In summer of 2020, the Student Cohort Kickoff Meeting was held virtually to build community among participants. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti provided an overview on the City’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, provide economic relief and support services to impacted Angelenos, and invest in communities to advance racial justice. Dr. Curley Bonds, the Chief Medical Officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, also highlighted the importance of mental health and provided various resources. Attendees ended the session with break-out rooms to virtually meet their cohort members for the first time.