UC Irvine Launches Spotlight OC
New Program Uniting Orange County Residents Through Learning and Networking
Irvine, Calif., March 17, 2026 – The University of California, Irvine is launching Spotlight OC, a new program that gives Orange County residents insider access to the people and places shaping the region. Designed for locals who want to connect more deeply with the region they call home, the program features immersive, expert-led Saturday experiences four times a year, beginning on April 18, with additional dates to be announced.
Led by UC Irvine faculty and subject matter experts, each three-hour event features guided tours, firsthand demonstrations, and facilitated conversations. “Spotlight OC reflects the power of public education and community engagement coming together,” said Kristine Collins, Dean of Continuing Education. “UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education is proud to connect residents with cultural experiences that are memorable, educational, and accessible across a region of remarkable depth and diversity.”
Jon B. Gould, Dean of the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine, echoed this vision: “Stronger communities begin with deeper understanding of the places we share, the people who shape them, and the forces that bring us together. By opening doors to the diverse stories and spaces that define Orange County, we’re giving residents the opportunity to engage with their community in a meaningful, intellectually enriching way.”
The program is offered by UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education, in partnership with UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, UC Irvine Office of the Vice Provost for Educational & Community Partnerships, and UC Irvine University Advancement and Alumni Relations. The first event will be held at Mercado González Northgate Market in Costa Mesa on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration is now open.
For more information, visit https://ce.uci.edu/spotlightoc.
About UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education: UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (UC Irvine DCE) was established in 1962 and has served the lifelong learning and career development needs of individuals, organizations, and the community on a local, regional, and global scale. Through a wide range of educational opportunities, including certificate and specialized studies programs, short courses, and strategic partnerships, UC Irvine DCE provides learning pathways for those seeking career advancement or personal enrichment. For more information, visit ce.uci.edu.
About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.