Program Components

The Cedars-Sinai Cancer Community Outreach and Engagement team, led by associate director Zul Surani, present on community engagement and education to Cohort 2 at the 2023 Summer Institute 

A week-long introduction to cancer disparities research, diverse researcher role models, and a network of supportive and motivated peers and mentors.*

Cohort 2 scholar Horacio Palma presents his summer research at the 2023 Poster Session

Interning with a Cedars-Sinai researcher is the cornerstone of a U-GROW scholar's year. Working closely with a researcher will expose scholars to cancer disparities research and introduce them to research methods & ethics.

Cohort 2 scholars Iluoghene Akene (left) and Tyler Morris (right) work together on writing a personal statement for graduate school applications

During their internships scholars will meet as a group every two weeks. Learning about each other's projects helps scholars develop a broader understanding of cancer disparities research.*

Cohort 2 scholar Benito Cermeno presents a poster based on his work with Dr. Stephen Shiao's research group

U-GROW scholars present posters based on their work at the end of the summer, fielding questions from Cedars-Sinai Cancer faculty as well as their families and supporters.*

Cohort 1 scholars Ashlyn Southerland (left) and Carina Gregorio (right) discuss the graduate school admissions process with UCLA MPH student Melina Rodriguez (center)

Scholars return to their respective CSU campuses in the fall, but continue to meet quarterly for continuing education on cancer prevention and control.*

Cohort 2 scholars Liana Gutierrez (left), Diana Martinez (middle), and  Iluoghene Akene (right) complete a visioning activity at the 2023 Summer Institute

Scholars meet monthly from September to June. They participate in workshops that help them write a dossier of graduate school application documents while practicing the speaking, presenting, and reading skills they will need in graduate school.*