Hands-on Science Education for Future Leaders in Biomedical and Behavioral Research

The mission of this SEPA grant at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is to foster future scholars of science by engaging motivated youth and their families in a structured, comprehensive science education, mentoring, and research program. The program builds skills and confidence necessary for students to enter and succeed in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Science trainings and opportunities for youth are often lacking and fail to provide hands-on real-world opportunities, especially in rural areas. Thus, this grant will develop and deliver educational and research activities for middle school and high school students in the biomedical and behavioral sciences to increase their interest in pursuing studies and careers in STEM by addressing the following aims: 1) Engage 6-12th grade students in STEM based workshops and activities to increase interest in STEM fields and careers; 2) Develop and run a mentored summer program at California State University San Marcos to engage youth and their families in STEM activities and college readiness; 3) Establish a structured mentoring program between students in STEM undergrad degrees and 6-12th grade students and their families; 4) Provide research opportunities for 6-12th grade students to gain experience in STEM, including in the area of substance use and opioid overdose. Youth will be provided mentoring from both program faculty and from near-peer mentors, will engage in interactive science activities, and will have the opportunity to both shadow in research labs and develop their own research projects to address substance use and opioid overdose. Additionally, the curriculum will be designed to contribute to building confidence and increasing persistence in biomedical and behavioral careers.