U-rise at spelman college - the U-rise at spelman program has one specific aim that will be accomplished with focus on two subsidiary aims: specific aim

To increase the number of spelman college students entering doctoral programs, by making them more competitive for admission into biomedical and behavioral PHD programs. Subsidiary aim 1. To increase student awareness of biomedical and behavioral research and to encourage students to pursue a career in research. Subsidiary aim 2. To develop empirical research knowledge and skills of students so that they will be prepared for the rigor of the advanced research training of doctoral programs. Students will attend modules to develop their critical thinking and data science skills and learn what IT takes to work well in a scientific lab in their first semester. They will also work in active research labs during the academic year and participate in external research-intensive summer programs. One hundred percent of U-rise scholars will demonstrate in-depth comprehension of their research design, present their research every year, and attend at least one professional conference. We take a holistic approach by developing the soft skills that will promote success in current and future lab placements. Students will also develop individualized development plans that will be updated annually and we will work with students to select and apply to doctoral programs. We expect that 100% of students will complete their baccalaureate degree in four years. We expect that at least 60% of program participants will transition into a doctoral program within 2 years of graduation, with 95% of those students completing the PHD.