California Medicine Scholars Program - LA Med

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have documentation of approved Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in the State of California
• Be 18 years of age or older by the first day of the program
• Have graduated from high school or completed an equivalent credential (e.g., GED or CHSPE)
• Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine and becoming a primary care physician
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Currently enrolled at one of the following LA Med RHHO community college partner institutions (dual-enrollment high school students are not eligible):
  • Long Beach City College
  • Pierce College
  • Santa Monica College
  • West Los Angeles College
• Have completed or will have completed at least 12 California community college credits by December 31, 2026, at one of the community colleges listed above
• Plan to transfer to a four-year college or university in Fall 2028 or later (i.e., applicants should not be submitting transfer applications during the same fall term in which they apply to CMSP).
  • Not be currently enrolled at a four-year college or university
  • Not have earned an associate's degree or bachelor's degree as of Fall 2026

Throughout the program, scholars participate in activities focused on:

• Academic success and transfer preparation
• Medical school advising and guidance
• Physician, medical student, and peer mentorship
• Professional and leadership development
• Healthcare and clinical career exploration
• Community engagement and service
• Personal and professional growth

The program is designed to provide sustained support over multiple years, helping scholars build the confidence, network, and experiences needed to successfully pursue a career in medicine.

The LA Med Regional Hub for Healthcare Opportunity (LA Med RHHO) is part of the California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP) network, administered by the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Through partnerships across Los Angeles County, LA Med RHHO supports community college students as they navigate the pathway to becoming physicians and healthcare leaders dedicated to improving the health and well-being of California's communities.

Led by the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, LA Med RHHO brings together a highly coordinated network of community colleges, four-year universities, and community and clinical partners. This collaborative effort is designed to strengthen transfer success, academic achievement, retention, and medical school competitiveness for community college students pursuing careers in medicine. 

CMSP LA Med Partners

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