I’m interested in the Make a Difference Opportunities (MADO) program. How do I apply?
Thank you for your interest in the MADO program which provides hands-on experience with an industry mentor in business setting during UCI’s winter and spring quarters. The program accepts student applications in November and/or December.
To apply students will need to go to this link: https://www.calit2.uci.edu/student-mado-program-application/. Please complete the fields and upload the requested information.
When will I know if I was accepted to the program and what are the next steps?
These are the deadlines to keep in mind and they are posted here
Once you have been accepted to the program, your paperwork will be forwarded to the companies with the projects of your interest. Then it will fall upon the company to arrange for an interview. Should your interview be successful, the company will offer you a part-time position on the project.
Once you have been offered a project position, please inform us at jgarizi@uci.edu or palim@calit2.uci.edu. At this point, more paperwork will need to be completed that can be found in MADO’s resource tab like the consent forms, IP assignment and others. We will also need to set you up for your stipend payments.
Who can apply for the MADO program?
The MADO program is available to full-time UCI students, both graduate and undergraduate, with the proper documentation to work in the United States. Additionally, the student participant of MADO must be a full-time student for the duration of the program (January – June).
Proper documentation includes the following:
For US Citizens – US passport or Birth certificate
For Permanent Residents – Green card
For International Student – CPT approval (please go the UCI’s international center for more information)
Are students compensated?
Student will receive a small monthly stipend or quarterly stipend.
How many hours per week of commitment?
This is a part-time commitment. Students are allowed to commit no more than 20 hours per week. This should be agreed upon by both student and company to meet the expectations of the project’s success.
What do students do?
Student are expected to work with company/mentor on list of project tasks and expectations to be agreed upon by both parties.
What is an unofficial transcript?
Please refer to this website: https://www.reg.uci.edu/services/transcripts/unofficial.html
An unofficial transcript is an authentic UCI document issued only by UCI’s registrar office.
Any other document will not be considered an unofficial transcript.
Why do I need to submit an unofficial transcript?
The unofficial transcript will verify and confirm your 3.0 GPA which is the first qualification for the being a MADO applicant.
What do I do after submitting the MADO student application and how long will it take to hear from someone?
After submitting your application, you will be matched with projects of your choosing first and then projects you may qualify for if you indicate that you are open to other projects on the application. Once we recommend you to a company, the project manager should be in touch with you for an interview. Should you be successful, the company will let us know and we will send your name to our business office to set you up for the stipend.
We try hard to process the steps mentioned ASAP to target that you may start your project in a timely manner.
How many student applications will I/the company receive?
We will send you at least one application if not more, if the student qualifies. Unfortunately, you may not get any resumes if we do not have students who qualify. Much depends on the qualifications of our student pool, how many students we have available especially those expressing specific interest in a particular project and other selection factors. We try hard to place every student and seek to have every project be assigned to a qualified student.
When can I start on a project?
For student – your start date on a project depends on getting all your paperwork submitted as well as coming to an agreement with the company on your start as well as your end date.
For company – students will be able to start once all required paperwork/compliance has been completed by both student and company with a mutually agreeable start and end date. Calit2 will then set up the student for the stipend.
I am a student of the Division of Continuing Education. May I apply for MADO?
No. MADO requires students to be enrolled full-time in a UCI degree program.
Other than the student application, what other paperwork do I need to complete?
Once selected for a position, the following paperwork is required:
For students – 1. Student Participation Agreement to be submitted to UCI (required)
2. Student IP Assignment Agreement to be submitted to UCI (if applicable)
3. Confidentiality Agreement to be submitted to UCI (if applicable). Please note that a company may issue its’ own confidentiality agreement.
For companies, the following paperwork is needed should you select a student(s)
1. Company/Organizational Participation Agreement to be submitted to UCI. (required)
2. Student IP Assignment Agreement (optional)
3. Confidentiality Agreement (optional)
If you have additional questions please contact: Patricia Lim, palim@calit2@uci.edu
