Once again the University of Houston-Downtown joins the ranks of Hispanic-Serving Institutions that are among universities committed to addressing the lack of diversity and Hispanic inclusion in healthcare careers.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently announced that 30 students from across the United States and Puerto Rico have been selected to participate in the 2022-2023 Hispanic-Serving Institution Scholars Program, sponsored by Quest Diagnostics. Per AHA, collectively, these students are enrolled in public health- and healthcare-focused programs at 18 universities in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and Texas.

Gator student Jose Guzman, a junior majoring in Biological and Physical Sciences, was among the second cohort of this prestigious program.

Guzman along with the selected students of this innovative program will be paired with a volunteer mentor who is either a healthcare professional or is currently performing their own relevant scientific research. Scholars and mentors will develop and present a research project addressing basic, clinical, and education science. Each scholar will receive a stipend, and they will participate in professional development workshops that will benefit them as they continue their education and enter the workforce.

“We are proud to collaborate with the American Heart Association to expand research and mentorship opportunities for HSI Scholars,” said Ruth Clements, president of the Quest Diagnostics Foundation. “This program is helping to shape the future healthcare leaders who will diversify the industry, address inequities, and help improve patient outcomes in meaningful ways.”