Program is designed for (not limited to):
- Individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedical research, those socioeconomically disadvantaged and persons with disabilities
- Received a Bachelor Degree in Sciences within 12 months of application
- Clear intent to pursue graduate education in biomedical sciences
- Limited prior research experience (less than 1 year of prior lab-based research experience)
- US citizenship or permanent resident per NIH guidelines
Application Process:
To apply, candidates will be expected to complete and submit the following:
- ASPiRE Application
- Personal statement of career goals, research experiences and scientific interests including applicant’s timeline for transitioning to a PhD or MD/PhD program
- Standardized Evaluation Form from current primary investigator or direct supervisor
- Transcript
The application deadline is March 15, 2024, for the July 2024 scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the application open and when is the application due?
A: The application window for the 2024 cohort is now open and closes on March 15th, 2024. The application window for the 2025 cohort will open in January 2025 and close on 3/6/2025.
Q: What are the program dates?
A: ASPiRE is a year-long program, running from July 2024 - June 2025.
Q: How many letters of recommendation do I need?
A: We no longer require recommendation letters, opting for faculty supporters to complete a standardized evaluation form allowing us to compare candidates across a consistent set of research-related skills. Only one standardized evaluation form is required.
Q: What documents do I need to upload for my application to be complete?
A: The application requires you to provide demographic information but also requires you to upload your personal statement, CV and official copy of your transcript. Utilizing a separate link, we must receive at least one standardized letter of evaluation from an investigator/ faculty member at your undergraduate institution who can speak to your research related skills.
Q: I’ll be graduating from college in June 2024. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are eligible to apply.
Q: How long after college graduation am I eligible to apply for ASPiRE?
A: To be eligible for ASPiRE you must be 12 months or less since graduating from college by the time of the application deadline.
Q: Am I eligible for ASPiRE if I have a masters degree?
A: As long as your terminal degree (the degree you last received) was completed less than 12 months before the cohort begins you are eligible.
Q: Will my application be reviewed if it is incomplete?
A: No. Only completed applications will be reviewed so please be sure to complete your application and have your faculty/research evaluator complete and submit the standardized evaluation form by March 15th, 2024.
Q: Is prior research experience required?
A: Some college level research is preferred but not required. We encourage applicants with limited research experience to apply.
Q: Are ASPiRE scholars compensated?
A: ASPiRE scholars receive a one-year annual salary of $41,683 as well as a housing subsidy of $920 per month to help with the cost of living in NYC.
Q: How are mentors assigned if I am accepted?
A: A variety of factors are considered in making the mentor/mentee pairings including the alignment of participant interests and faculty research projects/ expertise. We do our best to oblige student preference for topic as well as focus of research.
Q: Are meals covered by the program?
A: No. While there are a few catered events throughout the program, meals are generally the responsibility of the individual student.
Q: Are ASPiRE scholars able to attend conferences?
A: The program will provide scholars access to up to $2,000 to attend the Northeast PREP symposium once per year, and either ABRCMS or SACNAS annual conferences.