The ACCESS Summer Research Institute is an intensive eight-week introduction to research methods and tools with an emphasis on biomedical sciences. Selected student participants work under a UCSC faculty mentor on a project that focuses on current research in an area of interest indicated by the student. Interns work with state-of-the-art laboratory instruments, meet professionals in the biomedical field and experience the academic research environment. Workshops are given on such topics as library research, written and oral presentations, and computer/internet resources. Interns have the opportunity to experience campus life, where they can explore their own academic needs as they relate to the University (admissions counseling, academic student support services, financial aid, graduate school, etc.). Interns live on-campus and receive a stipend of $3000.  
Students must be currently enrolled at Cabrillo, Gavilan, Hartnell, Monterey Peninsula College, or San Jose City College to be eligible. ACCESS seeks students who are highly motivated and will significantly benefit from participation in the Summer Research Institute. All participants must be US citizens or residents with appropriate documentation. In order to be eligible, students must be ACCESS Members for at least one semester.

Eligibility and Application Information

The criteria used to establish ACCESS eligibility include: Belonging to a group with below-average UC eligibility and enrollment rates.

• Students potentially affected by low family income.
• First generation in one's family to attend college.
• Attendance at a high school with limited college preparatory curriculum, or below-average UC enrollment rates or achievement scores.
• Other conditions or circumstances associated with low probability of college attendance and/or academic success.