About

The UCLA Neuroscience High School Scholars Program (NHSSP), hosted by the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Research and Care, is a selective six-week virtual research immersion (June 15 – July 23, 2026) for high school students interested in science, medicine, and psychology. The program prioritizes outreach to public and inner-city high schools, particularly students from underrepresented communities, to foster interest in careers involving Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).

The program is completely free of charge. Enrollment is capacity-limited, with applicants undergoing virtual interviews in mid-April. Instruction is delivered three days a week through a mix of live seminars, Neurology Grand Rounds, and journal clubs where students critically analyze current literature. A key component of the 2026 curriculum is the Brain Health Advocacy initiative, where students learn to develop Alzheimer's awareness projects for their local communities.

Participants interact with graduate students and physician-scientists, gaining exposure to virtual lab activities and clinical trial preparation. The experience culminates in a final research project where students investigate a specific topic of interest and present their findings to faculty and peers. While the program does not confer academic credit, it serves as a prestigious research apprenticeship that provides mentorship and career guidance typically unavailable in a standard high school setting. Scholars also gain access to the monthly UCLA Neuroscience High School Grand Rounds, ensuring year-round engagement with the UCLA neuroscience community.