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


A young woman with peach colored dress and floral crown is smiling and slightly looking over her shoulder. Behind her are trees and mountains. 

AvaMarie


A young woman with long, dark, wavy hair and glasses smiles while holding a vintage-looking SLR camera in front of tall, dry grasses and foliage. She is wearing a dark blue patterned top and a thin silver necklace, with a tan canvas tote bag slung over her shoulder.

Jasmine

 

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Melika


A smiling young woman with a short, blonde buzz cut takes a selfie in a dimly lit stairwell with white walls. She is wearing a dark blue or black tank top, dark lipstick, and is holding a pair of glasses in her left hand.

Katie

Upcoming Events

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This flyer for DSP Peer Events Spring ‘26 features a light green background with playful spring-themed illustrations of bees, a sun, and a flower. It lists four upcoming event dates on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm in the Student Resource Building MPR, offering community, food, games, and crafts.
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Gemini said This flyer features a playful, retro-inspired aesthetic with a warm color palette of yellow, orange, lavender, and mint green organized into rounded rectangular blocks. The layout uses bold, black sans-serif typography against these pastel backgrounds, creating a clear, high-contrast visual hierarchy for the event details.

 

 

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.