UCLA Short-Term Research Experience to Unlock Potential (UCLA STEP-UP)

The long-term goal of the Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) program at UCLA is to engage qualified high school students in meaningful, world-class scientific research, to increase their interest in pursuing service to the nation through the pursuit of a career in biomedical research. Our country’s academic, research, and health communities require a steady influx of bright and insightful individuals to sustain innovation and excellence and who are well-prepared to address evolving threats to health and health maintenance. Moreover, a long-standing goal of the NIH and the NIKDK is to develop a prepared biomedical workforce with highly developed quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills who are well-trained and knowledgeable. Early exposure to mentored research experiences enables young adults interested in the biomedical and health sciences to unlock their potential. Therefore, there is a great need to continue to provide outstanding scientific research opportunities for young people in biomedical research and science. These youth represent a future cadre of biomedical researchers and health care professionals who will improve our nation’s health.