COMPASS Program for Southern California Hispanic Serving Institution

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Grant Award Details

Grant Number:
EDUC5-13667
Award Value:
$2,769,800
Status:
Active

Progress Reports

Reporting Period:
Year 1
Reporting Period:
Year 2
Reporting Period:
Year 3

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

COMPASS Program for Southern California Hispanic Serving Institution

Public Abstract:
The COMPASS Program on our campus is a comprehensive program to recruit local high school students and train them on our campus in stem cells and life sciences, culminating in a summer capstone experience on campus. Our campus is regionally poised to support our robust program as the “home” institution. We are designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI, 47.1%), which serves primarily undergraduate students (89.8%); many of which are first-generation (31.1%) and are Federal Pell Grant recipients (48.5%).

This proposal will support 30 COMPASS interns for two years of training. There will be three cohorts of COMPASS interns: cohort I, cohort II and cohort III. We will recruit local high school students to campus as well as first year Biotechnology majors. During the first year on campus, we will conduct application writing workshops and after the Spring semester, applications will be due. Sophomore Biotechnology majors who are selected to the program will have the option to work in several different CSUSM laboratories on campus that focus on immunology, virology, stem cells and bioengineering for two full years which will be followed by a summer capstone experience. During the two years, the COMPASS interns will take courses in the Biotechnology major that includes FAIR principles of data sharing, good research habits, principles of translational research, bioengineering, statistics and bioinformatics. Interns will participate in formal and informal mentoring sessions. All individuals involved, including the mentors and the interns, will receive diversity, equity and inclusion training. The interns will also participate in community engagement and patient advocacy activities.
Statement of Benefit to California:
California is a leader in advancing stem cell and regenerative medicine and the field is progressing rapidly towards viable therapies and cures for human disease. In order to continue to accelerate this progress and drive future innovation, we must provide a pipeline for the training and development of a diverse pool of stem cell scientists. Our program is designed to meet this need by providing an op diverse college students to receive comprehensive training and education allowing them to enter this field more quickly than traditional pathways. Additionally, we develop well rounded stem cell researchers who understand the full “bench to bedside” process of bringing treatments to the clinic. Simultaneously, they learn the need for public communication and outreach so that the regional community understands the benefits from their research. Our institution has partnered with three local high schools. We deliver a robust and comprehensive internship program for undergraduates in an intensive two-year long research experience on our campus in the areas of stem cells, bioengineering, immunology and virology. Our student trainees receive college credit and will be supported by educational enhancement and patient advocacy activities through community organizations. At the end of their internship year, our trainees will be prepared to contribute to California’s workforce pipeline and/or continue their academic journeys. Our program impact is significant. We will train 10 trainees each year, who are representative of our diverse region and often remain in the area to join the scientific workforce. Therefore, California will benefit from this additional pool of well-prepared stem cell/life scientists from diverse backgrounds that have a broad understanding of the benefits of stem cell research and life science application who can continue to advocate and accelerate California’s commitment to advancing stem cell research, treatments and therapies for human diseases.