UC Santa Cruz is home to six vibrant resource centers that serve as welcoming spaces for connection, growth, and community. Open to all students, these centers offer programs, events, mentorship, and support services that celebrate identity, foster belonging, and encourage academic and personal success. Rooted in student activism and cultural pride, they reflect the campus’s commitment to inclusion and collaboration across communities—places where every student can thrive and feel at home.
African American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC)
AARCC celebrates Black excellence through mentorship, community events, and shared joy. From the Welcome Black BBQ and Black Love Gala to the long-standing Pachanga collaboration with El Centro, AARCC fosters connection, academic success, and cultural pride.
American Indian Resource Center (AIRC)
AIRC strengthens Indigenous presence and visibility on campus. Through the UCSC Pow Wow, Indigethankx, and the Amah Mutsun Speaker Series, students honor traditions, build community, and connect with Indigenous leadership and knowledge.
Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center (AA/PIRC)
AA/PIRC celebrates the diversity and creativity of AAPI and SWANA communities. Programs like the Heritage Night Market, Comedy Night, and SWANA Con bring students together to explore identity, leadership, and solidarity across cultures.
El Centro: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center
El Centro is a vibrant hub where cultura and comunidad flourish. From Pan Dulce Fridays and Día de los Muertos to the Chicane Latiné Year-End Celebration, the Center inspires connection, pride, and engagement within and beyond campus.
Lionel Cantú Queer Center
The Cantú is a haven for joy, visibility, and self-expression. Nestled between Merrill and Crown Colleges, it offers gender-affirming resources, a rich Queer & Trans Library, and events like Lavender Graduation and the Mother Earth Drag Extravaganza.
Women’s Center
The Women’s Center uplifts, connects, and celebrates women and allies of all identities. Located in Cardiff House, it hosts creative and community-building programs like the Welcome Fall Ball, Makers’ Markets, and the Women’s Awards Gala.
Your gift to the Ethnic Resource Centers General Fund goes toward supporting the various ethnic and affinity group centers across campus.
The programs and services described here are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service, faculty program, or community event—is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all identities.
To learn more, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.