Who We Are:

The Shared Table Perspective (formerly Deconstructing Diversity Initiative) is a year-long program that combines learning and dialogue along with FREE travel to sites of historical and contemporary importance to race in America to allow students to investigate institutional and contextual forces and power differences that are at the heart of racial/ethnic tensions and inequities. The objective is to provide students with the education, training and experiences needed to better understand, negotiate and resolve issues of race.

STP Fellows give back also serve as mentors to high school youth.

Qualifications & Prerequisites:
  • There are no Major Requirements! We encourage all students, including Graduate Students.
  • Have a desire to take action to improve equity in your own community
  • Have a desire to pass on your knowledge and experience as a mentor to high school youth
 
Program Benefits:
  • Build on and expand your understanding of equity and inclusion through in-class dialogue and experiential education around race issues in the U.S.
  • Network with students, faculty, and community
  • Build confidence to engage in difficult dialogue and navigate issues of race and equity
  • Gain essential leadership and professional experience for working in diverse environments
  • Take your scholarship and research to action as community change-agents
  • Earn credit toward the Social Justice Advocacy Certificate

Responsibilities & Time Commitment

Attendance is required for the following three components of the program:
  1. We will have one or two meetings in the Fall, and weekly meetings will be established for Winter Quarter.
  2. DDI participants are expected to pass on their knowledge and understanding to Orange County youth through mentorship roles in its partner program, the ECHO project (formerly the Diversity, Inclusion, and Racial Healing Ambassador Program) during symposiums and field trips, dates TBD.
  3. Travel: two trips are planned (depending on funding) and will be paid for students that meet the attendance and participation requirements of the program (1 long weekend Winter quarter + 5 days during Spring or summer)

Additionally, participants must complete reading/assignments, as assigned, and be prepared to discuss and participate in group dialogue with fellow students, faculty, and guest speakers.

 
Application Deadline: November 25, 2025
 

Online Application

 
Questions? Please contact Dr. Teresa Neighbors at ddi@uci.edu