A 10-Year Study on the Efficacy of Biomedical Research Support Programs at a Public University

Abstract

The programs Minority Access in Research Careers (MARC) and Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) are funded by the National Institutes of Health to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds earning degrees in the biomedical sciences. This article estimates the impact of participation in MARC and RISE on grade point averages, degree completion, and entrance into biomedical PhD programs. Supported students graduated at higher rates, had higher grade-point averages at graduation, and entered biomedical doctoral programs at much higher rates than students in a propensity score-matched comparison group. Results are comparable with previous study results of similar programs at other institutions and provide further evidence of the valuable support these programs provide to students from underrepresented backgrounds in achieving success in the biomedical sciences.