PROJECT SUMMARY The goal of the proposed UM FIRST program is to catalyze institutional change through the recruitment of URM faculty with a stated interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion. A collaboration between the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) will capitalize on the strengths of each institution in developing and maintaining inclusive programs to encourage diversity in the biomedical research workforce and developing NIH-funded faculty from junior investigators, respectively. The role of the Administrative Core is to ensure the program activities are effective and well-integrated across both institutions through collaboration with the Faculty Development and Evaluation Cores, oversee sound fiscal management through a team-based plan that will ensure strategic deployment of resources, recruit a diverse cohort of new faculty by capitalizing on a series of novel activities that will transform search and recruitment practices at both institutions, and implement new institutional policies and procedures that codify the importance of a diverse faculty and provide an embracing infrastructure that leads to sustainable institutional change. The Administrative Core will span both institutions and will be directed by the PIs and Co-Core Leaders, Drs. Kaper and LaCourse, and Co-Directors, Dr. Prasad and Ms. Johnson. Additional oversight and guidance will be provided by the Program Steering Committee and the Fiscal Oversight Committee, as well as the Internal and External Advisory Boards.