PROJECT SUMMARY The mission of the Biomedical Research Inclusion & Diversity to Grow Excellence in Science – Undergraduate program in Pathology for HBCUs (BRIDGE UP-HBCU) is to build a biomedical research workforce reflecting the talent pool of our diverse population by increasing the pool of talented Black applicants for PhD and MD/PhD programs. The University of Utah is committed to fortifying, sustaining and amplifying the STEM pipeline that trains and launches a diverse research workforce. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will specifically address the leaks in the pipeline leading from undergraduate to doctoral training of Black and other underrepresented scientists. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will recruit students from partnership relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while expanding these relationships to additional HBCUs. These students demonstrate a strong drive for doctoral research and physician scientist research tracks and would benefit from additional research-intensive training experiences and professional development, enhancing both their successful transition to top-tier doctoral programs, as well as their long-term retention in biomedical research- based career tracks. In order to accomplish these goals, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will provide key proposed activities that include (1) holistic, culturally competent career-long mentor networks (2) experiences to undertake hypothesis-driven research; (3) scientific and professional skill development workshops and activities that hone strong oral and written communication skills, enhances their self-confidence and authentic scientific identity, and instills successful strategies for applying to graduate school. Building on institutional momentum and infrastructure at the University of Utah that is dedicated to supporting STEM equity, diversity and inclusion, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will fortify its Scholars’ critical thinking and research experience, develop a resilient mindset to persist in high-quality graduate programs and beyond into a roles of leadership and mentoring in biomedical career tracks.