Every scientist starts somewhere: with a question, a spark of curiosity, a moment in a classroom or lab where they realize: I can do this. I belong here.

At Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI), we create those moments every day through our education programs. From high school STEM students to college-level summer undergraduate research fellows, young scholars step into our research labs and experience science not as an abstract idea, but as a real and empowering career path.

These opportunities are only possible because of supporters like you. Many students face barriers that make STEM careers feel out of reach: limited lab access, lack of mentorship, financial need, or being the first in their family to pursue science.

Your Giving Tuesday gift breaks down these barriers — giving students not just access to a lab, but a place where they belong, grow, and begin to imagine what’s possible for their future.

"This program has provided me with experience and knowledge like no other...I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and for your investment in scholar success. This has been a once in a lifetime experience and I will hold what I have learned and done here throughout my career journey and life."

-Christopher Munoz, HMRI SURF Alumni '24

With your gift, students at HMRI gain:

Hands-on Research Experience: students contribute to real projects in neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, diabetes, and immunology, learning essential lab skills and how to think like scientists.

Meaningful Mentorship: HMRI researchers guide students through experiments, build their confidence, and help them find their scientific voice.

Clear Pathways into STEM Careers: Many HMRI alumni go on to medical school, PhD programs, biotech roles, and competitive research fellowships often tracing their journey back to their first experience inside our labs.

Survey results from this year’s cohort show powerful impact:

• Career Pathway Development: 96% are "Very Likely" to pursue a STEM career following this experience.
• Program Satisfaction: 96% are “Satisfied” or "Very Satisfied" with their overall experience.
• Scientific Research Confidence: 87% feel either "Confident" or "Very Confident" in conducting scientific research.
• Continued Engagement: 79% are "Very Likely" to volunteer or work in a science lab in the future.

And community that believes in them...
Your gift tells students they belong in science, their ideas matter, and their future is worth investing in.

"I really enjoyed every day of this 6-week program...the HMRI STEM program is the best thing I could have done with my summer!" 

-Willow Johnson, HMRI STEM Alumni '24