Kaiser Permanente Medical Scholars Pathway

A Comprehensive Approach to Removing Barriers to Medical School for Underrepresented Minorities

The Medical Scholars Pathway (MSP) is a comprehensive partnership between Northern California Community Colleges and Kaiser Permanente Northern California aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented students interested in pursuing a healthcare career. Studies have shown that most underrepresented students first attend community colleges over 4-year universities. 


Our 2-year longitudinal program aims to support these students transfer to 4-year universities while concurrently providing mentoring, research, and clinical opportunities to help prepare them for their eventual application to careers as physicians. This program is COMPLETELY FREE!

 Click here to fill out our 2025-2026 Interest Form 

Once you have completed the interest form, please create an appointment with our STEM Counselor under the MESA/STEM Center Counseling tab. If no available appointments show up, please call (707) 256 - 7282. 

MSP YEAR one program

The first year focuses on integrating incoming MSP students into our learning community while providing academic preparation. Through workshops and guided peer advising sessions, students gain an understanding of the steps needed to apply to medical school, identify potential challenges, develop their educational plans, and explore career options, all from the perspective of a first-generation college student. The curriculum is built on introducing and mastering the Pre-Professional Competencies recommended by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which are essential qualities that medical schools look for in applicants.

Proposed Timeline:

  • 12 virtual workshops during the academic year
  • 2 in person conferences (Orientation & Year-End Presentations)

Focusing on student success in 4 areas:

  • Interpersonal Development
  • Intrapersonal Development
  • Academic Skills and Success
  • Professional Skills and Development

MSP YEAR TWO program: CHEER & leche

**REQUIREMENT: MUST HAVE COMPLETED MSP YEAR 1 TO APPLY FOR YEAR 2

CHEER - Community Health Education and Engagement in Research 

The Community Health Education and Engagement in Research (CHEER) program is only one portion of the Medical Scholars Pathway. We have a strong commitment to providing our students with the opportunities to gain clinical skills through serving their community. Our Community Health Experience, using service-learning projects and interactive sessions, exposes Medical Scholars to the necessary skills and foundation necessary for them to conduct and sustain their own community-based health promotion interventions. Medical Scholars will participate in all aspects of implementation, program evaluation, and program improvement of their service-learning project. 

LeCHe - Leadership and Community Health Forum

The Leadership and Community Health Forum is a year-long, multi-session program designed to provide pre-health students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, professionalism, leadership, teamwork and social skills. Students will develop these skills through completing service-learning projects and participation in interactive virtual sessions. 

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