Helios Education Foundation Extends Support of TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy Through 2028
Applications for summer 2024 program for rising juniors and seniors opens today
PHOENIX, AZ. - Dec. 11, 2023 - The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, today announced that Helios Education Foundation has committed $500,000 in renewed support for the TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy (TBLA). The funding extends the program through 2028.
Launched in 2018, TBLA is a 2-week educational experience for 20 rising high school juniors and seniors that comes with a $1,000 scholarship. The program allows qualified high school students the opportunity to explore a variety of careers within biomedical research. TGen faculty and administrative experts share career advice and provide hands-on opportunities that enable students to gain a more in-depth understanding of translational research and the impact it has on clinical trials and precision medicine.
“Helios Education Foundation's renewed commitment of $500,000 to the TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy exemplifies the profound impact education can have on shaping the next generation of biomedical innovators,” said Paul J. Luna, Helios president and CEO. “Students who go through the program are well on their way to be successful in high-demand STEM careers.”
Students selected for TBLA take part in programs that help them develop professional skills. These include communication in science, public speaking, teamwork, and networking. Similar to TGen’s Helios Scholar program, TBLA provides more opportunities for underrepresented groups in academics, allows graduates to become role models who can motivate other students to succeed and showcases TGen’s and Helios’s leadership in innovative bioscience education.
“STEM internship opportunities play an increasing and important role in shaping careers,” said Kristen Kaus, TGen manager of Education and Outreach, “and we are grateful that Helios has chosen to continue a partnership that provides high school students interested in the biomedical sciences this platform for future success.”
The 2024 TBLA program runs June 17–28, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Participants must attend and actively engage in all program days, pose and evaluate key scientific questions and deliver both a written and oral presentation on a bioscience topic.
Eligibility and Selection
To be eligible, 2024 applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program, and a rising junior or senior at an Arizona-based high school. Students who receive a high school diploma prior to the start of the program are ineligible for TBLA but may apply to Helios Scholars at TGen.
A selection committee, overseen by bioscience education experts and community leaders, review all completed TBLA applications to narrow the applicant pool to 40 finalists. All finalists participate in an in-person interview with members of the committee, who then convene as a group to select the 20 students who will make up that year’s cohort. Applicants must attend the in-person interview for consideration in the program.
How to Apply
For more information or to apply, visit tgen.org/tbla. Please direct questions to Kristen Kaus at [email protected] or 602-343-8719.
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About TGen, part of City of Hope
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based nonprofit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results. TGen is part of City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. This precision medicine affiliation enables both institutes to complement each other in research and patient care, with City of Hope providing a significant clinical setting to advance scientific discoveries made by TGen. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes and infectious diseases through cutting-edge translational research (the process of rapidly moving research toward patient benefit). TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and complex rare diseases in adults and children. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
Media Contact
Galen Perry
602-343-8423
[email protected]
About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation exists to support postsecondary attainment for all students, especially low-income and underrepresented communities, in Arizona and Florida. Driven by our fundamental beliefs of community, equity, investment, and partnership, Helios has invested about $350 million in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving third-grade reading, college-going, and postsecondary attainment in the two states we serve since 2006. For more information, visit helios.org.
