SOMOS Resources 

Health & Pre-Health Advising

• Career Success – Pre-Health Advising
  Get help with med school applications, timelines, and career paths.
  
  

• MCD Biology Advising
  Ask about course planning, major requirements, and extracurriculars.
  
  

Research Opportunities

• UCSC STEM Diversity Programs (BUILD, MARC, IMSD)
  Paid research training programs for underrepresented students.
  
  

• UCSC Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROC)
  Help finding a lab, funding for research, and mentorship.

Volunteering & Leadership

• UCSC Volunteer Center
  Search local opportunities, join service events, or post a volunteer request.

• Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP)
  Peer health educators; great for public health or mental health interests.

Local Volunteering & Shadowing

Hospitals & Clinics

• Dominican Hospital Volunteer Program
  Great for in-hospital experience. Minimum commitment applies.
  
  

• Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
  Look for public health volunteer opportunities or contact their community health division.
  
  

• Planned Parenthood – Watsonville or Santa Cruz
  Ask about education, outreach, or advocacy volunteering.
  
  

• East Cliff Family Health Center / Santa Cruz Community Health
  Focus on underserved communities; reach out for volunteering or internships.
  
  

• Clinica De Salud del Valle de Salinas(for shadowing)
  Coordinate through SOMOS — students can express interest via sign-up sheet.

Local Public Health & Community Work

• Second Harvest Food Bank – Watsonville

• Homeless Garden Project – Santa Cruz

• Watsonville Law Center (for health equity/advocacy)
  
  

Clinical & Volunteer Experience

• VolunteerMatch

• Hospital Volunteer Programs Directory

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Summer Internship Programs

Certifications & Training

• American Red Cross – CPR / First Aid

• EMT Training – Cabrillo College
  
  For students interested in emergency medicine/first responder training.