The DSP RISE Programs are grant-sustained initiatives that seek to support students with disabilities holistically offering programming related to academic success, building social support, and career readiness & development.

The DSP Peer Program features Peer Mentors, who understand the college experience with a disability and are here to help you navigate life at UCSB. They host a variety of social and community-building events during the academic year. These events are theme-based and include a light dinner, campus collaborations, and great company! 

The RISE Academic Initiative Study Sessions include DSP Peers, students in community, working together (or on their own), and yummy study snacks to fuel academic success. These study nights host academic skill coaching workshops, writing assistance, as well as Econ & STATS tutoring from CLAS.

Stay in the loop by checking out the DSP Events Page!

Give to the DSP Peer Programs

Meet the DSP Peers

 

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A young woman with long, wavy blonde hair smiles as she poses on a pedestrian bridge wearing a red tank top and a black polka-dot skirt. In the background, modern multi-story buildings and lush green trees line the waterfront under an overcast sky.

AvaMarie

 

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A woman with dark hair and glasses smiles while making a heart hand gesture in front of a life-sized anime character cutout. She wears an off-the-shoulder white graphic top, posing against a stylized red, black, and white backdrop.

Ariannie

 

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A young woman with long dark hair poses outdoors along a wooden fence overlooking a bright turquoise mountain lake. She wears a black polka-dot sleeveless top and light blue jeans under a clear, sunny sky with towering mountains in the background.

Niya

 

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A young woman with long, straight brown hair sits outside at a patio table with an iced coffee and a pastry container in front of her. She smiles softly at the camera on a sunny day, surrounded by leafy green plants and trees in the background.

Simone

Upcoming Events

 

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A colorful informational flyer announces the Fall 2026 Study Sessions hosted by DSP and the Promise Scholars Program. It outlines that sessions will take place on select Tuesdays from October through December from 4:30 to 10 PM at the SRB MPR and Room 2228, providing food, CLAS tutors, and a sensory-friendly space.

Past Event

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A vibrant purple and blue flyer for "Jackbox Game Night" features a large handheld gaming console graphic at the top and game controllers at the bottom. The text announces the event will take place on Tuesday, February 25th, from 6-8pm in the SRB 1st Floor Conference Room, promising "Fun and Dinner" and inviting students to "Bring a friend!"
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Decorative flyer
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A whimsical flyer for a "Relaxation Station Event!" hosted by DSP Peer Mentors and CAPS Mental Health Peers features soft pastel clouds, birds, and an illustration of a person sitting inside a giant flower. The text invites students to the SRB 2nd Floor Conference Room on Tuesday, November 19th, from 6-8 PM for soothing eye masks, refreshments, and fidget toys to mark the final event of the quarter.