CELL Scholars
Promoting Community Engagement in STEM
CELL Scholars (Cultivating Early Laboratory Learning) is a distinguished outreach program by the UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI). Our mission is to foster early exposure to scientific research and champion accessibility to various STEM fields.
Through CELL Scholars, students from Title I high schools, which “help disadvantaged students meet state academic content and performance standards” (California Department of Education), are awarded scholarship-sponsored opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research in UCLA laboratories throughout the academic year. Each student is paired with a dedicated graduate student mentor, guiding them in developing essential technical skills, mastering coding for computational projects, and navigating career and college pathways within STEM.
Beyond the lab, our program offers enriching workshops and seminars led by UCLA graduate students and faculty. These sessions are designed to equip students with the critical skills necessary for a successful career in STEM. At CELL Scholars, we are committed to cultivating the next generation of scientists and innovators.
EVENTS
CELL Scholars offers students from Title I high schools hands-on research opportunities in UCLA laboratories, mentorship from graduate students, and skill-building workshops and seminars. The program includes scholarship-sponsored positions and networking opportunities with peers and professionals in STEM.
PROJECTS
CELL Scholars plans to expand its outreach by increasing the number of scholarship opportunities and partnering with more UCLA laboratories. Future projects include developing advanced workshops on emerging scientific fields, enhancing mentorship programs with more personalized career guidance, and creating a robust alumni network to support long-term career development. The program also aims to collaborate with industry partners to provide internships and real-world experience in STEM fields.
OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
CELL Scholars is currently partnered with local Title I high schools in Los Angeles County. The program invites students from University High School to gain laboratory experience with expert UCLA Mentors and Researchers. If you are a University High School student and are interested in applying, feel free to contact us for more information. CELL Scholars also welcomes partnerships with other Title I LA County High Schools for our Workshop Outreach. If you are an LA Title I high school administrator and would like us to host a workshop, please contact us for more information.
UCLA Brain Research Institute
David Geffen School of Medicine JEDI
Knowing Neurons
