The UCLA COMPASS Research Training Program is designed to prepare undergraduate students (both continuing UCLA students and transfer students) for careers in regenerative medicine with a commitment to addressing the workforce and healthcare needs of California’s varied demographics. By combining hands-on research opportunities with foundational coursework in stem cell biology, and strategic and structured research and mentorship experiences, this program provides students the opportunity to explore a variety of ways in which their research skills can be applied towards improving human health through career paths in stem cell research. COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science) is a statewide initiative funded by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).