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 science forums focusing on a range of topics from ethics, to career development to entrepreneurial science. They also take part in 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.

"Stem Cell 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 memorable 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