Professional Development Program

Established in 1974 by faculty of the University of California at Berkeley, the Professional Development Program (PDP) promotes academic excellence and diversity for students and faculty from middle school through graduate school.

For UC Berkeley Undergraduates:

Coalition for Excellence and Diversity in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering

PDP provides administrative and program support for this Coalition of Undergraduate Student Scholar programs: Biology Scholars, College of Chemistry Scholars, McNair Scholars, Physics Scholars, the Multicultural Engineering Program, the Professional Development Program, and the Student Learning Center.

Intensive Discussion Sections PDP and the UC Berkeley Mathematics Department run this comprehensive academic and community building project to provide a rigorous yet supportive classroom experience in Calculus 1AB, the gateway course to many majors in math, science, and engineering.

Goals: PDP creates opportunities for undergraduates who are underrepresented in mathematics and science in the university. PDP works closely with mathematics graduate student instructors as they try out new teaching techniques designed to foster collaborative learning using innovative curriculum materials and traditional small study group techniques.

Community: PDP students participate in a community of student scholars with shared interests in mathematics, science, and engineering. The life of the community is centered around their calculus or pre-calculus class, with all students taking "intensive discussion sections" in these classes. Students are provided opportunities to work collaboratively with each other in small groups on honors-level problems.

Students: PDP's community of student scholars is made up of underrepresented students from other college and department-sponsored "scholars programs" as well as students interested in mathematics, astronomy, physics, computer science, and other math-based disciplines. With PDP, from six to ten graduate students teach calculus to 100+ undergraduates each year.

Courses: Mathematics 1A, 1B, 32, 98

UC LEADS PDP coordinates the UC LEADS (Leadership Excellence Through Advanced Degrees) program for the Berkeley campus. UC LEADS strives to increase diversity of graduate students in science, engineering, and mathematics across the University of California system.

Goals: Prepare visiting undergraduates from across the UC system for graduate school in mathematics, science, or engineering at UC. UC LEADS offers numerous opportunities, including: summer research, financial support, a faculty mentor, advising, GRE preparation, visits to other UC campuses, and presentation and attendance at professional conferences.

Community: PDP UC LEADS students participate in a community of student scholars with shared interests in preparing for graduate studies in mathematics, science, and engineering.

Students: PDP's students include underrepresented minority students from sister college and department-sponsored "scholars programs." Each year, more than 15 upper-division undergraduates from across the campus participate in research symposiums, scientific research, and community building activities.

For Middle and High School Students and Mathematics Teachers:

School/University Partnerships

PDP participates in this Chancellor-funded outreach program to support teachers and students in Berkeley Unified School District and West Contra Costa Unified School District to strengthen students' mathematics understanding and preparation for college.

GEAR UP Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

This federally funded program through sub-contract with West Contra Costa Unified School District supports students and their mathematics teachers at El Cerrito High School.

PDP Director: Steven Chin

Contact information:
230B Stephens Hall
MC #5881
642-5881
pdpsteve@uclink4.berkeley.edu