The Summer Biomedical Internship Program was established in 1988 by a special planning committee of the Board of Trustees of the UCSF Fresno Foundation (formerly known as the UC Valley Medical Education Foundation). The Board adopted the program as a priority project to provide research opportunities to exceptional high school students interested in the biological sciences and health professions. The SBI program provides students, at an important time prior to the college application process, with an opportunity to gain beneficial insights and experiences that allow for a more thoughtful approach to college selection. Many students receive fine letters of recommendation from their mentors as well as helpful advice on pre-med or biomedical studies. The SBI Program is now in its 21th year with 178 past participants.

The Summer Biomedical Research Internship Program is partially funded by a grant from The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable Foundation.