Neuroscience High School Scholars Program | Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care

Who are we?

The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program supports high school students in exploring careers in neuroscience, with a special emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). We prioritize outreach to public, inner-city high schools where students often have limited access to neuroscience coursework, laboratory experiences, or career guidance. We provide education, research experiences, community awareness activities, outreach, prevention and treatment information, and mentorship to foster student learning and career development.

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. As the population ages, ADRD places a growing burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Addressing this challenge requires a workforce equipped with knowledge and skills to advance research, improve health, and expand quality services across communities. Early exposure to neuroscience builds critical thinking, data literacy, and ethical decision-making skills, while mentorship helps clarify academic and career goals. By expanding access to comprehensive learning and brain-health education, the program creates a stronger pipeline into neuroscience, fueling research progress and better outcomes for patients and caregivers.

Program Opportunities

UCLA Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds (monthly virtual seminars)

The UCLA Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds is an introduction to neuroscience through an interactive learning program where students explore key neuroscience topics. Students may lead seminars, participate in collaborative discussions, and share their own research projects, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the brain in both scientific and social contexts.
Grand Rounds Schedule 2026-2027: 09/24, 10/29, 11/19, 01/28, 02/11, 02/25, 03/18, 04/15, 04/29, 05/20; all meetings start at 6 PM (Pacific Standard Time).
High school students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are welcome to attend.
To receive a monthly Zoom invitation, please register using the following link: https://uclahs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ekSICJtdXlnojRk. After you register, a Zoom invitation will be emailed to you one week before the seminar.

Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds Certificate Program

Students participating in the Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds Certificate Program have the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Completion by attending at least 8 of 10 scheduled Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds sessions during the academic year.

Participation in the Certificate Program is optional and is not required to attend the Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds. Students are welcome to attend individual Grand Rounds sessions even if they do not complete the certificate program.

At the conclusion of each Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds session, students participating in the Certificate Program will be provided with an attendance link that must be completed to receive attendance credit for that session. Students are responsible for submitting the attendance form after each session to ensure their participation is properly recorded.

Students who attend at least 8 out of 10 sessions and complete the required attendance forms will receive their Certificate of Completion electronically via email following the final session of the program.

We encourage students to attend all sessions and take full advantage of the opportunity to expand their knowledge of neuroscience and explore a variety of neuroscience topics.

Registration:
To register for the 2026-2027 Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds Certificate Program, please complete the registration form using the link below:
https://uclahs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKGLlvN8SoGv0eq

High School Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Research Club

Are you a student interested in starting an Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Club at your high school? Join our student network that brings together high school students who are passionate about raising awareness, promoting education, and supporting research efforts related to Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).
We host virtual meetings once a month, providing a collaborative space where students can share ideas, discuss outreach strategies, brainstorm educational events, and learn from one another’s experiences. This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, gain inspiration, and build a supportive community dedicated to making a difference.
Please note that we do not manage, run, or establish individual high school clubs. Instead, we serve as a resource hub, offering a platform where students from different high schools can exchange ideas and develop leadership skills as they create and grow their own Alzheimer’s awareness initiatives.
Whether you're just beginning to plan your club or already leading one at your school, we welcome you to join our network.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Club Schedule 2026-2027: 09/17, 10/22, 11/12, 01/21, 03/11; all meetings start at 6 PM (Pacific Standard Time).
High school students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are welcome to attend.
To receive a Zoom invitation, please register using the link provided: https://uclahs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3qHt8bAgcZboGLI. After you register, a Zoom invitation will be emailed to you one week before the meeting.

UCLA Neuroscience High School Virtual Summer Program

Updated program details will be posted in December 2026

The UCLA Neuroscience High School Virtual Summer Program is an introduction to the fascinating world of the brain and nervous system. Designed for high school students with an interest in science, medicine, or psychology, this program offers a chance to explore neuroscience through a mix of interactive experiences.

The program will expose students to various neuroscience topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Throughout the program, students will take part in:

Live seminars on key neuroscience topics.
Conversations with guest speakers from diverse backgrounds in medicine and research.
Neurology Grand Rounds, where students observe presentations from clinicians and researchers on current topics in neurology.
A journal club where students critically analyze current neuroscience literature.
A final research project that allows students to investigate a topic of interest and present their findings.

This program is designed to spark curiosity, build knowledge, and connect you with others who share your interests. We also hope to inspire you to pursue a career in neuroscience.

Program dates and time: to be posted in December 2026.

Students must attend all sessions.
Rising Juniors and Seniors only are invited to apply.
Program fee: $0
Application deadline: to be posted in December 2026.
Transcripts and letters of recommendation are not required.
All students who apply will receive an email with their application outcome by: to be posted in December 2026.
Virtual interviews: to be posted in December 2026.
Final decisions: to be posted in December 2026.
Tips to prepare for the application: to be posted in December 2026.
- Please note: this program is intended as an introductory experience.
If you have questions about the virtual summer neuroscience program, please email us at unhssp@mednet.ucla.edu

General Program Requirements: please note specific requirements for each program

Must be a current student enrolled in high school.
Students who are considering a career in neuroscience.
Students who are mature, eager, and motivated to learn.

Questions?

Please email us at unhssp@mednet.ucla.edu.