Charles Drew University/NIH STEP-UP Program
Program Summary
In 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiated the National High School Student Summer Research Apprentice Program (NHSSSRAP). The purpose of the program is to increase the number of ethnic minorities who are involved in biomedical research. Currently, there is a critical shortage of minorities in this field (Hispanic/Latino, African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, and Alaskan Native Population). As a result, critical insights and perspectives from these groups are lacking in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the growing and important field of biomedical research. The program is a collaborative effort between the NIH and CDU. While the NIH provides funding and program oversight, the day-to-day coordination of the program is handled by CDU. This program is designed to provide the students with an opportunity to work in a biomedical laboratory at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Each student is paired with an established researcher and assigned to a research team. Students will work with staff on a specific biomedical research project. The 8-10 week program provides students with real experiences including opportunities to:
- Learn what biomedical research entails by being actively involved in a project.
- Learn laboratory and research protocols.
- Train with CDU faculty and staff in laboratory, research and administrative
Procedures required for conducting academic research. Prepare and present research findings at the annual NIDDK research symposium.
Be a member of a team; understand collective responsibility.
