The UMB CURE Scholars Program is a unique program that prepares sixth- to 12th-grade students in Baltimore for competitive, lucrative, and rewarding research and health care careers at UMB and other health institutions in the region.

The CURE Program

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program was established by the NCI’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) in 1999 to help support under-represented students in biomedical research and career development. CURE utilizes a pipeline approach and provides career navigation, workforce training, and mentorship to diverse scholars at all stages of academic and career development. The CURE program is driven by a mission to build a diverse biomedical workforce, which is critical to addressing the health needs of all Americans and eliminating cancer health disparities in the nation. 

The UMB CURE Scholars Program

‌The UMB CURE Scholars Program is the first of its kind to attract middle school students into the National Cancer Institute's CURE pipeline and excite a future generation of health care providers and biomedical researchers. The UMB CURE Scholars Program operates in partnership with three West Baltimore public schools.

How Does the Program Work?

UMB accepts 25 to 30 sixth-grade students from three West Baltimore public schools (Franklin Square Elementary and Middle School, Green Street Academy, and Southwest Baltimore Charter School) each year who have an interest in science, are committed to participating in a long-term pipeline program through their college career, and meet the program application requirements.

The program offers selected scholars on-going mentoring with an after-school component, Saturday tutoring component, and six-week Summer Enrichment component. Selected students are exposed to rich scientific environments to gain experience, academic enrichment, self-confidence, and motivation to pursue careers in cancer research and health care.

Support from parents/families, schools, mentors, and community partners is essential to the scholars' success. Families, schools, and communities work together to provide a holistic network of support for our UMB CURE Scholars throughout their middle school, high school, and college careers.

Scholars are mentored by UMB graduate and professional students; UMB faculty and staff; participating BCPS school faculty; community and business leaders; undergraduates and graduate students from neighboring Baltimore universities; NCI-funded researchers; and former CURE Scholars.