Charles R. Drew University prepares students to become the healthcare leaders of tomorrow

Los Angeles, California, July 29, 2005— For the past five years, the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science have teamed to provide high school students with innovative avenue to explore and expand their passion and interests in the biomedical sciences.

Initiated in 1995 by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (formerly the Office of Research on Minority Health) and the NIDDK, the National High School Student Summer Research Apprentice Program (NHSSSRAP) was designed to increase the number of disadvantaged students (Hispanic/Latino, African Americans, Native American, Asian Pacific Islanders, and Alaskan Native population) involved in bio-medical research. Larry Agodoa, Director of the Office of Minority Health Research Coordination at the NIDDK, provides funding and program oversight, while the day-today coordination of the program is handled by Keith Norris, MD, Associate Dean for Research at Charles Drew University, and Emma Taylor, Program Coordinator, Clinical Research Center.

While in the 8-week program, students work at a biomedical facility (usually a college or university) near their homes with seasoned researchers and research teams. The students work with staff on a specific bio-medical research project for six to eight hours per day. The program provides the students with real experiences including a greater understanding of bio-medical research; functioning as a “team” member and understanding “collective” responsibility; working with a mentor; and preparing and presenting a research project.

The program will celebrate its tenth anniversary this year when 70 student participants gather August 7-11 in Bethesda, Maryland, to present their research projects. Student researchers reside in fourteen states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and they will travel from as far as Hawaii and Alaska. In addition to presenting their research findings and touring the NIH facilities, seniors will also compete for awards based on their poster presentations.

“This program is extremely positive for everyone involved,” said Keith Norris, MD, who leads the effort at Charles R. Drew University. “The students learn a great deal and are excited about what they learn. The mentors, coordinators, faculty, judges and program leaders are always impressed with the presentations the students make, as well as the quality of effort and thought they invest in their projects.”

Highly motivated high school students with an enthusiasm for learning and an interest in the biomedical sciences interested in applying to the NHSSSRAP should visit the website for Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, www.cdrewu.edu. Program size is limited so students are encouraged to apply early. Applications for the 2006 program will be available in December. The application deadline is March 1, 2006 (all mail received should be postmarked by this date.) The NIH summer visit will take place in August 2006.