Encouraging rural high school students to pursue health care careers
Official title: Building Rural Aspirations In Neuroscience with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (BRAIN-STEM)
Funded at Clarkson University · NIH-11161395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping rural high school students in grades 9-12 explore exciting careers in health care by offering fun summer camps and afterschool programs that boost their skills and confidence, while connecting them with inspiring mentors in the field.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clarkson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Potsdam, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $267,152 |
| NIH project number | 5R25GM150156-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are rural high school students in grades 9-12 who are interested in health care careers.
✕Less likely to help
Students outside the rural areas or those not in high school may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This project aims to inspire rural high school students, particularly those in grades 9-12, to consider careers in health care by providing educational programs that enhance their skills and confidence. Through summer camps and afterschool programs, students will engage in activities that improve their academic and research abilities while also receiving mentorship from role models in the health care field. The program focuses on overcoming barriers that limit students' interest and success in STEM subjects relevant to health care professions. By fostering a supportive learning environment, the initiative seeks to ignite passion and awareness about health care careers among rural youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to an increase in the number of rural students pursuing careers in health care, ultimately addressing the shortage of professionals in these communities.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational initiatives have shown success in increasing student interest in STEM fields and health care careers, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Clarkson University
Potsdam, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kavanagh, Kathleen — Clarkson University
- Study coordinator: Kavanagh, Kathleen
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.