Encouraging underrepresented students to pursue research careers
Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC)
The CIRC Program is designed to help lower-income community college students from underrepresented backgrounds gain the skills and confidence they need to pursue careers in science through a fun one-week summer research boot camp and ongoing workshops with supportive mentors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10983749 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC) Program aims to increase participation from underrepresented communities in the scientific research workforce. This program provides lower-income community college students with essential academic skills and confidence through a one-week summer research boot camp and ongoing workshops. Participants will engage in hands-on research experiences under the guidance of experienced mentors, helping them to develop the necessary skills for a successful career in science. The program focuses on building a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce by addressing barriers to access in research education.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are lower-income community college students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine and science.
Not a fit: Students who are already established in research careers or those not pursuing a scientific education may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower underrepresented students to pursue and thrive in scientific research careers.
How similar studies have performed: Similar initiatives have shown success in increasing diversity in STEM fields, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duru, Obidiugwu Kenrik — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Duru, Obidiugwu Kenrik
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 below.