The Division of Undergraduate Education has developed a program in entrepreneurship for high school students called UCI X GATI Biology, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Medicine/Machines “BEAM” Program. They are now preparing for an expansion of the program to schools in Vietnam with a recent MOU signing.

The program aims to bridge classroom learning with advanced research and future higher education and career opportunities. The UCI X GATI BEAM program is open to qualified domestic and international high school students. UCI partnered with California-based GATI Global, LLC, to create the program with the connection facilitated by UCI Foundation Trustee Carol Choi in 2019. Choi introduced UCI and GATI to Vietnamese partner, EMG Education.

The MOU will allow the Division of Undergraduate Education, GATI Global LLC and EMG Education to explore ways to build a Biology, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Medicine/Machines “BEAM” program for high school students in Vietnam. The organizations signing the MOU UCI DUE; GATI Global, LLC; and EMG Education

According to the U.S. Department of State, each year, tens of thousands of Vietnamese students study in the United States, contributing nearly $1 billion to the U.S. economy. In summer 2022, UCI will host a summer cohort on-campus, and another cohort via remote learning.