A Message From Our New Propel Program Director
My name is Bryan Zuniga, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new PROPEL Program Director within UC Santa Barbara’s Division of Social Sciences. I walked the same campus as a first-generation Promise Scholar less than a handful of years ago— and like many of our scholars, my frame of reference for higher education was always beyond who and what was familiar to me. Also coming from an under-resourced, low-income background, I’m extremely grateful to help PROPEL Scholars, who share similar stories, aspire on their own terms and make the most of UCSB.
As the PROPEL Program Director, I am deeply committed to creating transformative pathways that empower our scholars to not only navigate UCSB but thrive within its academic and social landscape with a strong sense of community and confidence. I envision PROPEL as a holistic support system designed to uplift its scholars, ensuring they have the tools, mentorship, and resources to succeed academically, professionally and personally. I understand many of the challenges these scholars face as they transition into university life, and my goal is to provide a supportive environment where they feel seen, valued, and equipped to overcome obstacles, take risks, and lead with their unique perspectives.
Leading the PROPEL Scholars Program is truly a full circle moment for me, and I could not be more excited to foster and continue to build a flourishing, inclusive community of student scholars, resource staff, encouraging administrators, and donors that make the entire vision possible.
I very much look forward to our journey together.
Bryan Zuniga
Director & Advisor, PROPEL Scholars Program