ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Bridges to the Baccalaureate (B2B) is a 4-week summer research program supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goal of the program is to advance the training and preparation of community college students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research through authentic and immersive research training, mentorship and financial compensation at both ARC and UCD. The program guides students in building skills and competencies for research career, including training in hands-on laboratory methods, the scientific process, critical reading and writing, data analysis, teamwork, and responsible conduct of research. B2B students are also provided with academic support, professional development, and career & academic advising.
2024/2025 B2B Roadmap
Program Objectives
Objective 1: Develop or enhance trainee science identity and self-efficacy.
Objective 2: Build core scientific skills in rigorous experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and critical thinking.
Objective 3: Increase trainee awareness of typical ethical issues they may encounter during their research careers and the responsibilities they will have as practitioners to maintain the integrity of science.
Objective 4: Cultivate a sense of belonging to a supportive science community and establish a network of professional and personal mentors.
Objective 5: Strengthen and expand trainee commitment to careers in the biomedical sciences.
Objective 6: Successfully transfer trainees from CC into UCD research labs and engage in research for two years (between CC and UCD).
What Will I Do In Bridges?
At American River College you will have the opportunity to engage in authentic research training the BIO400 CURE laboratory and BIO495 Independent study courses under the mentorship of Dr. Rick Topinka. In the summer before transferring to UC Davis, you will have the opportunity to participate in an immersive summer research training experience and transfer bridge program. While at UC Davis, you will have the opportunity to participate and contribute to ongoing research under the mentorship of UCD faculty while continuing ongoing training in responsible conduct of research and research career preparation. You will be working alongside faculty, graduate students, and other undergraduate students attending UC Davis. As a B2B student, you will receive a monthly stipend, tuition financial assistance, and many more educational opportunities and supports.
What's In It For Me?
- An opportunity to gain extensive research training that will help you advance academically and become a more competitive student for graduate programs
- A paid position for work in research labs and research training
- Financial tuition assistance
- Tailored workshops intended to contribute to your success as a student and as a professional researcher
- Valuable transfer information
- Familiarity with our UCD campus community
- Opportunities to mingle and network with other B2B students
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A full-time student at a community college
- Completed or currently enrolled in biology series at ARC (BIOL400, BIOL410, and 420 or BIOL400 and BIOL415)
- Completed 24 semester units with a 3.20 minimum GPA
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Member of an underrepresented group (see "NIH Definition of Underrepresented Populations in the U.S. Biomedical, Clinical, Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Enterprise")
- Intend to transfer to UC Davis into majors in the Biological Sciences or Bioengineering.
- Demonstrate a genuine curiosity in biology or bioengineering and a strong motivation to pursue research
- Be academically prepared to participate in the B2B affiliated course at ARC, BIO400: Principles of Biology
- Commit to the academic and co-curricular requirements of the B2B Program (i.e., BIO400, BIOL495, the summer research experience, RCR and reproducibility training, and at least one year of B2B supported UG research at UCD).
