Increasing HEP Participation at Minority Serving Institutions through the GROWTH-MSI Traineeship Program: Progress, Successes, and Lessons Learned So Far.

The GROWTH-MSI is a 3-year program led by two California State Universities (CSUs): Stanislaus and Sonoma. The program aims to expand research opportunities in high-energy physics (HEP) for underserved undergraduates at CSUs with a 1.5-year traineeship. It encompasses an introductory course, seminars, workshops in HEP, and co-mentorship from local and Department of Energy (DOE) mentors. After 1 semester in the program the trainees develop, plan, and execute a summer undergraduate research experience with their mentors. Each trainee receives compensation through scholarships during the academic year and is paid for work at a DOE site, along with a housing allowance. Currently in its inaugural year, the program has a cohort of 7 students from 4 different CSUs: Stanislaus, Sonoma, San Francisco, and East Bay. This presentation will provide an overview of the program's current progress, successes, and lessons learned thus far.