CSUN CIRM COMPASS Training Program (N-COMPASS)

The CSUN CIRM COMPASS Program will broaden the participation in regenerative medicine of individuals representing the diversity of California?s population by training 15 historically under-represented undergraduate students through hands-on experiences and strategic and structured mentorship experiences to enhance transition of students to successful careers in translational stem cell and gene therapy careers in both the public and private sector each year. Trainees will spend 3 academic years and 2 summer internships in an integrated Bachelor?s degree program devoted to fostering greater awareness and appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusion in trainees, mentors, and other program participants. Trainees will continue to have access to the Mentoring Program to the time of graduation and will be encouraged to participate further as peer mentors. The COMPASS educational program for trainees identified through novel mechanisms that identified and cultivated untapped talent amongst undergraduate populations representing the depth and diversity of California?s population will 1) provide foundational knowledge in stem cell/regenerative medicine and related science through coursework at CSUN leading to a Baccalaureate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology; 2) two hands-on summer research internships in cutting edge regenerative medicine laboratories in both biotech companies and academic laboratories; 3) faculty and peer-mentored guidance through the educational experience; 4) data presentation at symposia including the UCLA International Stem Cell, CSUNposium, WCBSURC, and CSUN Sigma Xi; 5) stem cell outreach activities at schools and in the community; 6) patient healthcare advocacy certificate modules and 7) facilitation of the progression to successful and rewarding careers in regenerative medicine through weekly intern academic and personal support (peer and faculty), advisement, and career development activities. Ten biotech companies, 20 Cedars-Sinai laboratories, and 30 UCLA laboratories (thus far) are committed to our program and its goal of accelerating the delivery of stem cell-based and gene therapy treatments to patients with unmet needs. Many more biotech companies are in the process of clearing our partnership through their law departments.