This project will build networks within Guam’s research ecosystem to promote and support the development of competitive scientific research. The project is led by the University of Guam in collaboration with Guam Community College. The project will manage and coordinate research ecosystem growth to support improvements to jurisdictional research infrastructure. Additionally, it will provide college students with research experiences in STEM fields. This will lead to supporting the training of a workforce ready to engage with emerging economic opportunities driven by scientific research and development. Student research experiences will employ a unique near-peer mentoring model that will provide mentorship to serve Guam’s STEM student population. This approach will serve the needs of Guam’s student population and broaden participation in STEM fields. The project will also partner with Guam’s Science and Technology Steering Committee and other stakeholders to assess the current state of the jurisdictional research enterprise. Through organization of workshops and strategic planning activities with Guam’s stakeholder community, the project aims to identify areas and opportunities for growth, foster and strengthen partnerships, and promote efforts to secure external funding to strengthen Guam’s capacity for scientific research. The project will provide project development, along with management and administrative support for these efforts to grow and strengthen Guam’s research ec