The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that diversity in the biomedical research workforce is critical toadvancing science, and supports activities that encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds in thebiomedical sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research.(1) The NIH published a Notice (NOT-OD-20-031) on 11/22/19 that African Americans are underrepresented in biomedical research and should beencouraged to participate in NIH-funded programs to enhance diversity. The NIH's National Institute ofGeneral Medical Sciences (NIGMS) mission provides leadership in enhancing the diversity of the scientificworkforce.(2) This is fulfilled through education and training programs that increase understanding ofbiomedical, behavioral, and clinical research.(1) The SBIR/STTR research topics of interest to NIGMS relatedto this application are supported by the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity. TheDivision encourages projects that develop skills and/or increases the efficiencies of diversity-enhancingresearch training programs using technologies and tools targeted to post high-school students in thebiomedical research workforce pathway.(3)The BioGradMatch program is a joint venture between the Admit Academy LLC and Stillman College. Wepropose to increase diversity in the biomedical research workforce by matching undergraduate biosciencemajors at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) with biomedical science graduate programs atNIH-funded research institutions. BioGradMatch is adapted from the AdmitAcademy, a business model thatuses behavioral economics theory to match high school students to undergraduate institutions. Guided by theTranstheoretical Model (TTM) stages of change framework, BioGradMatch targets African Americanbioscience undergraduates at HBCUs and uses a tailored approach (MatchFinder survey) to match studentswith at least 3 biomedical graduate programs. Each student will have a GradCoach to facilitate the applicationand admissions process. The major goal of BioGradMatch is for the targeted students to apply and beadmitted into the graduate program that fits their research interests.This Phase I - STTR application will establish the technical merit and feasibility of the BioGradMatch program.Specific Aim I: Develop and evaluate the usefulness of the BioGradMatch program based on theTranstheoretical (Stages of Change) Model to increase HBCU undergraduate students' applications tobiomedical science graduate programs.Specific Aim II: Measure the factors contributing to the Stages of Change; move from Pre-contemplation toAction (submission of the graduate program application).Specific Aim III: Develop the expansion plan for the Phase II STTR project.
Public Health Relevance Statement: PROJECT NARRATIVE
This STTR project is a collaboration between Admit Academy LLC, a small business concern, and Stillman
College, a research institution, and Historically Black College (HBCU). The BioGradMatch program responds
to the NIGMS SBIR/STTR program descriptions and research topics under its Division of Training, Workforce
Development, and Diversity, to develop skills of individuals from underrepresented groups and increase the
efficiencies of diversity enhancing research training programs.
Project Terms:
