Three Years of GROWTH-MSI: An Undergraduate Research and Workforce Development Program in High Energy Physics

The GROWTH-MSI program, funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science's RENEW Initiative, is a collaborative effort co-led by California State University, Stanislaus and Sonoma. The program engaged 17 undergraduate students from five California State Universities (San Francisco, East Bay, Fresno, Stanislaus, and Sonoma) and two University of California campuses (Merced and Berkeley) in high energy physics (HEP) research through mentorship, coursework, and professional development. The program is open to all junior-level physics majors at the CSUs and specifically targets transfer students at the UCs. Students are co-mentored by CSU and UC faculty in collaboration with research mentors from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

This presentation will describe the structure and outcomes of the program over its three years duration, highlighting lessons learned in implementation and student success metrics. Outcomes are assessed through student surveys, academic performance, research engagement (including publications and presentations), and post-program career trajectories within and outside HEP. The presentation will conclude with reflections on challenges, effective practices, and plans for future program improvements, contingent on continued funding.