The ACC is launching its inaugural Young Scholars Program during ACC.19, taking place March 16 – 18 in New Orleans, LA. Through this one-year program – sponsored by the ACC Academic Section, ACC Louisiana State Chapter and ACC Diversity and Inclusion Task Force – selected outstanding high school and college students from Louisiana will be introduced to the world of cardiology and research.

Students will begin the program by getting paired with an ACC Fellow in Training or an ACC Early Career Professional at ACC.19, where they will be presented with the full conference schedule of activities. They will get the chance to witness science in action and hear groundbreaking results of late-breaking clinical trials for the first time. Students will also have the opportunity to attend research presentations and observe young scientists report on their own research results, as well as explore exhibits, attend lectures and take advantage of networking opportunities.

Following ACC.19, each student will be paired with a Fellow of the College to help mentor them over the next year. The program curriculum will include online webinars tailored directly to young scientists beginning their journey into research, periodic meetings with their faculty mentor, a chance to be part of one of their mentor's research projects, and opportunities for shadowing to allow for direct observations of the clinical world of cardiology.

"Today's youth are tomorrow's doctors, nurses, engineers and scientists, and it is of utmost importance that we cultivate and encourage young students who show early passion in these fields," says ACC President C. Michael Valentine, MD, FACC. "Congratulations to each of these students who have proven to be among the very brightest at their respective schools."

This year's Young Scholars Program recipients are:

• Isabel Collins, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
• Sonjay Henry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
• Loren Higginbotham, Jennings High School, Jennings, LA
• De'Hasia Hopkins, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
• Olivia Howard, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, Westwego, LA
• Allyson Judge, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
• Kelsey Lain, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
• Marley Lee, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
• Kennedy Mallett, Welsh High School, Welsh, LA
• Isabella Mariano, Cedar Creek High School, Ruston, LA
• Lily Markus, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
• Thanda Myo Win, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
• Najah Nicholas, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, Kenner, LA
• Mikayla Perkins, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
• Annie Thai, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
• Ty Theriot, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
• Donovan Turpin, Cedar Creek High School, Ruston, LA
• Marise Wilson, Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy, Kenner, LA
• Jordan Wise, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
• Keyana Zahiri, Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA

Keywords: ACC19, ACC Annual Scientific Session, Mentors, Research

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