The M-ASCEND Program is an NIH-funded opportunity that is jointly supported by the Masonic Center Center (MCC) as well as the Program for Health Disparities Research (PHDR) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Its goal is to support students from communities that have been historically underrepresented in STEM (according to the NIH definition) as they progress towards future careers in cancer research or healthcare. There are three different intended audiences:
For high school students, there is year-round programming, including Science Saturday events on campus, a summer research intensive, and work in community health organizations.
For high school teachers, there is a summer bootcamp to introduce MCC resources and support innovative lesson development.
For undergraduate students, there is a summer internship to provide an opportunity for focused work with U of M researchers, either in MCC or PHDR.
All participants are paid for their involvement. Read what our program leaders have to say about M-ASCEND in this short blog!
Eligibility: Please note that high school program participants are recruited from metro area public schools. If this does not apply to you, check out other local STEM offerings here.