Campus News
UCSC’s 2025 United Way Employee Campaign now underway
This year’s theme, United Is the Way, celebrates the power of collective action to create lasting change in our community. Every dollar raised here stays here, and anyone, including members of our UC Santa Cruz community, can access these programs and resources.
Dear Campus Community,
I’m pleased to launch this year’s UC Santa Cruz employee campaign in support of United Way of Santa Cruz County. This year’s theme, United Is the Way, celebrates the power of collective action to create lasting change in our community.
United Way’s work across the county helps young people, families, and neighbors access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Two programs in particular, United4Youth and United4Community, reflect that mission in action.
Support youth success
United4Youth empowers young people to lead and thrive through academic, civic, and wellness programs. More than 600 youth participated in over 80 youth-led events during the 2024–25 year, and UC Santa Cruz students collaborated on the Youth Participatory Action Research project to improve community safety and well-being for 542 residents.
Strengthen families and community resilience
United4Community connects residents to housing, food, health, and mental health resources through the 211 Helpline, which responded to more than 4,000 local calls last year. It also coordinates disaster preparedness and recovery to help families remain safe and supported during challenging times.
Giving is easy
When UC Santa Cruz employees come together, we demonstrate what it means to live our university values and invest in the future of our community. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a real difference. Every dollar raised here stays here, and anyone, including members of our UC Santa Cruz community, can access these programs and resources.
If you donated through payroll deduction during last year’s campaign, your annual gift will automatically roll over into the 2025 campaign at the same amount. To make a new donation or increase your contribution, create a new pledge. You may choose a deduction per pay period or a one-time contribution.
The campaign runs through the end of 2025. Follow these three easy steps to participate:
- Visit the UC Santa Cruz donation page: ucsc.edu/unitedway
- Complete the Workplace Pledge Card at the bottom of the page.
- Select your giving method: Payroll Deduction, Pledge by Card, Check, or Continue My Giving.
Thank you for your continued support of the United Way campaign and for helping to create a thriving, healthy, and safe Santa Cruz County for all. Help spread the word by using one of the UCSC United is the way Zoom backgrounds.
Sincerely,
Fiona Weigant
UCSC United Way Employee Campaign Manager