Empowering Native American youth in cancer research
Official title: Native American Youths Enjoy Science - YES Oklahoma
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11095139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The YES Oklahoma program is all about getting Native American students in Oklahoma more involved in cancer research by giving them hands-on experiences and training, with the goal of improving health in their communities and helping to close the gap in cancer care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $398,853 |
| NIH project number | 7R25CA274172-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Native American high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Native American or those who are not high school students may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The YES Oklahoma program aims to increase the involvement of Oklahoma Native American students in cancer research by providing them with hands-on scientific research experiences and professional development opportunities. This initiative is supported by local tribal leaders and educational institutions, addressing the underrepresentation of Native Americans in STEM fields, particularly in biomedical and cancer research. By fostering a stronger healthcare workforce within Native communities, the program seeks to improve health outcomes and reduce cancer disparities through education and community engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more diverse healthcare workforce that is better equipped to address cancer disparities in Native American populations.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives have shown success in increasing representation and improving health outcomes in underrepresented communities, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramesh, Rajagopal — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ramesh, Rajagopal
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.