BUILD EXITO is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded initiative with the goal of enhancing undergraduate training in scientific research through increased diversity of students, increased integration of research, and teaching. The program provides numerous benefits and supportive factors for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in research.
Scholars join a community of undergraduate students who are passionate about addressing pressing health disparities through innovative research. In the Scholar Phase (Program Year 1), students are matched with faculty and peer mentors, participate in professional development workshops, and take a Gateway to Research Course. After completing Year 1, Scholars will have the opportunity to apply for the Trainee Phase of EXITO.
With a successful application to the Trainee Phase (Program Years 2 and 3), students engage in hands-on research experiences through Research Learning Communities.
*Benefits differ by EXITO institution and details should be discussed with your institution’s site contact.
The point of BUILD EXITO is to build your capacity and ability to do research, so there is no expectation that our applicants are coming in with vast research experience. We are looking for students who are passionate about solving the world’s health problems by asking meaningful questions and staying committed to finding the answers. As an applicant, we encourage you to think broadly about “research experience.”
Maintain full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits/term)
Major in a biomedical or social science field
Prioritize research commitments when scheduling other part-time jobs or commitments outside of school
Maintain a cumulative and term GPA of 2.5
Complete required research hours in the second and third years of the program, (upon successful application to the Trainee Phase)
Meet regularly with mentors and academic adviser
Complete the BUILD EXITO Gateway to Research Course during your first year in the program
Maintain active communication with BUILD EXITO faculty, mentors, and staff
See the Eligibility Tab for more info!
As a post-bacc student, you would be eligible to apply for the program if you are planning on completing a second bachelor's degree and meet the eligibility requirements listed on the Eligibility Tab.
We know that the pathway to graduation is unique for each person. Please contact us at exito@pdx.edu and we will work with you to determine if EXITO is the right fit for you.
Scholars from the following sites who successfully complete the Trainee Application for Program Years 2 and 3, will transfer to PSU: American Samoa Community College, Northern Marianas College, Clackamas Community College, Portland Community College and Clark College.
Scholars from Alaska and Guam remain at their 4-year institution for the Trainee Phase of EXITO.
BUILD EXITO requires students to take a Gateway to Research course during the Program Year 1 Scholar Phase of the program. Course offerings differ by EXITO institution. There are no additional credit requirements for program participation.
No. To be eligible for BUILD EXITO, you need to plan on graduating Winter 2024 or after.
The EXITO program now takes place in two distinct phases.
Scholar Phase (Program Year 1): During their first year, students participate in a Summer Research Academy with their fellow Scholars. During the academic year, Scholars are matched with mentors who guide exploration of research careers and pathways. Students also attend weekly Enrichment Sessions and take a Gateway to Research Course. Finally, Scholars meet with BUILD EXITO’s Academic Advisor each term.
Trainee Phase (Program Years 2/3): After successful completion of the Scholar Phase and application to the Trainee Phase, Scholars join a Research Learning Community (RLC) for formal research training. Program Years 2/3 include financial assistance, biweekly Enrichment sessions, mentoring, advising, and connections to other student services.
If students are accepted into the Trainee Phase (Program Years 2 and 3), they are placed in a Research Learning Community (RLC). The matching process varies across the consortium. Each 4-year institution offers unique opportunities to learn from experienced and successful researchers, so please check-in with your home institution. A list of RLC's for PSU Scholars can be found here: https://www.pdx.edu/exito/research-learning-communities
Scholars have a variety of declared majors including all types of social and hard sciences. See the partial list of qualified majors here. If you are interested in a social or biomedical-related major, email exito@pdx.edu to ask if the major you are interested in is eligible.
Yes, as long as you intend to go into a health-related field. We will work with you to determine how this program will best meet your goals.
BUILD EXITO trains undergraduates in the health sciences who are interested in research around health disparities. We also have a list of biomedical careers that would be great for you to review: https://www.pdx.edu/exito/biomedical-majors
EXITO Scholars who transfer to PSU from an EXITO institution will be assessed resident tuition, regardless of residency, once they commence the Trainee Phase (Program Years 2 and 3). Eligible Scholars will have resident tuition while they are active in BUILD EXITO. Scholars in Cohort 7 (the cohort you are applying for) will also be assessed resident tuition for one term after program completion.
We need a PDF copy of your unofficial transcript. In the Scholar Application, there is a page for you to directly upload your transcript. If you have attended multiple colleges or universities, please ensure your current unofficial transcript includes credits from each institution you have attended. If your current transcript does not include all credits from all institutions you have attended, email us at exito@pdx.edu. You can see the link to our video uploading transcripts here. (INSERT LINK)
NOTE- please make sure that your transcripts have your full name and the name of your institution in the PDF.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat software on your computer, there are several websites that will convert documents to PDFs for free. Try searching “Free PDF Converter” and many options will come up.
The amount of time it takes to complete the application will vary from person to person. The most time-consuming portions are the short answer and essay questions. We suggest that you copy the short answer and essay questions into a word processing document, write your responses in that document and then copy and paste your essay response back into the application. As a general rule of thumb, the application will take about three hours to complete.
BUILD EXITO offers a variety of benefits to Scholars including paid research experience and tuition remission at some institutions. However, the BUILD EXITO research training program is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health that will soon expire. Program activities and financial benefits may change depending on continued grant or other funding availability.
No. Research placements are contingent upon acceptance into the Trainee Phase (Program Years 2/3) and begin during a Scholars’ second year in the program. Due to the requirement for Scholars to have three years left in their undergraduate degree, beginning a research placement early is not an option.
In PY 2 and 3, Portland State University Scholars conduct research at PSU and our research partner institution, OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University). For scholars in Guam and Alaska, please contact your site director about research placements on your campuses.
Email us at exito@pdx.edu