Overview

The PERFORM-KUH Outreach Program strengthens the KUH research pipeline by connecting students at multiple career stages to hands-on research experiences, mentors, professional development, and a Philadelphia-wide KUH training community. The program supports high school students, undergraduate students, post-baccalaureate students, pre-professional students, and medical students through partnerships with established summer research and outreach programs.

Goals

• Stimulate early interest in KUH research careers.
• Provide hands-on research training in kidney, benign urology, and benign hematology.
• Support students from populations historically underrepresented in biomedical research.
• Connect students to faculty mentors and TL1 near-peer mentors.
• Build confidence, scientific identity, and readiness for future training.
• Maintain longitudinal engagement through alumni networks and program communications.

Program structure

Students are matched with PERFORM-KUH faculty mentors and TL1 trainee mentors at Penn, CHOP, Drexel, Jefferson, Temple, or Fox Chase. Students participate in research projects, seminars, professional development, community events, and poster presentations. Application routes depend on student level and partner program.