# Student-Centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) for Underrepresented Minority Students

> **NIH NIH R25** · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · 2022 · $194,424

## Abstract

Project Summary
National statistics also show sluggish growth in the recruitment of underrepresented minorities (URM) into
science-centered occupations. This new R25 funding proposal will train URM students in diversity and
culturally responsive care in clinical cancer research. Our overarching goal is to collaborate with 8 community
partners to actively identify and educate a diverse group of students and second career seeking individuals
who wish to pursue careers as clinical research professionals and/or obtain advanced degrees in cancer
research.
The mechanism will be an 8-week summer training program, Student-Centered Pipeline to Advance Research
in Cancer Careers (SPARCC). We designed this program on a foundation of experiential learning, culturally
responsive pedagogy, and principles of adult learning. In the first year, 10 underrepresented minority students
will be recruited and then trained to work as cancer clinical research professionals in complex multidisciplinary
teams. The students will engage in learning opportunities that emphasize the construction of new knowledge
as they work in real-world settings with diverse patient populations. The program includes a Cancer
Networking and Research Summit where students present a poster from their research/education work in the
community. SPARCC will alleviate any potential challenges, such as travel, meals, living stipend, and
mentoring to assure for a safe learning environment. Additional career and education counseling opportunities
will ensure their ongoing success, both academically and professionally, and multiple strategies will be
employed to actively engage each student to ensure personal success and decrease sources of stress.
The specific aims of the training program are: (1) Recruit students from racially and ethnically diverse
backgrounds to participate in an 8-week summer clinical cancer research program; (2) Develop, implement,
and evaluate the 8-week course; (3) Assist students with local and regional clinical trial employment
opportunities and advanced degree programs in cancer research to promote a robust career pathway.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10470360
- **Project number:** 5R25CA221715-05
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Kristina Kaljo
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $194,424
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-18 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10470360

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10470360, Student-Centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) for Underrepresented Minority Students (5R25CA221715-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10470360. Licensed CC0.

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