PROJECT SUMMARY Leadership and Educational Advancement Program for Diverse Scholars This proposed project is an evidence-informed mentoring and leadership development program for early career social and behavioral scientists from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations who show promise in research related to the NIDDK mission but who have not yet received R01 funding and have not ascended to a leadership position in their respective disciplines or professional associations. Three cohorts of 10 postdoctoral scholars from underrepresented populations will be recruited to participate over the course of five years. Each mentee will take part in a two-year mentorship program and will be matched with volunteer mentors who are leading researcher in diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases, have expertise in the trainee’s area of interest, and who have a track record of receiving federal funding. Training mechanisms will include: 1) online group training sessions focused on critical topics associated developing a successful research proposal in diabetes, endocrine or other metabolic diseases; 2) 1:1 mentoring from volunteer mentors; 3) a hybrid virtual and in-person leadership development course; 4) a leadership shadowing program; and 5) executive coaching. The program will help trainees to 1) conceptualize, draft, and submit a high-quality research application to an appropriate federal funding mechanism (particularly NIDDK and other NIH agencies) or national foundation, and 2) obtain the relevant leadership skills necessary to become competitive for leadership positions in academic careers of interest to NIDDK. The program also aims to support opportunities to increase diverse scientific leadership at the American Psychological Association through the leadership shadowing program.