University Partnership
University of California, Santa Barbara
HUPS multifaceted partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara continues to grow!
Launched in January 2010, the partnership brings Gevirtz School faculty researchers, graduate students and undergraduates to the Harding campus to provide research based best practices and services to benefit student learning and well-being.
Our partnership includes the support of the Dean of the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, Jaime Lester, and Director of Outreach, Lilly Garcia, who work closely with Principal Gabe Sandoval to align the school’s needs with ongoing or developing research projects.
Over the past five academic years, from 2021-2025, the partnership has focused on three areas with the most pressing support needs: mathematics, literacy and social-emotional learning. These include:
Community Based Literacies (CBL) through the McEnroe Reading Clinic is led by Dr. Valerie Meier. This program provides different levels of support for 4th graders in the classroom during Power Hour. They also provide an after school UCSB CLUB program for students in 3rd-6th grade on the UCSB site. UCSB Club gives students the chance to experience a university as a place where they belong, explore, and learn. It also builds curiosity, confidence, and a greater understanding of what college can offer in future.
Math GAMEs (Growing Access to Mathematical Engagement) project with Dr. Rachel Lambert, helps students in grades 1st-6th strengthen their understanding and fluency, stay engaged in learning, and build more positive attitudes toward math through the use of non-digital games.
Hawk Talk are friendship groups run by Dr. Shane Jimerson. The program gives 40 students in grades 3rd-6th a supportive space to build confidence and develop healthy ways to handle everyday healthy ways to handle everyday challenges. These skills can help students stay focused, communicate more effectively, and build positive relationships with peers and adults.
Strengthening Minds & Hearts is a program led by Dr. Arlene Ortiz. The program provides weekly one-on-one social-emotional supports to up to 14 students in grades TK-6th. It strengthens students' confidence and ability to navigate everyday challenges at school. This individualized approach builds strong, trusting relationships between student and mentor while fostering active collaboration among families, teachers, counselors and staff.
HUPS Outdoor Classroom
Dr. Devon Azzam, provided guidance and assistance for grant applications and project implementation for the outdoor classroom project which was completed in 2023. Dr. Azzam also conducted a research study before and after the playground transformation to examine the effects of the environment on patterns of play. One key finding was that the new naturescape increased opportunities for literacy and language development.
Fifth-grade students engage with chemists at UCSB as part of the SciTrek programs.
UCSB’s Teacher Candidates are at Harding completing their final requirement for their teaching credential.