The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is dedicated to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce to support the growing regenerative medicine economy right here in California.
One way we do this is through our SPARK educational internship program. The SPARK awards—also known as the Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge— support summer research internships for high school students at leading stem cell institutes in California.
While the Bridges internships for undergraduate and master’s graduate students take place year-round, SPARK internships are underway across California and already give high school students an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on training in stem cell research at some of the state’s leading research facilities.
The SPARK program selects students who reflect the diversity of California’s population, particularly those who might not otherwise have opportunities to participate in research internships because of socioeconomic constraints.
SPARK students spend the summer learning about stem cells and regenerative medicine, then complete a six-week research internship in a stem cell lab. At the end of the program, students showcase their hard work by presenting their research at the SPARK annual conference. Stay tuned for more updates as the program concludes!
In addition to showcasing their research, the bright young scientists are sharing their experience through social media, and we’ve compiled some of their submissions so far. To see more social media submissions—plus updates and news from CIRM—follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Currently, there are 11 active SPARK programs located in Northern and Southern California. Each program has its own application process and student selection process. If you are a student, teacher, or family member interested in learning more about how to apply or when application deadlines are, please visit the CIRM website.