A program to empower young scientists from underrepresented communities in cancer research.
Official title: The Young Empowered Scientists for ContinUed Research Engagement (YES for CURE) Program at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC)
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10936784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The YES for CURE Program is designed to help high school and college students from underrepresented backgrounds in Boston get involved in cancer research by giving them hands-on experiences, skills training, and chances to connect with their community, all while being guided by mentors who want to inspire them for future careers in science.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,800 |
| NIH project number | 1R25CA291637-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented minority backgrounds or socioeconomically disadvantaged communities interested in pursuing careers in cancer research.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not from underrepresented backgrounds or those who are not interested in STEM fields may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The YES for CURE Program aims to increase participation and retention of underrepresented minorities in cancer-related STEM fields. This initiative provides high school and undergraduate students in the Boston area with hands-on research experiences, professional skills development, and community engagement opportunities. Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster scientific curiosity and prepare them for future careers in cancer research. The program emphasizes mentorship and aims to equip students with the knowledge to become advocates in their communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more diverse workforce in cancer research, ultimately improving cancer outcomes for underrepresented populations.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives have shown success in increasing diversity in STEM fields and improving educational outcomes for underrepresented students.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Decaprio, James a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Decaprio, James a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Helping young people with cancer understand their genetic risks
This study is creating a special program to help teenagers and young adults with hereditary cancer risks learn about their health and make smart choices, while also supporting their families along the way.
-
Core administrative hub for a multifaceted cancer center program
A large, international cancer research program at Dana-Farber aims to advance a curative strategy for multiple myeloma by coordinating translational research, clinical trials, and data analysis.
-
Automated, interactive lab tool to define radiation targets in cancer care
Aims to make it easier and safer to outline the area to treat in radiation therapy for cancers by using smart software and a patient-friendly interface.
-
Cancer Atlas Network data hub to share big cancer data
A national project helps researchers store, harmonize, and share large cancer data collections so doctors and scientists can learn from many patients.
-
Bridge-building cancer research partnership for education, outreach, and science
A joint effort between UMass Boston and Harvard Cancer Consortium to accelerate cancer research and education by connecting lower-resourced institutions with a leading cancer center.
-
NexTGen: Next-Generation T cell therapy for childhood cancers
A charity-friendly overview: researchers at Dana-Farber are developing advanced engineered T-cell therapies to treat pediatric solid cancers like brain tumors and sarcomas.
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.