Students and Teachers Achieving Cancer Research Experiences Together (START) Program - The community immediately surrounding the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) and the University of Colorado Cancer Center (UCCC) includes underserved secondary schools with a large percentage of students from populations underrepresented in science and research. We aim to expand representation of local students in science careers through an innovative program that fills gaps in cancer research and science education in local schools. Our Students and Teachers Achieving Cancer Research Experiences Together (START) program will inspire 7-12th grade students from underrepresented groups (URs) and their families to see cancer research as an exciting and attainable profession. START will also provide 7-12th grade teachers with research and training experiences to facilitate delivery of novel cancer science curricula in community classrooms. The START program vision is to transform our community by enabling students from URs to envision themselves as the next generation of scientific leaders and pursue advanced biomedical careers while also increasing the local community’s understanding of cancer research and prevention. We will achieve this vision with three aims: Aim 1: Engage secondary students in cancer biology science experiences that expose them to new career pathways while building their engagement and identity in science and research, Aim 2: Transform local science education by engaging science teachers in mentored cancer biology research experiences, providing high quality professional development, and supporting development and delivery of biomedical science curricula, Aim 3: Provide community engagement and outreach opportunities for the neighboring community to learn about cancer research, cancer prevention, and cancer disparities through interactions with AMC scientists. All three aims include curriculum development and implementation components. Outcomes and products of the START program will include novel cancer research curricula, cancer-focused summer camps, college credit for research students, a bioscience lending library for teachers, a teacher network for sharing cancer research teaching ideas and best practices, a teacher certificate with 18 graduate credits, increased interest in research education and careers from local students and families, and community engagement by UCCC centered around cancer research and prevention. To foster students’ continued interest in cancer research, we will provide college preparation sessions and assist START alumni with applying to undergraduate research programs at UCCC. We have a strong pool of scientists to mentor and teach in START, including underrepresented faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows. START will engage diverse cohorts of 7-12th grade students, teachers, and community members to share in hands-on cancer research and education designed to cultivate ongoing participant success. The proposed aims will address our overall goals by stimulating increased interest in research, generating community and AMC support for local students pursuing research careers, and building the earliest steps in a pathway to biomedical research careers at UCCC.
