# Positive STEM Experiences for Underrepresented and Rural 6-12th Graders: A Novel Approach to Pre-Collegiate Neuroscience using a Train-the-Trainer Model, Summer Immersion, and Sustained Mentorship

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2024 · $266,923

## Abstract

Neuroscience research has the potential to impact wellness, learning, and mental health acceptance and
care, as well as the treatment of neurological disorders for global populations. The application and impact of
neuroscience innovation depends on multiple perspectives, diversity of thought, and cultural awareness.
Specifically, recruiting, retaining, and training a diverse pool of highly skilled individuals in neuroscience is
imperative for maximizing the impact of our research and education. However, the effort is compromised by
existing race and ethnicity imbalances in the field. Despite many national efforts, underrepresented minorities
(URM) experience barriers to participation in neuroscience research. In this proposed work, we will target
middle school aged youth, as these years are a critical time in youth’s identity, self-concept, and
accomplishment orientation formation processes, which will play a significant role in shaping their experience
in community, school, work, and life. The primary goal of this proposal is to provide meaningful, reinforcing
experiences and a supportive network for URM 6th-8th grade students as they explore potential opportunities
in neuroscience. We will do this by integrating successful yet disparate single-organization practices into a
unified and longitudinal statewide model. Our proposal incorporates and expands upon our team’s past
success in (1) creating and delivering a novel neuroscience curriculum to be delivered statewide through
Minnesota in a “Train-the-Trainer” model that will create a new generation of neuroscience educators, (2)
creating and executing an immersive neuroscience summer camp for interested youth to help them begin to
take steps toward aspiration achievement that include relying on supports, navigating barriers, and
reimagining what is possible for them, and (3) developing a year-long mentorship program aimed at
diversifying the field of neuroscience through underrepresented mentors connecting and forming long-term
bonds with underrepresented students. For the first time, we will integrate three forms of engagement
experiences into a single, cohesive ecosystem for participants to better understand potential synergistic
benefits of multiple modes of engagement for students. We believe that these consistent and reinforcing
experiences provide the next generation of underrepresented minorities, disadvantaged and/or disabled, and
rural leaders a transformative opportunity for educational and research success in neuroscience fields.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10911983
- **Project number:** 5R25GM150174-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** Anita Christine Randolph
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $266,923
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10911983

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10911983, Positive STEM Experiences for Underrepresented and Rural 6-12th Graders: A Novel Approach to Pre-Collegiate Neuroscience using a Train-the-Trainer Model, Summer Immersion, and Sustained Mentorship (5R25GM150174-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10911983. Licensed CC0.

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