Diversity in academic settings is a vital component to increasing equal representation of both the subject matter and the populations under research, while diversity within healthcare settings has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce health disparities. Community focused outreach programs have the potential to increase diversity within STEM by stimulating interest with students from diverse backgrounds from a young age, and providing students the tools and knowledge to pursue this career path. This past year our 8-week immersive research program provided research and professional development opportunities for nine underrepresented students from three local high schools. Our high school students over the summer worked hand-in-hand with supportive research faculty across our institution on a wide range of regenerative medicine research projects. Leveraging a novel near-peer mentorship framework our program recruited two dedicated medical students who worked closely with our high school students on an array of educational and professional development activities outside of lab. Based on post-program surveys, students gained a significantly knowledge of stem cell biology, and awareness of the different career paths available within STEM. Survey findings demonstrated value of our mentorship structure and a sense of connectedness to a student’s peer community. Lastly, post-program survey data found that every student expressed an intent to pursue a career in STEM. After the summer experience concluded, our program provided students with an ongoing support network, and professional contacts focused on aiding their pursuit of STEM-related careers.