Student Testimonial
"Having a mentor throughout the way really helped me understand what I was doing and if I ever had a question along the way, they would answer it."
A Guide to the Apprenticeship Bridge to College Format and Schedule
The ABC program at the Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine integrates research, scholarly and social opportunities designed to maximize the students research experience.
The program requires a full-time, nine week commitment for all undergraduate students. Students will be working or engaging in academic activities 40 hours per week, with some special extracurricular activities planned to enjoy the company of your peers and beautiful Southern California.
Here's a brief look at each of the three major components of the ABC experience:
Research
As an ABC student, you'll be one of approximately 15 select high school students charged with completing a summer research project with leading scientific faculty at Loma Linda University. Completing this research project and working closely with your faculty mentor will be at the core of your program experience.
We will do our best to match you with one of our faculty mentors according to the research interest noted on your application. You and your mentor will work closely together throughout the summer on your research project with the goal of presenting your findings at our Annual Health Disparities Research Symposium.
The Symposium takes place at the end of the program and is an opportunity to formally present your work in front of faculty, peers, and family. The symposium also provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in presenting your research, and a time to show what you have accomplished in the program.
Academic Support
We know you may have many goals as a high school student, and the ABC program offers ample time for academic support and guidance so that you are well-prepared to advance in your path as a scholar.
You will attend regular program enriching seminars such as:
Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine (CHDMM) Seminars
Every Wednesday
This seminar is for all students participating in one summer research programs, from high school to MD/PhD students. The focus is on health disparities. Specific scientific material will be presented to further expand the understanding and awareness of health disparities in the biomedical sciences and impact their on our communities.
UTP/ABC Seminars
Every Thursday
In this seminar, high school and undergraduate research students will learn about topics such as how to create a poster presentation for the symposium, biomedical career development, effective Power Point presentations, scientific integrity, and other subjects. Presenters include scientific professors and graduate students.
Extracurricular Activities
The ABC program is not just about research and academics. While that is certainly the core focus, an important part of the program is also about making lifelong connections and friends with the other students you'll meet and work alongside within the program.
We will give you lots of opportunities to get to know other students in the program, whether through informal campus get together or organized group outings. You will have several organized weekend day trips for a chance to explore a bit of Southern California and have some fun. Past outings have included Disneyland, Six Flags, Universal Studios, Sea World, La Jolla Beach, Laguna Beach and other fun places and activities.
When you are in the labs, work is your top priority. But, you will have enough downtime in the evenings and on weekends to relax and enjoy yourself. At Loma Linda University, we are big believers in wholeness so we'll do everything we can to not only feed your mind, but your body and spirit as well.