About Us
UC|CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning
We believe in recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths of each student, developing educator agency to cultivate these strengths. Our goal is to equip both aspiring and current educators with the resources, skills, and strategies needed to meet the diverse needs of students, enabling them to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Our Mission
The UC|CSU Collaborative transforms educational systems through research-informed policy, practice, and preparation—equipping educators, caregivers, and system leaders with knowledge and skills to create conditions where every young person thrives in school and life.
Our Vision
We envision a California where every student’s learning diversity is recognized, supported, and developed throughout their educational journey—ensuring opportunity and access through systems intentionally designed for equity, excellence, and belonging.
Who Are We? What Is the UC|CSU Collaborative?
The UC|CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning is a community of UC and CSU faculty and system leaders from across California who are committed to equipping educators and decision-makers with evidence-based tools to meet the diverse needs of students and improve learning outcomes.
We seek to transform educational systems by enhancing the knowledge and skills of faculty, educators, and policymakers. Grounded in evidence-based and inclusive practices, we aim to create conditions where every young person can thrive in school and life. Established through the California Budget Act of 2019, we leverage the collective expertise of the UC and CSU systems and work with statewide partners to support research-based decision-making and teaching to advance a more responsive and equitable education system for California and the nation’s diverse learners.
Our Goals for the Collaborative
Advancing Research to Practice – Identify and advance innovative, research-driven interdisciplinary approaches that integrate whole child development, neuroscience, and educational practices to improve outcomes for diverse learners.
Equipping Educators to Support Diverse Learners – Develop and share research-based learning opportunities, modules, and resources across the education system to strengthen pre-service educator preparation and in-service practitioner learning.
Building Collaborative Partnerships – Cultivate and engage a network of educators, practitioners, policymakers, and caregivers across California focused on improving the education system to support diverse learners, and align efforts across PreK-20 stakeholders to systemically support diverse learner needs.
OUR STRATEGY
Collaborative Approach
- Engage in intersegmental collaboration through the educational ecosystem.
- Foster knowledge-sharing practices among the UC/CSU systems and educational experts rooted in the latest neuroscience and developmental science.
- Develop a shared understanding and language about whole child concepts.
- Create practical, accessible resources on children’s development and individual learning differences.
Aspiring Educators
An Investment in California’s Future
For aspiring educators, we know that substantial support and resources to help them prepare for their future careers is critical. By working with pre-service training programs, we will equip them with effective teaching methods that promote cognitive, emotional, and social development in students.
Current Educators
A Commitment to Creating an Educational Environment That Values Every Aspect of a Child’s Development
For current educators, advanced training, coaching, and leadership programs are important to enhance their teaching practices and create inclusive learning experiences. We will design programs that will emphasize the links between academic skills, including literacy and whole-child development, preparing students for success in all aspects of life.
