Fostering Pathways: 30 Years of Inspiring High School Students to Pursue Science Careers through Biomedical Research Experiences

Abstract

Since 1987, nearly 450 high school students have participated in the High School Intern Program (HIP) led by the Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Acceptance is not contingent upon grades, being solidly on a path to college, or commitment to a science career. Rather, HIP seeks students for whom this program could make a critical difference through engagement with research projects, peer learning, mentorship, and college counseling. The majority of interns come from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences (minority, low-income, from families without a history of college going, and/or students with disabilities). Interns become comfortable working in a laboratory, begin to conduct experiments independently, learn to present scientific research in oral and written formats, and, critically, begin to see the opportunities available to them should they pursue post-secondary education. Longitudinal studies have documented significant outcomes for HIP alumni. College matriculation rates exceed 95% annually, while student demographics predict only approximately 60% of these students would continue their education after high school. HIP alumni, many of whom enter the program unsure of their plans after high school, pursue post-baccalaureate education and are now serving as science and health professionals in significant numbers.