STEP-UP (Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons)

The Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) program is a 10 week summer research internship for undergraduate students interested in science and medicine. The goal of the program is to provide biomedical research training and career development to increase the number of individuals from underserved communities in professions relevant to biomedical research. The program is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The program was initiated in 2007 and the STEP-UP organizing center at the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has trained over 250 students since. Students upon a competitive application process work for 10 weeks in biomedical research laboratories in some of the nation’s most acclaimed academic institutions. They perform short term research projects relevant to the mission of NIDDK and all students present their scientific accomplishments during a Scientific Symposium held at NIH at the conclusion of the program. Over 80% of our trainees upon graduation from college enter graduate school, predominantly into medical school. If you want to learn more about the STEP-UP program please visit the STEP-UP website at NIDDK.