The Early Investigator High School (EiHS) CIRM Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) is a hands-on research experience run collaboratively by Pathways to Stem Cell Science and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Funded by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), EiHS CIRM SPARK enables six students from low-income families to participate in stem cell research at Caltech funded by a full tuition scholarship. This program is part of a larger CIRM funded initiative to provide advanced science education to low income students who lack the means to participate in summer research programs.

CIRM SPARK scholars follow a similar curriculum to the Stem Cell Research Internship Program, completing introductory training, hands-on research and educational forums focusing on a range of topics from ethics, to career development to entrepreneurial science. They also take part in math tuition classes, social media activities and attend the CIRM SPARK Conference – a state-wide event showcasing the research and achievements of CIRM SPARK students from around California.

Boot Camp
During the first week of the program, participating students attend a preparatory lab training course called the Boot Camp. Held at Pathways to Stem Cell Science in our biotech industry training facility, this course provides hands-on training in essential bioscience techniques such as laboratory safety, pipetting, cell culture, stem cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry and microscopy.

Research Internship
After completing introductory training, students join the laboratory of a Caltech scientist, where they contribute to a professional research project, broadly related to stem cells and regenerative medicine.

Science Education Forums
Participating students attend three science education forums, which expand stem cell science from the laboratory to the outside world. These forums cover a range of fascinating topics from science writing and ethics to intellectual property and entrepreneurship. They also include a career development seminar, guest speakers and a scientific journal club.

Colloquium and Graduation
The EiHS CIRM SPARK Program culminates on the last day with a poster presentation and graduation ceremony at our annual Colloquium. This event is open to the public and includes a poster presentation during which students showcase their work to friends, family and local scientists.

– College-level lectures
– Hands-on lab classes
– Cutting edge techniques
– Guest speakers
– Literature research
– Professional lab research and experimental planning
– Career education
– Journal club
– Science writing, bioinformatics, biolaw, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, ethics, patient advocacy
– Networking with professional science mentors