CaNCURE: Cancer Nanomedicine Co-ops for Undergraduate Research Experiences was created by Northeastern University (NEU) and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) to provide immersive research training and education at the interface of nanotechnology, cancer biology, and medicine to attract, retain, and encourage young scientists and engineers to pursue careers in cancer research. The central hypothesis of CaNCURE is that a 6-month, full-time, mentored research experience, accompanied by a rich educational environment providing intellectual immersion in cancer nanomedicine, will lead to persistence in college and motivation for a career in cancer research. With the support of two consecutive NCI R25 awards (2014-24), the CaNCURE program has provided 6-month mentored research experiences for 133 students from 14 different STEM disciplines, 42.8% of whom came from underrepresented minorities or disadvantaged backgrounds. Trainees conducted high-impact research in 43 NCI-funded laboratories, published 67 peer- reviewed manuscripts in high-impact cancer and nanomedicine journals, and won 68 research awards. 67% of trainees continued to volunteer in their CaNCURE lab after co-op completion and 36% went on to complete one or more additional cancer research experiences before graduation. Of the 109 students who graduated, 38% went to medical school, 16% went to graduate school, and 40% pursued research careers in the healthcare field. 23 more undergraduates will complete this program by June 2024. Here we seek to renew and expand the CaNCURE program to train 90 new undergraduates during 2024-2029. Traineeships will be provided to 18 students per year spread across 2 co-op cycles (January-June and July-December). To further strengthen the existing program, we propose the addition of 11 new faculty mentors aligned with the NCI’s 2024 strategic goals, formal mentor training, hands-on research training workshops, small-group patient case study discussions, and a CaNCURE advising system to support trainee research efforts after the co-op. The program will achieve its goals through the following specific aims: Specific Aim 1: Provide a hands-on, full-time research experience with a focus in cancer nanomedicine mentored by world-class cancer researchers at NEU and DF/HCC. Specific Aim 2: Provide year-round activities for training enrichment, including weekly seminars, patient case studies, hands-on research training, a reflective e-portfolio, and conference travel. Specific Aim 3: Provide professional preparation for a career in cancer research, including professional skills training, opportunities to network and present research, and resources to enhance career preparation both during and after co-op. Specific Aim 4: Increase the diversity of the cancer research workforce by targeted recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented and disadvantaged minorities.