NIH Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP)

NIH Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) is sponsored by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) / National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) provides summer research opportunities for high school juniors and seniors from all backgrounds.

Expired RFA-DK-21-023: NIDDK Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) This notice has expired. Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices. Part 1.

Overview Information Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) Components of Participating Organizations National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ( NIDDK ) Funding Opportunity Title NIDDK Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Reissue of RFA-DK-16-021 - NIDDK Short-Term Research Experience Program for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) (R25) May 23, 2023 - This RFA has been reissued as RFA-DK-22-510 May 27, 2021 - Notice of Pre-Application Webinar for NIDDK Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed).

See Notice NOT-DK-21-021 . NOT-OD-19-109 - Requirement for ORCID iDs for Individuals Supported by Research Training, Fellowship, Research Education, and Career Development Awards Beginning in FY 2020. Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number Companion Funding Opportunity See Section III.

3. Additional Information on Eligibility . Assistance Listing Number(s) Funding Opportunity Purpose The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH.

The overarching goal of this R25 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research.

To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this FOA will support creative educational activities with a primary focus on: The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH.

The over-arching goal of this National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) R25 program is to support educational activities that enhance the diversity of the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce.

NIDDK's Short-Term Research Experience to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) provides funding to research institutions to provide for a national summer research experience program for both high school and undergraduate students for eight to ten weeks.

STEP-UP seeks to facilitate exposure opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, including students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research on a national basis, such asindividuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with disabilities.

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) Letter of Intent Due Date(s) All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on the listed date(s). Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

AIDS Application Due Date(s) Required Application Instructions It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide , except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts ). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced.

Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV . When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

Part 1. Overview Information Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Other Award Budget Information Section III. Eligibility Information Section IV.

Application and Submission Information Section V. Application Review Information Section VI. Award Administration Information Section VII.

Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research educational activities that complement other formal training programs in the mission areas of the NIH Institutes and Centers.

The overarching goals of the NIH R25 program are to: (1) complement and/or enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs; (2) encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research; (3) help recruit individuals with specific specialty or disciplinary backgrounds to research careers in biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences; and (4) foster a better understanding of biomedical, behavioral and clinical research and its implications.

The overarching goal of this R25 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research.

The over-arching goal of this National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) R25 program is to support educational activities that enhance the diversity of the biomedical, behavioral and clinical research workforce involved in NIDDK research mission areas including diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases.

To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this FOA will support creative educational activities with a primary focus on both: Research Experiences: For example, for undergraduate students: to provide hands-on exposure to research, to reinforce their intent to graduate with a science degree, and/or to prepare them for graduate school admissions and/or careers in research; for high school students the goal is to provide exposure to a research experience to encourage students to consider majoring in science related disciplines in college.

Mentoring Activities: For example, dedicated efforts at providing not only technical expertise, but advice, insight, and professional career skills to both high school and college students. This would include checking in with participants through a variety of methods including the use of different mentoring material, webinars, video conferences and other follow-up after the summer research experience for at least 9 months.

NIDDK's Short-Term Research Experience to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) program is focused on enhancing the participation of students from diverse backgrounds, including students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research on a national basis, such as individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with disabilities.

(See NOT-OD-20-031, Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity ). The STEP-UP program enhances participation through providing research experiences and follow-up mentoring to high school and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups.

This program provides students a hands-on research experience early in their academic career and the opportunity to participate in biomedical research in the NIDDK mission areas. The intent of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is to support institutions in the implementation and evaluation of the STEP-UP program.

The NIDDK's mission is to conduct and support medical research and research training and to disseminate science-based information on disease including diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases; and it is of the highest importance that the entire US population is engaged in this research and work.

Historically, opportunities in this country have been mired in discrimination and lack of resources based on a person’s income, zip code or skin color. However, to address the myriad of health problems facing the country and the world, it is imperative that the full diversity of the United States is engaged in the biomedical research workforce.

Moreover, from research, we know that more diverse teams tend to be more innovative than homogenous groups, and individuals from different backgrounds provide new insights and information. To ensure that the biomedical research workforce encompasses talent with no boundaries of race or location, the (STEP-UP program was launched to provide hands-on research experiences to both high school and undergraduate students.

Promoting diversity in the extramural scientific workforce is critical to the success of the NIH mission and is consistent with the mandates of the 21st Century Cures Act . While scientific workforce diversity supports the NIH mission, expanding the pool of academic investigators from nationally underrepresented backgrounds in the biomedical research workforce has remained an elusive goal.

NIH has a longstanding commitment to training the next generation of biomedical scientists and supporting training of students from diverse backgrounds, for example groups underrepresented in biomedical research, through a variety of fellowships, career development awards, and institutional training and student development programs .

In spite of recent advances, individuals from certain groups and backgrounds are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences research workforce as described in the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity . The severity of the underrepresentation of these groups increases throughout the training stages.

For example, students from certain racial and ethnic groups, including Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos/Latinas, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders comprise ~39 percent of the college age population, but earn only ~17 percent of bachelor’s degrees and ~13 percent of Ph. D. degrees in the life sciences ( National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics ).

These findings highlight the need for both training to address the paucity of underrepresented groups that are involved in biomedical research and programming that help to encourage individuals to pursue science related careers.

Moreover, studies have shown the beneficial nature of undergraduate research of programs similar to STEP-UP in terms of improving academic outcomes and fueling interest in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields ( Science. 2007 Apr 27;316(5824):548-9 ; Eth Dis. 2020 Jan 16;30(1):5-14.

). This FOA is needed to enhance opportunities of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals underrepresented in biomedical research specific to NIDDK mission areas, and aims to do so by providing research opportunities and follow-up mentoring early in the academic career for both high school and undergraduate students.

Programmatic Approach of STEP-UP For this FOA, applicant institutions are described as Coordinating Centers (CC) and will operate one of the two types of STEP-UP programs: A high school program for students from diverse backgrounds, including students from underrepresented groups, who are at least 16 years old and either in the 11th or 12th grades at the time of application, or An undergraduate program for students from diverse backgrounds, including students from underrepresented groups, who have completed their freshman year and will not have graduated prior to the start of the summer research program.

For the high school program, five CC will be awarded to coordinate recruitment across the United States and US territories. The five CC will be distributed geographically and responsible for recruitment in their region.

The different areas for recruitment and operations overlap closely with the Department of Health & Human Services Regions and are subdivided as shown below: Region A - District of Columbia, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota Region B - Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands Region C - North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri Region D - Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona Region E - Hawaii and Pacific Island and Territories NIDDK is seeking geographic diversity in the placement of CC to ensure adequate outreach and coordination.

For the undergraduate program, three centers will be funded to coordinate recruitment of students nationally from all US states and territories. Applicants must specify the type of program that they propose to coordinate. Each of the CC are expected to support 25 participants annually and will manage all aspects of placement, mentoring and follow-up of students in disparate locations in the United States and its territories.

NIDDK seeks CC to use innovative methods in terms of recruitment, outreach and mentoring and applicants should describe how they plan to do this. Applicants must develop the process for identifying and matching research mentors with students, along with strategies to continuously build the cadre of research mentors throughout the duration of the program.

For the high school program, the CC find research placement sites for the selected students in locations geographically near to the student’s residence. For the undergraduate program the CCs work with the selected students to find a research placement over the summer. Centers are encouraged to use their research networks to develop a cadre of potential research mentors for students.

Students may, but are not required to, do their summer research at the coordinating center’s institution. The programs provide support for high school and undergraduate students to participate in research training for 8 (high school) to 10 (undergraduate) consecutive weeks over the summer (May to August) in NIDDK mission areas.

At the end of the summer, all students in the program are required to attend a scientific symposium to present results from their research experience; the scientific symposium is typically held on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The undergraduate program provides additional resources to allow students to extend their research during the academic year extending up to nine months total including the summer. See Section VI.

Award Administration Information, 4. Evaluation for a list of key questions/metrics used to determine whether the program goals or outcomes have been met in a future evaluation. Also applicants applying to renew their application will need to describe their program's accomplishments over the past funding periods and address evaluation questions described in Section IV.

Throughout the program, NIDDK will actively monitor the progress of the STEP-UP program to determine if the results are meeting the goal of providing research experiences and opportunities to be mentored for students from diverse backgrounds, including students from groups identified as underrepresented by the NIH ( NOT-OD-20-031 ).

The CCs will hold annual meetings together with NIDDK program staff to analyze progress and process and to determine if changes should be made. Research education programs may complement ongoing research training and education occurring at the applicant institution, but the proposed educational experiences must be distinct from those training and education programs currently receiving Federal support.

R25 programs may augment institutional research training programs (e.g., T32, T90) but cannot be used to replace or circumvent Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) programs, See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

Section II. Award Information Grant: A support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity. Application Types Allowed The OER Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types.

Only those application types listed here are allowed for this FOA. Not Allowed: Only accepting applications that do not propose clinical trial(s). Need help determining whether you are doing a clinical trial?

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards NIDDK intends to commit up to $2,500,000 in FY 2022 to fund 8 awards. For the high school program, five coordinating centers will be awarded to coordinate recruitment across the United States and US territories. The five coordinating centers will be distributed geographically and responsible for recruitment in their region.

The different areas for recruitment and operations overlap closely with the Department of Health & Human Services Regions below: Region A - District of Columbia, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota Region B - Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands Region C - North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri Region D - Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona Region E - Hawaii and Pacific Island and Territories For the undergraduate program, three centers will be funded to coordinate nationally the recruitment of students from all US states and territories.

For the high school program the direct cost for each of the coordinating centers cannot exceed $220,000 per year for programs focused on recruiting in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico, Alaska and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and cannot exceed $270,000 per year for the program focused on recruiting students from Region E including Hawaii and territories in the Pacific Islands.

For the undergraduate program, the direct costs for each coordinating center cannot exceed $360,000 per year. The proposed budgets must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement may not exceed 5 years.

Other Award Budget Information Individuals designing, directing, and implementing the research education program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated cap.

(If mentoring interactions and other activities with participants are considered a regular part of an individual's academic duties, then any costs associated with the mentoring and other interactions with participants are not allowable costs from grant funds). Participants may be compensated for participation in activities specifically required by the proposed research education program, if sufficiently justified.

Participant costs must be itemized in the proposed budget. Allowable participant costs depend on the educational level/career status of the individuals to be selected to participate in the program. While generally not an allowable cost, with strong justification, participants in the research education program may receive per diem unless such costs are furnished as part of the registration fee.

Participants may also receive funds to defray partial tuition and other education-related expenses. Expenses for foreign travel must be exceptionally well justified.

Individuals supported by NIH training and career development mechanisms (K, T, or F awards) may receive, and indeed are encouraged to receive, educational experiences supported by an R25 program, as participants, but may not receive salary or stipend supplementation from a research education program.

Because the R25 program is not intended as a substitute for an NRSA institutional training program (e.g.,T32), costs to support full-time participants (supported for 40 hours/week for a continuous, 12-month period) are not allowable. Other Program-Related Expenses Consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel for key persons, and other program-related expenses may be included in the proposed budget.

These expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available at the applicant institution.

Applicants may budget for participant travel to research locations and the end-of-summer research symposium that takes place on the campus of NIH, as well as budget for PD/PI travel cost for both the end-of-summer symposium as well as annual PD/PI meeting to discuss program progress and review.

Additionally, STEP-UP CC for the high school program may budget funds for travel and stipend for chaperones to assist in the end-of-summer research symposium.

Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees, expenditures for equipment and consortium costs in excess of $25,000), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement. NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this FOA. Section III.

Eligibility Information Higher Education Institutions Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education Private Institutions of Higher Education The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education: Hispanic-serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses) City or Township Governments Special District Governments Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) U.S. Territory or Possession Independent School Districts Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Faith-based or Community-based Organizations The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program.

Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program. Institutions with existing Ruth L.

Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) institutional training grants (e.g., T32) or other Federally funded training programs may apply for a research education grant provided that the proposed educational experiences are distinct from those training programs receiving federal support.

In many cases, it is anticipated that the proposed research education program will complement ongoing research training occurring at the applicant institution. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement , are allowed.

Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible.

The NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications states that failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) - All registrations require that applicants be issued a DUNS number. After obtaining a DUNS number, applicants can begin both SAM and eRA Commons registrations.

The same DUNS number must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application. System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration.

SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code. NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code Foreign organizations must obtain an NCAGE code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM. eRA Commons - Applicants must have an active DUNS number to register in eRA Commons.

Organizations can register with the eRA Commons as they are working through their SAM or Grants. gov registration, but all registrations must be in place by time of submission. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application.

Grants. gov Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the Grants. gov registration.

Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role.

Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks. Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator) Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.

The PD/PI should have experience in and a record of mentoring students from backgrounds underrepresented in the U.S. Biomedical, Clinical, Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Enterprise as described in the NIH's Notice of Interest in Diversity . This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement . 3.

Additional Information on Eligibility Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct. The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time.

This means that the NIH will not accept: A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission (A1) application. A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application.

An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review (see NOT-OD-11-101 ). Researchers from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, disadvantaged backgrounds, persons with disabilities, and women are encouraged to participate as preceptors/mentors. Mentors should have research expertise and experience relevant to the proposed program.

Mentors must be committed to continue their involvement throughout the total period of the mentee’s participation in this award. The PD/PI and coordination team will be responsible for identifying and matching research mentors with students. .

Every facet of the United States scientific research enterprise from basic laboratory research to clinical and translational research to policy formation requires superior intellect, creativity and a wide range of skill sets and viewpoints.

NIH’s ability to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds who will help to further NIH's mission. Research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams.

Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems.

There are many benefits that flow from a diverse NIH-supported scientific workforce, including: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of the research, advancing the likelihood that underserved or health disparity populations participate in, and benefit from health research, and enhancing public trust.

Underrepresented Populations in the U.S. Biomedical, Clinical, Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Enterprise In spite of tremendous advancements in scientific research, information, educational and research opportunities are not equally available to all.

NIH encourages institutions to diversify their student and faculty populations to enhance the participation of individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences, such as: Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (see data at http://www. nsf.

gov/statistics/showpub. cfm? TopID=2&SubID=27 ) and the report Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering ).

The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

In addition, it is recognized that underrepresentation can vary from setting to setting; individuals from racial or ethnic groups that can be demonstrated convincingly to be underrepresented by the grantee institution should be encouraged to participate in NIH programs to enhance diversity.

For more information on racial and ethnic categories and definitions, see the OMB Revisions to the Standards for Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity ( https://www. govinfo. gov/content/pkg/FR-1997-10-30/html/97-28653.

htm ). Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended . See NSF data at, https://www.

nsf. gov/statistics/2017/nsf17310/static/data/tab7-5. pdf .

Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the following criteria: Students from low socioeconomic (SES) status backgrounds have been shown to obtain bachelor’s and advanced degrees at significantly lower rates than students from middle and high SES groups (see https://nces. ed. gov/programs/coe/indicator_tva.

asp ), and are subsequently less likely to be represented in biomedical research. For background see Department of Education data at, https://nces. ed.

gov/ ; https://nces. ed. gov/programs/coe/indicator_tva.

asp ; https://www2. ed. gov/rschstat/research/pubs/advancing-diversity-inclusion.

pdf . Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Definition: https://nche. ed.

gov/mckinney-vento/ ); Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families (Definition: https://www. acf. hhs.

gov/cb/focus-areas/foster-care ); Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years (Definition: https://www. fns. usda.

gov/school-meals/income-eligibility-guidelines ); Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree (see https://nces. ed. gov/pubs2018/2018009.

pdf ); Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants (Definition: https://www2. ed. gov/programs/fpg/eligibility.

html ); Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child (Definition: https://www. fns. usda.

gov/wic/wic-eligibility-requirements ). Grew up in one of the following areas: a) a U.S. rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer ( https://data. hrsa.

gov/tools/rural-health ), or b) a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Areas (qualifying zipcodes are included in the file). Only one of the two possibilities in #7 can be used as a criterion for the disadvantaged background definition.

Literature shows that women from the above backgrounds (categories A, B, and C) face particular challenges at the graduate level and beyond in scientific fields. (See, e.g., From the NIH: A Systems Approach to Increasing the Diversity of Biomedical Research Workforce https://www. ncbi.

nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC5008902/ ).

Unless strongly justified on the basis of exceptional relevance to NIH, research education programs should be used primarily for the education of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Section IV. Application and Submission Information 1.

Requesting an Application Package The application forms package specific to this opportunity must be accessed through ASSIST, Grants. gov Workspace or an institutional system-to-system solution. Links to apply using ASSIST or Grants.

gov Workspace are available in Part 1 of this FOA. See your administrative office for