DEVELOPMENTAL CORE ABSTRACT The Developmental Core (DC) supports the mission of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)'s Center for Cancer Control in Persistent Poverty Areas (C3P2) to reduce the burden of cancer and cancer disparities in Persistent Poverty (PP) areas by expanding research and research capacity through implementation and evaluation of multilevel interventions to improve cancer outcomes across the cancer control continuum from prevention to survivorship. The DC expands research in cancer control in (PP) areas of Alabama by developing a research program that builds on the overarching research framework and the proposed research projects. This goal will be achieved by identifying and developing pilot projects in synergy with the C3P2 Community Advisory board (CAB) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI)'s Persistent Poverty Initiative Network (PPIN). The DC will bring together C3P2 investigators, including trainees from the Career Enhancement Core (CEC) and CAB members in a process to identify, select, and prioritize the most relevant and feasible pilot projects. Participation in cross-PPIN centers' collaborative projects will also be considered in this process. With this plan, the DC ensures that pilot projects address the needs and context of PP census tracts and fall within the themes of C3P2 and within the larger goals of the PPIN. Potential pilot projects will build on the current projects that examine the impact of changes in the Living Environment and the adaptation of efficacious interventions to improve cancer outcomes in PP areas, and may investigate multi-level interventions to address needs such as low food access and lack of transportation, as well as specific needs to improve cancer survivors' health. The DC also support the C3P2 mission of expanding research capacity in PP areas by providing research experience opportunities to CEC trainees and other investigators not affiliated with the center, and requiring pilot projects have at least one early career investigator as PI or investigator. All projects will be peer-reviewed to ensure scientific rigor and integrity. The DC will have at least two active projects in each funded year. Lastly, the DC will support the development and implementation of the pilot projects by coordinating the use of resources from the Research and Methods Core (RMC) and the Administrative Core (AC), supporting investigators with IRB applications, training, identifying personnel as needed, and evaluating progress. Thus, the DC is well poised to successfully support the C3P2 and contribute to the goals of the PPIN.