ACES Program Creates Pipeline for High-Achieving HBCU Students in Graduate Research

UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic has been awarded a $159,400 grant from the University of California Office of the President’s (UCOP) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Initiative. This funding will support the Access to Careers in Engineering and Sciences (ACES) program, an intensive eight-week summer program that opens doors for talented HBCU students in STEM fields.

ACES impacts students’ academic futures by immersing high-achieving undergraduates in cutting-edge research at UC Irvine – one of the nation’s premier research institutions. Participants gain hands-on experience in biomedical engineering, biophotonics, and related STEM disciplines while working alongside distinguished faculty and graduate student mentors.

The program goes beyond laboratory work, offering comprehensive preparation for graduate school through targeted workshops and providing insights into both academic and industry career paths. This holistic approach ensures students leave with both technical skills and strategic knowledge.

“ACES represents our commitment to providing transformative opportunities for exceptional HBCU students in STEM,” said Dr. Eric Potma, Director of UC Irvine’s ACES program. “Through ACES, we are not just introducing students to research possibilities – we are helping to shape the next generation of scientific leaders.”

The numbers tell a compelling story. Over seven years, ACES has created a robust pipeline to graduate education: 11 program alumni have entered UC STEM Ph.D. programs, with nine choosing UC Irvine specifically. An additional 27 ACES graduates have enrolled in graduate programs nationwide, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for advanced study.

This success reflects the broader impact of the UC-HBCU Initiative, which has hosted 994 scholars across all ten UC campuses during its first decade. The initiative’s investment has yielded remarkable results: 82 Ph.D. students currently enrolled at UC institutions and 43 Ph.D. graduates can directly trace their academic journey to the UC-HBCU program.

 The UC-HBCU Initiative exemplifies how partnerships can advance the UC system’s core mission of teaching, research, and public service. By creating pathways for talented students who might otherwise lack access to premier research opportunities, the program enriches the entire academic community while expanding excellence in STEM representation.

“ACES represents more than just a summer research experience – it’s an investment in the future of STEM fields,” said Dr. Potma. “We look forward to hosting our Summer 2026 participants and are grateful to the UC Office of the President for its partnership and commitment to fostering academic excellence and opportunity.”

As the program prepares for its next cohort, ACES continues to demonstrate that targeted investment in high-achieving HBCU students creates lasting change, building a stronger and more innovative scientific workforce for the future.

Click here or visit https://bli.uci.edu/aces/ to learn more about UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic’s ACES program.

Author: Gabrielle Comfort