Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. This Proposal is a new application for the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program (T34) that builds upon a successful history of a previously awarded Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program (R25) to Queensborough Community College (QCC) from 2002 – 2023. The corresponding long-term partnership between QCC, Queens College and City College will be maintained and strengthened to advance QCC’s ability to train and graduate students while maximizing student access to biomedical research opportunities. The proposed program will enhance and broaden participation of students in science and research and facilitate their transfer to baccalaureate programs in biomedicine or biomedically relevant STEM fields. Herein, we define efforts and activities to sustain the scientific interests of trainees from all backgrounds, with targeted recruitment activities to diversify the applicant pool by including research-oriented students, particularly from underrepresented groups in QCC. We expect our proposed efforts to have a broader impact as it extends to both Bridges and non-Bridges students. The Bridges students will conduct research under the supervision of experienced biology, chemistry, physics, math and biomedically relevant STEM faculty mentors, who will attend a mandatory mentor training workshop to work effectively with trainees from various cultural and neurodiverse groups. The present T34 application includes a dynamic team of experienced faculty mentors from the previous R25 grant and new faculty mentors with a strong background in research who are passionate about undergraduate research (UR) in biomedical sciences and updating the curricula and pedagogy to enhance student success. The research mentors will serve as role models and provide students with academic support, encouragement, career advisement, and visibility within the academic community. Our program will emphasize laboratory research training, professional and career development skills, and scientific communication skills (including an oral presentation and a written report at the program-wide seminar). A comprehensive system of academic and psychosocial support will be provided to all participants. Our proposed transfer counseling and early interaction with the senior colleges are planned to ease transition to baccalaureate programs. Institutional UR outcomes will be improved through enhanced academic planning, curricula upgrades, updated technology in teaching labs, faculty development, and peer mentoring. A pre- Bridges workshop will be conducted every summer and winter semester to let students become aware of the Bridges opportunities. Enrichment workshops will continue to be provided to both Bridges and non-Bridges students, in General Biology I and Pre-Calculus to help them get beyond the gateway to careers in biomedicine. The Gateway to Resear...