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 
    •  (please note that the application may close sooner if the maximum of 200 applications are received)
  • Mandatory Orientation: January 8, 2025 9:30am-11:00am or January 10, 2025 12:30pm-2:00pm Location: Career Center

Eligibility Requirements

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate UCR students during the Winter and Spring terms and cannot graduate earlier than Spring 2025.
  • Submitted FAFSA or Dream Act Application for the 2024-2025 year 
  • Have a minimum of $500 unmet need in Financial Aid package

Meet at least one of the following below:

  • $0 or below SAI
  • First Generation student
  • Undocumented student
  • Veteran student
  • Student Parent
  • Former Foster Youth
  • Underground Scholar
  • Experiencing Homelessness

Application

Applications will open on October 28, 2024 and will close on November 1, 2024 or when 200 applications have been received.

Application

 Department Workshops

Please see below for the different workshops hosted by the three departments that you can attend to fulfill the 6 activity requirement for Adulting 101. 

Spring Quarter Workshops are now available!

View the details of the events on this document

All students can attend the program activities however the Adulting 101 cohort will be responsible for submitting on the Attendance Tracker.

January 2025 Adulting 101 Calendar

 

Attendance Tracker

At every event attended you must sign in whether it's in-person or virtual. If a sign-in sheet is not available, please inquire with the staff that is hosting the event.

Once the event has concluded you must mark you attendance on the Attendance Tracker. (Coming Soon)

Both sign-ins are mandatory in order to earn the $500 stipend. 

No exceptions will be made.

Program FAQ

How will I receive the $500 stipend? 

The stipend will be split up into two $250 financial aid awards at the end of the Winter quarter and Spring quarter.  

Are international students eligible for this program? 

Unfortunately, international students are not eligible based on FASFA or California Dream Act application requirement. 

How many events can I attend? 

You are welcome to attend all the events listed! However, attending additional events does not result in additional award beyond the $500 stipend. 

Can I attend the mandatory orientation virtually? 

No, unfortunately we will not have a zoom option this year. Instead, we will be offering 2 different orientations dates in person!

What if I have additional questions that are not listed here?

Please reach out via email to basicneeds@ucr.edu