CHLA Programs Ignite Future Science & Medicine Careers for High School and College Students

For many aspiring scientists and medical professionals, the journey begins with curiosity and a spark of inspiration. Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is actively fanning those sparks into flames, offering high school and college students unparalleled opportunities to delve into the world of research and clinical practice. Through its dedicated programs, CHLA is not just opening doors; it's building robust pathways for young people to explore and contribute to the future of healthcare and scientific discovery.

The institution recently celebrated the achievements of participants in its Chuck Lorre Research Scholars Program and the Samuels Family Los Angeles High School Internship Program (LA-HIP) at their Annual Symposium on August 3, 2026. These programs, managed by the Training, Education, Career Planning and Development (TECPAD) team within The Saban Research Institute, are integral components of the Chuck Lorre Pediatric Health Education Institute at CHLA, designed to provide students with critical hands-on research experience, mentorship, and educational opportunities.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Innovators

According to Mark Frey, PhD, Director of LA-HIP, the philosophy behind these initiatives is clear: when student curiosity and drive meet experienced scientific mentors and leading-edge facilities, remarkable progress becomes possible. Dr. Frey, addressing the 24 students who participated in the 2026 summer program, expressed immense pride in their accomplishments. He emphasized that while CHLA provided the tools and environment, the students themselves drove the work, showcasing their dedication and potential.

Aarti Porwal, MHSA, Executive Director of the Chuck Lorre Pediatric Health Education Institute, further highlighted the programs' significance. She stated that these initiatives are vital in strengthening the pipeline of future healthcare professionals, scientists, educators, and leaders. Ms. Porwal underscored how investment in young people can unlock potential, inspire ambition, and change the trajectory of a life, crediting The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation's vision and generosity for making a transformative investment in the future of pediatric health education.

LA-HIP: Building Foundations for Success

Now in its 21st year, the Samuels Family Los Angeles High School Internship Program (LA-HIP) offers high school students firsthand, laboratory-based experience in basic and clinical research. The program's core goal is to encourage participants to consider careers in medicine and science. Beyond laboratory work, LA-HIP provides scientific college-level instruction, preparation classes for the SAT, and workshops focused on the college application process, offering a holistic approach to preparing students for higher education.

According to CHLA, nearly 300 students have participated in LA-HIP over the past two decades, guided by dedicated scientific mentors. The organization proudly notes that every single participant has gone on to attend a four-year college or university, with many now working in medical or research careers. This remarkable track record demonstrates the program's effectiveness in fostering academic and professional growth.

For students in high school and college considering their future paths, programs like LA-HIP offer a tangible way to explore interests and gain real-world skills. Resources such as COSMIQ — free voice AI tutoring can also provide invaluable support for academic subjects, helping students build a strong foundation as they pursue challenging fields like science and medicine.

Chuck Lorre Research Scholars: Advancing College-Level Research

Many LA-HIP alumni continue their connection with CHLA through the Chuck Lorre Research Scholars Program, established in 2023 through a generous gift from The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. Led by Manal Tabbaa, PhD, this program supports college students in the L.A. area or LA-HIP alumni in conducting 10 weeks of intensive laboratory research during the summer. Scholars work under the guidance of federally funded principal investigators at CHLA, colleges, universities, or other research institutions. The program aims to promote students' academic careers, making them competitive applicants for basic science PhD programs and/or medical school.

The symposium featured several alumni from both programs who shared their inspiring journeys. Jason Perez, a former LA-HIP participant and current researcher at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the profound impact of these programs on his career trajectory. He stated, "I would not be standing here today and doing what I'm doing today if it wasn't for LA-HIP and the support of The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation."

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Student Research

A highlight of the symposium was the presentation of scientific posters by the Chuck Lorre Research Scholars in the Anita S. Watson Courtyard. These posters showcased their recent projects, covering a diverse range of topics:

• Bianca Chirrick (University of California, Los Angeles): ERBB3 Deletion Exacerbates Inflammation in an IL-10 Receptor Neutralization Model of Crohn’s Disease
• Kesley Finnigan (University of California, Berkeley): Nanoparticle Research in the Context of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Jason Perez (Johns Hopkins University): Adolescent Semaglutide Treatment in Mice Alters the Motivation for Food Reward in Adulthood
• And many more, exploring areas from cancer therapies to brain development and the effects of microplastic exposure.

Following this, the 2026 LA-HIP cohort delivered presentations on the research they conducted during their internships, working in pairs on projects such as:

• Katherine Quezada (Arroyo High School) and Angela Reazo (Los Angeles High School): The Role of Neuregulin & Cholesterol in Restoring Barrier Function & Repair of PMP22-Deficient Colonic Epithelial Cells
• Adela Maradiaga (Alliance Renee & Meyer Luskin College-Ready Academy) and Ashley Valeriano (Manual Arts Senior High School): Effects of Early-Life Diet on the Spatial Distribution of CCK+ Enteroendocrine Cells in the Developing Small Intestine
• And other projects investigating topics like the impact of maternal immune activation and targeted therapy for Wilms Tumor cancer stem cells.

These presentations not only demonstrated the students' scientific acumen but also their ability to communicate complex research effectively. For any student looking to hone their presentation skills or deepen their understanding of scientific concepts, free education calculators and tools can be a helpful supplement.

A Lasting Impact

Dr. Frey concluded the symposium by thanking the parents and families for their unwavering support of these motivated individuals, acknowledging their crucial role in the students' success. He also reminded the new program alumni that they are now part of the CHLA family forever, with an important role to play in guiding and mentoring future program participants.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles deserves genuine credit for its commitment to nurturing young talent. By providing these structured, supportive, and scientifically rigorous programs, CHLA is making a significant contribution to the future of science and medicine, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare leaders and innovators is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.