Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) Program

The Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program aims to foster broad participation in the biomedical research workforce by improving research training environments and increasing the number of well-trained students who complete their baccalaureate degree and successfully transition into and complete biomedical, research-focused higher degree programs, such as Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the U-RISE program continues the legacy of the MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) program. This federal initiative provides undergraduate students with research opportunities under the guidance of a faculty mentor, offering financial support through stipends and tuition assistance, funding for travel to scientific meetings, and various other activities and support mechanisms designed to enhance academic success and prepare students for competitive graduate study. The program is designed for undergraduates who have completed their first two years of study, with trainees receiving support for a limited 24-month period. As an Honors program, participants are expected to maintain a strong overall GPA and engage in Honors Research.