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|DHCDD Primary Objectives| |Selection Criteria| |Program Structure| |HCOP student Responsibilities| |HCOP Peer Counselor Responsibilities| |Academic Year Program Activities| |Summer Program Activities|
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The California State University, Los Angeles Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) was established in 1984 through a federal grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Health Careers Diversity and Development (DHCDD). Institutional funding to support the HCOP has also been obtained from the offices of the Dean of Graduate Studies & Research and the College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS). 

California State University, Los Angeles, (Cal State LA) has a strong commitment to serve disadvantaged student populations and has engaged in programs consistent with this mission for decades. A number of highly successful programs are in place to address the educational and economic deficits of the motivated, but disadvantaged students, enrolling here.  The Cal State LA service area—urban east and south-central LA—is a diverse community.

In 2000, 74% of HCOP students applying to health professions programs were accepted vs. 46% non-HCOP Cal State LA students. Most notably, the 1999 Cal State LA HCOP medical school acceptance rate was 79%.

The goals are to continue to develop a more competitive pool of disadvantaged students for health/allied health programs, as well as maximize admission and retention of students in these programs. This Cal State LA HCOP will provide interventions along the educational continuum needed to increase the number of healthcare professionals in its service area.

DHCDD PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
1. Recruit individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds for health/allied health professions training.
2. Assist disadvantaged students to enter training programs in health or allied health professions
3. Provide counseling, mentoring and other services that help students successfully complete their training.
 4. Provide preliminary education and health research training.
5. Publicize financial aid and financial planning resources to students and parents, as well as information about the health care careers and training.
6. Exposed students to community-based primary health care with public and private non-profit providers.
7. Develop a large and more competitive applicant pool through partnerships with institutions of higher education, school districts and other community-based entities.
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SELECTION CRITERIA:
Students participating in HCOP must be:
Disadvantage - defined as student from an environment that has inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed in a health professions school or from a program providing education or training in an allied health profession, and/or a student from a family with an annual income below a level based on low-income thresholds according to family size.
In K-12, Undergraduate or graduate programs.  
U.S. Citizens, non-citizen nationals or foreign nationals with a visa permitting permanent U.S. residence.
Students has demonstrated academic potential (high school/college overall GPA).
Student is willing to commit an adequate amount of time to program activities. 
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Elementary/High School Students
Students (from the 6th through 12th grade) attend Saturday Science Academies during the academic year and will receive exposure to clinical experiences at affiliated hospitals.
Active Members
Students (typically freshman or sophomores) attend all mandatory program activities and seminars during the academic year.  Students meet on a weekly basis with a HCOP Peer Counselor and on a quarterly basis with a Health Career Advisor to review progress in program of study.  
Associate Members:
Student (typically a junior, senior, graduate or post-bacs) attends all mandatory program activities and meet quarterly with a Health Career Advisor.  Students are not assigned to an HCOP Peer Counselor.
HCOP STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Student must be currently enrolled in academic courses in preparation for a health or allied health professions career.
Student must attend all mandatory HCOP activities.
Student commits one hour per week to meet with assigned Peer Counselor.
Student participates in at least one enrichment course per quarter (Fall, Winter & Spring).
HCOP PEER COUNSELORS RESPONSIBILITIES:
Counselor provides personal support, encouragement and reinforce student's academic successes by serving as a role model. 
Counselor shows academic competency.
Counselor has made a commitment to enter a career in a health/allied health profession.
Counselor serves as a resource and referral person for the students by familiarizing them with on-campus support services.
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ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:

Middle/Early High School (Pre-Level 1)                         Saturday Science Academies (Twice a year)                         After School Tutoring by HCOP peer counselors through the academic year.                               
Orientation Session - Mandatory two day workshop introduces new & returning HCOP students to Academic Year, Summer Program Activities and HCOP Faculty and Staff.
Enrichment Courses - Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Verbal/Writing Skills.
Weekly Health/Allied Health Seminar Series
Peer Counseling
Health Careers Advisement
Mock Interviews
Test Preparation Workshops- MCAT, DAT, & OAT
Annual Reception
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SUMMER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:
Eight-week summer program provides daily enrichment activities designed to enhance GPA and overall academic performance during the academic year for new and continuing CSULA/HCOP students and to increase retention of CSULA/HCOP pre-matriculating in health and allied health professional programs. Participants are awarded a stipend after completion of summer program.  Summer Program participants are divided into three academic levels:
Level I
  Twenty-five graduating high school seniors from consortium high schools are required to live in campus dormitories during the eight-week program, and attend Math, Biology, Verbal/Writing Skills and Problem-Solving Enrichment Courses.
Level II
  Twenty-five CSULA and transferring students from consortium community colleges attend Calculus, Physics, Biology, Verbal Writing Skills, General and Organic Chemistry Enrichment Courses.  
Level III
  Twenty-five students matriculating into health/allied health professional schools attend a Four-Week pre-matriculation program.  Enrichment courses include Biochemistry, Histology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Clinical Problem Solving courses. 
 
Mailing Address:

California State University, Los Angeles
Health Science Advisement Office (HCOP)
C/O Biology and Microbiology Dept.
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8207

Director: Robert M. Nissen, Ph.D
Program Manager: Connie Ponce