On July 18, Matt Jacobo and Nick Soto became the first two apprentices to complete the USC Biomedical Research Apprenticeship Initiative (BRAIN), a 12-month training program through the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center that was developed to augment the health sciences workforce and improve lives by training people in need of a second chance to be laboratory technicians and research assistants.

The program, founded by Josh Neman, PhD, scientific director of the USC Brain Tumor Center, draws talent from the Beacon House Association of San Pedro, a state-certified residential program emphasizing long-term rehabilitation for men seeking to overcome alcohol and drug addiction.

Since receiving their certifications, Soto and Jacobo have begun work as research assistants for USC.

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