PROJECT SUMMARY The University of Hartford (UHart) is a mid-sized four-year institution of higher learning with a Carnegie classification of Doctoral/Professional University. The current enrollment is 3,977 undergraduate students with approximately 44% belonging to groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. In alignment with the goals of the National Institutes of Health, UHart has strengthened its commitment to diversity and inclusivity by investing in creating and sustaining a socially just community that supports student success. The goal of the U-RISE program at UHart is to develop a group of diverse students who will become leaders in biomedical research fields. We will achieve this goal through two specific aims: 1) To increase the number of undergraduate UHart students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research; and 2) To develop the research, critical thinking, and science communication skills of U-RISE trainees. The U-RISE program at UHart will consist of a diverse curriculum that includes Intramural Research training and one summer of Extramural Research training at high-ranking ROI-funded institutions with faculty who are committed to the highest standards of rigor and transparency in their research. Trainees and prospective trainees will also engage in Research Seminars, and Journal Clubs, and complete a Techniques in Biomedical Research course. The training will culminate with the Capstone activity that includes a thesis and research presentation. The U-RISE curriculum will be supplemented with science outreach activities, as well as workshops on preparing graduate school applications and interview skills. Together, these initiatives will facilitate the successful recruitment and training of diverse UHart undergraduates and their subsequent matriculation into competitive Biomedical Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. programs.