Program Overview

Goal

The goal of the ASPiRE program is to diversify the scientific workforce by providing postbaccalaureate scholars with experiential and didactic research training, professional development and multilevel mentorship that will serve as the basis for a durable and successful scientific career. ASPiRE targets recent college graduates from groups historically underrepresented in biomedical research and provides rigorous experiential research training in advance of graduate school education. The program’s standard duration is 12 months but can be extended based upon the individual needs of select scholars, and provision of funding by the PI.

Aims

The program offers Scholars the opportunity to conduct hands-on research experience, mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and most importantly community. Programmatic elements include:

• Funding for 1 year of mentored research training
• Coaching and advising in preparation for graduate school
• Professional development & networking opportunities at institutional and regional symposia
• Tiered near-peer and faculty mentorship
• Didactic research education
• Travel funds to attend a scientific conference

Participation in this program requires that 80% of the Scholar’s time be allocated to research and 20% of their time committed to programmatic research education and professional development activities.

The program prides itself in offering a multilevel mentorship experience for its Scholars. Each Scholar will have a primary mentor (their research/lab PI), a secondary professional/career development mentor (early to mid-career faculty member), and a near-peer mentor (WCM Graduate and Medical Students).