Kidney Health Innovation and Leadership Program
What is KHILP?
The Kidney Health Innovation and Leadership Program (KHILP), hosted by the UCLA Bruin Beans Health Club, is an eight-week virtual seminar program. The program is designed to educate and empower high school students and incoming college freshmen with interests in nephrology, medicine, public health, and biomedical science. Through the program, students receive mentorship from UCLA pre-med and research students (the Bruin Beans), interactive lectures, workshops, and nephrology related assignments. The program also emphasizes academic skill-building through workshops that teach research paper analysis, resume development, and interview preparation. The lessons and personable skills taught in the program culminate in a capstone project that showcases students’ leadership and scientific knowledge. Beyond its academic rigor, KHILP’s mission is to raise public awareness about kidney health, cultivating a new generation of advocates who have the skillset to educate their communities, promote healthcare wellness, and address inequities in health care. The program first started in the 2025 summer.
Find our full syllabus here: Kidney Health Innovation and Leadership Program Syllabus
How is the program structured?
Each Saturday, participants attend two-hour virtual seminars on kidney anatomy and physiology, disease pathology, prevention strategies, nutrition, dialysis and transplantation, health disparities, and healthcare career pathways. Alongside lectures, students engage in interactive workshops on research analysis, resume and interview preparation, and professional development. In terms of assignments, students are required to complete two research paper analyses, weekly quizzes, and reflection assignments to reinforce scientific literacy and critical thinking. Each participant is paired with a dedicated UCLA mentor for personalized support, with optional office hours held twice weekly. The program culminates in a capstone group project, which is an in-depth presentation on a kidney-related topic of the students’ choice. Additional opportunities, such as attending CORE Kidney Foundation Monthly Chats, further connect students to the kidney health advocacy community.
Feedback from past participants
In 2025, KHILP had participants from over 23 states as well as international participants. Students praised KHILP for its informative lectures, engaging case studies, and hands-on projects that encouraged independent learning. They found the workshops on research analysis, resume building, and interviews especially valuable for career preparation, and the medical student panels offered inspiring insight into different stages of the healthcare journey. Participants appreciated the program’s focus on kidney health, a topic few had previously explored, and described their mentors as exceptionally resourceful, supportive, and generous with their time. Many noted that KHILP strengthened their academic confidence, deepened their interest in medicine, and inspired continued involvement in health advocacy. Several KHILP alumni who were later admitted to UCLA shared that the program motivated them to join the Bruin Beans Health Club to continue their passion for kidney health education and leadership. Overall, students described KHILP as an experience that expanded their understanding of kidney health, biomedical science, and pre-medical pathways.
Who can apply?
-High School Students (ages 14-19)
-Must commit to full duration of the program
-Must attend all meetings and demonstrate a strong worth ethic
-Must have access to Zoom, Canvas, and Google Drive
-Submit application and complete an interview
KHILP uses a holistic review process that prioritizes potential, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn. Prior experience or formal education in kidney health is not required. We seek applicants who demonstrate strong interest in kidney health, community education, and healthcare innovation, as well as those who show initiative, openness to feedback, and the ability to collaborate with their peers. We also value an authentic commitment to equity, public health, and community service.
View the winning capstone project from our most recent cohort
2025 Capstone Project Winners: Ria Ovalekar, Srisai Vuppuluri, Tanisha Samuel, Moitri Santra
Join us next year!
We'd love to have you join our program next year. Our application will open sometime early next summer, but feel free to fill out this interest form: KHILP Interest Form.