Neuroscience High School Scholars Program

UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program

Who are we?

The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program is dedicated to diversifying the field of neuroscience by engaging and encouraging high school students from underrepresented communities to pursue a career in the field, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research. We are committed to fostering diversity in neuroscience and raising community awareness regarding ADRD, focusing on education, research, outreach, prevention, treatment, and providing mentorship.

Why is this important?

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that nearly seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is projected to increase to nearly 13 million by 2050. In addition, the health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia are projected to reach $360 billion in 2024 and nearly $1 trillion in 2050.

In the next few decades, the elder Latinx-Hispanic population is expected to grow by 391% and predictions demonstrate a large increase in ADRD diagnosis within this community. Further, studies demonstrate that Latinx-Hispanics and African Americans are one-half to two times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease than Whites. Despite these alarming trends, diversity in the field of neuroscience is significantly lacking representation from the Latinx-Hispanic, African American, and other underrepresented communities, which further increases the health disparity gap.

Lack of diversity in the neuroscience field contributes to health disparity issues, inadequate access to treatment in a timely manner, and minimal research participation from underrepresented individuals. Further, it limits our knowledge on the impact that ADRD has on underrepresented populations and impedes or delays adequate and efficacious treatments for these communities.

Diversity and inclusion in the workforce have been identified as a factor in decreasing health disparities in underrepresented communities. Enhancing diversity in the workforce can lead to a balanced perspective in areas of neuroscience research, increased quality of training, and increased ability to recruit and include talented individuals from underrepresented communities. A diverse workforce in the field of neuroscience can assist in minimizing the health disparity gap by increasing our understanding of how culture plays a role in various neurological disorders such as ADRD.

Program Opportunities

UCLA Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds (monthly virtual seminars)

  • Join us each month to learn about various neuroscience topics presented by leading experts in the field. Seminars occur on the last Wednesday of each month at 6pm. Email us at unhssp@mednet.ucla.edu to receive a zoom invite.
  • High school students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are welcome to attend.

 

High School Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Research Club

  • We encourage high school students to establish an Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Research Club at their high school to provide awareness, education and resources to students, their families, and their local community. We can help the club by providing educational seminars to students (or parents, faculty) and literature on various topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
  • If you are interested in establishing a High School Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Research Club, we meet virtually on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6pm. Email us at unhssp@mednet.ucla.edu to receive a zoom invite.
  • High school students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are welcome to attend.

 

Neuropeek Sessions

Offers high school students an exclusive sneak peek of live neuropathology sessions, research laboratory tours, and meeting experts in the field Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

  • Brain cutting sessions
  • Research labs tours
  • Meet research staff
  • UCLA campus tour
  • High school students in the 11th, and 12th grades are welcome to attend.

 

UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Summer Program

  • The program will take place from June 16th to July 24th, 2025 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Students must attend all in-person or virtual sessions.
  • Juniors and seniors (ages 16 to 18) are invited to apply
  • Program fee: $0
  • Students must complete a medical clearance through UCLA Volunteer Services.
  • Application available: February 7, 2025
  • Application deadline: March 3, 2025
  • Virtual interviews: March 10 to March 14, 2025
  • Final decisions: March 21, 2025
  • Application link: available February 7, 2025

 

  • Tips to prepare for the application (Prepare responses for the following questions):
    • Why are you interested in studying neuroscience, and how does it relate to your background or community (350-word limit)?
    • How do you envision diversity impacting the future of neuroscience and scientific discovery (350-word limit)?
    • What do you hope to gain from this summer program, and how will it help you achieve your academic or career goals (350-word limit)?

  • If you have questions about the in-person or virtual summer neuroscience program, please email us at unhssp@mednet.ucla.edu

     

  • In-Person Summer Program
    • The 6-week program will expose students to various neuroscience topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, highlighting health disparities and cultural sensitivities.
    • The program consists of 3 structured days, 3-hours per day that will allow for the students to engage in various activities such as:
      • Neuroscience seminars
      • Brain cutting sessions
      • Neurology grand rounds
      • Literature reviews
      • Journal club
      • Exposure to research
      • Mentorship
      • Research project
      • Exposure to community outreach/engagement/advocacy in underrepresented areas

    • This in-person summer program is a commuter program. Transportation, food and housing are not provided.

       

  • Virtual Summer Program
    • The 6-week program will expose students to various neuroscience topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, highlighting health disparities and cultural sensitivities.
    • The program consists of 3 structured days, 3-hours per day that will allow for the students to engage in various activities such as:
      • Neuroscience seminars
      • Neurology grand rounds
      • Literature reviews
      • Journal club
      • Exposure to research
      • Mentorship
      • Research project

 

General Program Requirements: please note specific requirements for each program

  • Must be a current student enrolled in high school
  • Students from underrepresented communities or students who wish to work with underrepresented communities
  • Students who are mature, eager and motivated to learn
  • Students who are considering a career in neuroscience

 

Questions?

Please email us at unhssp@mednet.ucla.edu