The goal of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers
(MARC) program is to promote broad participation in the biomedical research
workforce by strengthening research training environments and expanding the
pool of well-trained students who:

• 
  
  Complete their baccalaureate degree, and transition into
  and complete biomedical, research-focused higher degree programs (such as Ph.D.
  or M.D./Ph.D.).

Specifically, this funding announcement provides support
to eligible, domestic organizations to develop and implement effective,
evidence-informed approaches to biomedical undergraduate training and mentoring
to support the development of a biomedical research workforce that will benefit
from the full range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds needed to
advance discovery.  NIGMS expects
organizations to engage in outreach and recruitment activities to encourage
individuals from underrepresented groups to participate in the program. The
proposed research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, and
career development elements to prepare trainees for careers that will have a
significant impact on the health-related research needs of the nation.

This program is limited to applications from
baccalaureate degree-granting research-intensive organizations (that is, those
with NIH Research Project Grant (RPG) funding averaging greater than or equal
to $7.5 million in total costs (direct and F&A/indirect) per year over the
last three fiscal years (FY)).

Trainee Support: The training grant defrays the cost of
stipends, tuition and fees, and training-related expenses, including health
insurance, for the appointed trainees in accordance with the approved NIH NRSA
support levels.

Project Period: Up to 5 years.

Award budget: Application budgets should reflect the
actual needs of the proposed project.

Cost Sharing: Not required