Access to Careers in Engineering and Sciences (ACES) & Biomedical Research Innovation Gateway for Health Technologies (BRIGHT)

As a premier research and teaching institution, UC Irvine is dedicated to serving a diverse population and aims to attract graduate scholars who reflect global communities. UC Irvine, like many universities, faces the challenge of attracting minority students to doctoral programs, with African American and Black students being particularly underrepresented in graduate and professional programs.

Access to Careers in Engineering and Sciences (ACES) and Biomedical Research Innovation Gateway for Health Technologies (BRIGHT) aim to address this challenge by going beyond traditional recruiting efforts. Every summer, 8-10 talented undergraduates from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) participate in ACES and BRIGHT, eight-week summer training programs at UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic and the UC Irvine Samueli School of Engineering. The programs introduce high-achieving, underrepresented students to UC Irvine’s graduate programs in biomedical engineering, biophotonics, chemistry, chemical engineering and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

HBCU students:

  • work alongside faculty mentors who are leaders in their field
  • conduct cutting-edge research in Institute facilities and labs
  • learn about academic and industry careers
  • attend workshops on GRE preparation, personal statements and graduate school readiness
  • build connections for graduate school admission

By supporting ACES and BRIGHT, you help create a more inclusive environment in higher education and make a significant impact on students nationwide.

A gift of:

  • $100 supports one student’s culminating research presentation
  • $500 supports one student’s lab summer research supplies
  • $1,000 supports one student’s travel expenses
  • $1,500 supports one student’s summer campus dining hall meals
  • $5,000 supports one student’s eight-week stipend
  • $15,000 supports one participant, covering all program expenses

Click here to visit the University of California (UC) HBCU ACES and BRIGHT website.

For more information, please contact Erin Miller, Director of Special Events, at ewmiller@uci.edu.