Training program to increase diversity in cancer research

UPWARDS Training Program (Underrepresented Minorities Working Towards Research Diversity in Science)

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10914992

This program is designed to help high school and college students from underrepresented backgrounds get involved in cancer research by giving them hands-on training, mentorship, and career guidance, so they can feel confident and prepared for future jobs in science and technology.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914992 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This program aims to enhance the participation of underrepresented minorities in cancer research by providing early intervention training. It focuses on high school and undergraduate students, offering them research experience, career path knowledge, and mentorship to foster a scientific identity. The program addresses barriers such as limited exposure to science and inadequate professional skills, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for careers in STEM fields. By building on previous successes, it seeks to create a more diverse workforce in cancer research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented minority backgrounds interested in pursuing careers in science and cancer research.

Not a fit: Students who are not from underrepresented minority backgrounds or those who are not interested in pursuing a career in STEM may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in cancer research, leading to more equitable health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields have shown success, indicating that this approach has the potential to be effective.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer BiologyCancer Center
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.