A mentoring program to help high school students succeed in STEM fields
Official title: HSTA TEAMS for Community Health: Teaching Educators and Adolescents Mentoring and Science (TEAMS) to Improve Community Health
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10913400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a mentoring program that helps high school students in West Virginia explore careers in STEM and Medicine by connecting them with mentors and hands-on projects, especially focusing on supporting those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $265,414 |
| NIH project number | 5R25GM146285-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are high school students in West Virginia, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not interested in pursuing STEM careers or who are not enrolled in high school may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a unique mentoring program designed to support high school students in West Virginia as they pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Medicine. The program utilizes a team-based mentoring approach, connecting students with mentors from various educational levels to engage in community-based research and citizen science projects. By fostering these connections, the program aims to empower students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds, helping them navigate their educational journeys and develop essential skills. The initiative also includes summer institutes and after-school clubs that adapt to the needs of the community and students.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve educational outcomes and career opportunities for high school students in STEM fields.
How similar studies have gone: Similar mentoring programs have shown success in improving educational outcomes for underrepresented students in STEM fields, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morton, Mary Catherine — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Morton, Mary Catherine
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.