Division of Biomedical Sciences

FastStart is an intensive, five-week program for incoming UCR freshmen who aspire to medical and other science based careers. It helps prepare disadvantaged students with the background and skills necessary to get off to a strong start in their college education,  by providing instruction in math, biology, and chemistry and includes workshops in study skills, campus resources, ethics, and other enrichment opportunities. Perhaps most importantly, FastStart students receive critical mentoring from student staff, who provide academic and adjustment guidance.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of disadvantaged students who pursue such careers and to provide the academic and social support needed to help students persist and succeed in their higher education goals.

• Visit the Faststart website

The Medical Scholars Program is made up of highly motivated and talented students seeking careers in the health sciences and who work to support each other's goals of completing a bachelor's degree and enrolling in a postgraduate school. Students participate in the program throughout their undergraduate career.

All UCR students are eligible to apply, with admission based upon a review of the application and interview. Applicants are screened on the basis of their commitment to the goals of the program, community service, and interest in serving the underserved populations of the inland regions and California as a whole.

• Visit the Medical Scholars Program website

The Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program assists educationally and/or socio-economically disadvantaged applicants in gaining acceptance to medical school towards the goal of increasing the number of physicians who practice in underserved areas.

Participation is limited to six to eight students who have completed or will complete their undergraduate degree from UC Riverside. It is open to both first-time and re-applicants to medical school.

• Visit the UCR Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program website.
• Visit the California Postbaccalaureate Consortium website

The Health Sciences Partnership for Disadvantaged Student Development (HSP) is collaboration between the University of California, Riverside and area high schools. The program received its initial funding through the National School-to-Career Program and continues with departmental support from UCR’s Division of Biomedical Sciences. UCR science majors serve as mentors to high school students in an effort to enhance the pathway for students who seek and are prepared for medical careers.

For more information, click here