The seventh cohort of Crowdfund UC Davis launched Feb. 1, with 21 teams of students, faculty and staff seeking donations of any size for programs and services that strengthen the UC Davis community and amplify the university’s impact on the world.

The February cohort invites donations for a wide range of passions and interests, from providing hands-on research opportunities for students, to supporting student clubs, to broadening diversity, equity and inclusion across the university.

The Crowdfund UC Davis platform welcomes back Cal Aggie Camp, which works with undergraduate students to organize and implement a free residential summer camp for young people in California’s foster care system — offering them such activities as hiking and kayaking, and making and eating s’mores. As students plan the camp’s 62nd summer, they look forward to offering a place for campers to enjoy nature, bond with peers and create lifelong memories.

Shedding light on the staffing shortage in the nursing progression, we find a program to inspire high school students to pursue the field. At the Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration and Success, students from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing teach participants about nursing and the impact they can make by returning to their communities as respected health practitioners to serve the people they know and love.

We also see the launch of Murals for Mental Health, this year’s Senior Class Challenge. The UC Davis Student Foundation, or Aggies Helping Aggies, is teaming up with Aggie Mental Health to install a mural on campus to promote awareness of student mental well-being for the Senior Class Challenge. Each year’s challenge gives the graduating class an opportunity to leave their mark on their alma mater — and, this year, to support their fellow Aggies.

“Art has always been known for boosting confidence and increasing resilience,” said Barry Nguyen ’23, student foundation president. “We aim to have our mural symbolize perseverance and acceptance for those struggling with their mental health.”

Crowdfund UC Davis takes place in October and February each year, and since its debut in February 2020 has raised more than $534,100 for 126 teams. Last October, 26 teams raised $106,720.

The Annual and Special Gifts Program in Development and Alumni Relations works with Advancement Services to review applications and provides the Crowdfund UC Davis platform, training, guidance and some publicity — but it’s up to project teams to fuel the marketing and networking that lead to fundraising success.

See more on the Crowdfund UC Davis website.