FastStart

This intensive summer program (Sunday, July 29, 2012 through Friday, August 30, 2012) is designed for incoming UCR freshmen (primarily disadvantaged students) who aspire to medical and other science based careers. Its goal is to get these students off to a strong start in their critical science curriculum and to provide the academic and social support needed to help these students persist and succeed in their higher education goals.

Since its beginnings in 1999, more than 200 students have attended FastStart. As a group these FastStart students have outperformed their peers in the critical gateway science classes and have achieved higher GPA's in their important first year at UCR. Most of these students have achieved success in their undergraduate years, and many have gone on to medical school and other health science adventures. FastStart alumni are currently attending these prestigious medical schools:

• UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider Program in Biomedical Sciences (11 from FastStart 2002 alone!)
• David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
• Keck School of Medicine at USC
• Medical College of Wisconsin
• UC San Diego School of Medicine
• Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine

FastStart students are expected to take part in all FastStart activities. A typical day lasts from 8:00 to 4:30, Monday through Friday, and there are mandatory evening study sessions.

SPONSORS

FastStart is funded by grants from The California Wellness Foundation, the Shirinian/Kaloostian Fund for Disadvantaged Students and the Kara Foundation.

For further information, please go to the appropriate web page, listed at left. You are also welcome to call Dayna Moore, FastStart Coordinator, at (951) 827-4334.