PHOENIX, Ariz. — June 6, 2022 — Today marks the start of the 16th class of Helios Scholars at TGen, the flagship internship program at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope.
Designed for incoming and continuing undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students, Helios Scholars at TGen offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience in biomedical research under the guidance of an experienced TGen mentor. The 8-week program supports students from all backgrounds in their efforts to develop foundational skills by placing them alongside faculty and staff where they actively participate on a breadth of research and administrative projects. They also attend numerous seminars designed to develop and hone their professional skills in writing, networking and presentation methods.
“Helios Scholars at TGen provides a launching pad for students wanting to gain valuable hands-on experience while learning to navigate the world of biomedical research,” said Kristen Kaus, Manager of Education and Outreach at TGen. “It’s amazing to see the growth these future scientific leaders undergo as the summer evolves.”
In May, 2007, TGen received a $380,000 grant from Helios Education Foundation to pilot a paid summer internship program that brought 50 students into TGen laboratories. Following the success of the pilot program, a $6.5 million endowment from Helios Education Foundation in January, 2008, officially established the Helios Scholars Program at TGen.
Since its inception, Helios Scholars at TGen has trained over 650 students, many who have gone on to careers in Arizona’s biomedical research, healthcare, and life science sector. Scholars boast an array of impressive accomplishments including acceptance into top-tier graduate and medical schools, unique career developments, national awards and scholarships, and authorship on numerous scientific publications.
“We are proud of the success Helios Scholars at TGen has achieved over the past 16 years,” said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO, Helios Education Foundation. “As a foundation focused on postsecondary success, it is extremely rewarding to see how this partnership has enriched and benefitted so many students, many of whom are first generation and have gone on to make significant contributions in the biomedical sciences.”
The 2022 program concludes July 29 with a daylong scientific symposium where TGen celebrates the Helios Scholars for their achievements and the students compete for awards recognizing project mastery and presentation skills.
For more information, contact Kristen Kaus, Manager, TGen Education and Outreach at 602-343-8719, or kkaus@tgen.org.
About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation invests resources all along the education continuum to ensure more students in Arizona and Florida have the opportunity to complete a postsecondary degree. Committed to the principles of Community, Equity, Investment, and Partnership, Helios improves educational outcomes for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, throughout Arizona, and in Florida’s metropolitan regions of Tampa Bay, Central Florida, and South Florida. Focused on the opportunities provided by an equitable education system, Helios seeks to change lives and strengthen communities by eliminating achievement gaps and increasing student attainment. Since 2004 Helios has invested more than $260 million in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving education outcomes in the two states we serve. Learn more about Helios Education Foundation at www.helios.org.
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 Twit
Helios Media Contact:
Kris Kurtenbach
Chief Communications Officer
Helios Education Foundation
TGen Media Contact:
Galen Perry
Marketing and Communication
602-343-8423
gperry@tgen.org
