CENTRAL : Science Program for Minority Students

Los Angeles Community College is searching for qualified black, Latino, Pacific Islander or Native American students interested in careers in science, to participate in a training program next semester.

The “Los Angeles Bridge to Minorities to Biomedical Research Careers” offers eight community college students majoring in chemistry, biology, physics or computer science specialized tutoring, counseling and a $100 weekly stipend each semester.

The jewel of the program, however, is an eight-week summer research project at Cal State Los Angeles, in which students do research with professors in their field of interest and receive a $2,000 grant.

“It’s one thing to listen to theory and another thing to actually use those things you’re learning,” said Milton Zambrana, who participates in the program and plans to pursue either medicine or molecular biology.

Candidates are admitted based on their grade point averages as well as their commitment to their studies and scientific careers.

The goal of the program is to increase minority representation in the sciences.

Upon completion of their studies at the community college, students are encouraged to transfer to Cal State L.A., where they receive expedited admissions.

Thus far, eight students in the program, now in its third year, have made such a transfer.

Interested community college students should contact Elain Carter at (213) 953-4224 or Dennis Mitchell at (213) 953-4023.

High school students may inquire about the program, but they must enroll in the community college to participate.