Diversity Hub

Promoting Underrepresented Minorities Advancing in the Sciences (PUMAS) is a paid biomedical research internship program funded by an NIH/NHLBI grant. PUMAS aims to identify community college students from disadvantaged background who currently live in the Bay Area. During the program, PUMAS interns are paired with a scientific mentor and work on an individual research project in one of our laboratories. PUMAS interns work part-time (20–25 hours per week) over the course of 8-weeks and participate in a final poster session where they present their research findings to the scientific community here at Gladstone and UCSF.

The GAPA Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to API LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer) students who are in the process of applying to, or are currently attending, a post-secondary institution. The purpose of the GAPA Foundation Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students in high school; undergraduate, graduate or professional school; or trade or vocational school who are interested in activism in the API and LGBTQ communities.

Asian Network Hospice is seeking volunteers! We provide culturally sensitive, home health and end of life care to communities throughout the Bay Area. Volunteers primarily help with administrative support and patient appreciation projects. Volunteers may also be considered for the opportunity to socialize with patients. It is a great opportunity to support your local community, while gaining experience. Every year, college scholarships are also awarded to select volunteers.

The Summer Research Program provides research opportunities in the biomedical and biological sciences. Students selected for summer research at UC San Francisco spend up to ten weeks working with UCSF faculty members on research projects. Participants in the program take part in seminars, lectures, and social events, creating a cohesive and supportive community. At the end of the program, students give presentations of their research and get valuable feedback from students, postdocs, and faculty at UCSF. Students are supported in these programs by funds from the AMGEN Scholars Program, the National Science Foundation, Genentech, the University of California Office of the President, and UCSF Graduate Division.

In partnership with Howard University, undergraduate students participate in SRTP programming focused on the reduction of oral health disparities.

We in the department of Neurosurgery are working in partnership with the non-profit organization Oasis for Girls to offer paid internship programs for underserved high school female youth of color (ages 14-18) to expose them to medical and healthcare professional careers with mentorship, career path exploration, and professional development through hospital rotations in labs, the OR, and other academic or healthcare locations, with research projects, presentations, and interactive activities. We accept a group of 15-18 youth per cycle with 3 application / intern cycles per year. We are expanding our programs to reach other demographics (e.g. young Black males, LGBTQ+ youth, college pre-med students). Altogether these programs are housed under the title Neurosurgery Community Internship Programs (NCIP).

PITCH is a FREE opportunity for incoming high school juniors, particularly those who may be the first in their families to pursue a four-year college degree, to spend three weeks at UCSF, exploring careers in healthcare, and looking into the educational pathways that lead to different careers, and learning professional skills that will help them along the way. PITCH students are mentored by current UCSF students in the Graduate Division, dental school, pharmacy school, medical school, and nursing school as they complete a group research project and receive one-on-one and small group academic advising from EAOP counselors. PITCH has three core components: (1) Exposure to Careers in Health - presented through a combination of hands-on workshops or guest lectures, led by UCSF students, faculty and staff; (2) College Awareness - Assists students to better understanding the college search and application process; and (3) Group Work on a Research Project - PITCH students research a specific disease, which allows them to develop an understanding for the roles of the various health professionals treating the disease.

Each June, the Early Academic Outreach Program supports UCSF students in holding a one-week free summer day camp at the Parnassus campus for rising fifth- and sixth-grade students. Summer Science Camp was established by UCSF School of Pharmacy student Heather Hertema in 2007 to excite, motivate, and inspire youth, especially those who are underrepresented and underserved in natural and health sciences to pursue the natural and health sciences both in college and as a career. Each year, the camp affords up to 55 students the opportunity to experience hands-on, inquiry-based science. The camp also promotes positive interaction with professional students, campus scientists, and health professionals who serve as role models.

MAP to College! is a free, one-day, annual college-going event held in the fall for Bay Area students in the 12th grade and their parents or guardians. Fall semester of a students' senior year in high school is a critical time for college applications. As colleges become more competitive and selective, it is important that students understand the nuances of each college application and how to write a strong personal essay. Attendees of MAP to College! can attend workshops on the UC application and personal statement, the CSU application, the Community College transfer path, the application and admissions process for private colleges and financial aid. Financial aid workshops are presented in English, Spanish and Cantonese. This event is targeted to students in the twelfth grade, but students of all grades are welcome to attend!

Plan on College! is a free, one-day, annual event for Bay Area students in the eighth grade and their parents or guardians. Attendees of Plan on College! will receive valuable information on course selection for high school, factors that impact college eligibility, college financial aid, and long-term benefits of a college education. Parent workshops are presented in English, Spanish and Cantonese by experts in the field.