We think University EA Groups can be incredibly valuable. However, we know starting (or reviving) one can feel like a difficult task. The University Group Accelerator Program (UGAP) is a remote program run by the Centre for Effective Altruism to help make starting new EA university groups easy and accessible. We have supported over 200 organizers via the program and have had groups from every populated continent participate. We are excited to keep growing!

<aside> 🚨 We have combined CEA’s University Group Accelerator Program (UGAP) into OSP, so organizers of both new groups and existing university EA groups should apply to OSP.

</aside>

<aside> ⏰ Wondering what you can do now? Check the FAQ!

• Each organizer who would like to fully participate in UGAP will need to apply separately.
• If your organizing committee or board already consists of at least one experienced organizer, we might still be able to support you with mentorship - although we have limited capacity. Check out our organizer support program. </aside>

<aside> 📖 We are also looking for additional experienced organizers to serve as mentors. You can find out more about and express interest in becoming a mentor here.

</aside>

UGAP provides guidance and resources for running a new university group, including:

<aside> 💡 A sample game plan for your first semester

This game plan focuses on organizing your own introductory seminar program

</aside>

<aside> ✏️ Trainings and tools for organizers and facilitators

</aside>

<aside> 📖 A guide of helpful resources

</aside>

<aside> 💰 Funding for group expenses and stipends for the main organizers

</aside>

<aside> 🙂 Regular meetings with an experienced mentor

</aside>

<aside> 🌴 [Potentially] A retreat after completing your first semester

</aside>

Target Audience

The program is designed to work best for organizers who:

• Have engaged with high-quality EA ideas for at least 25 hours (e.g. completed an intro fellowship or equivalent) and are comfortable facilitating group discussions or could be with training
  • We want to encourage organizers to engage with EA concepts and ensure that students are interacting with quality programs at their universities. Therefore, we will be screening organizers for their familiarity with EA and potential for facilitating the type of difficult and high-level discussions that occur during an Intro Fellowship.
  • Information on how to become more familiar with EA

And are at groups that:

• Are either very new or trying to revive a pre-existing group
  • Most often with organizers that have never organized an intro fellowship by themselves
    • If your group already has more experienced organizers, we might still be able to support you. Check out our organizer support program.
• Have at least two interested organizers
  • With both organizers willing to dedicate ~5-7 hours a week on your group
    • This would mostly be concentrated in the first few weeks of the semester

But we encourage anyone who is interested to apply! We have had a few successful instances of people starting a group without a co-organizer and encourage solo organizers to still apply (though we recommend looking for a co-organizer at the same time).