The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program Issues and Options for Recruiting and Outreach

Provides guidance on key issues affecting the operations of this scholarship program designed to encourage undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in biomedical research. Shows how using disadvantaged background alone as an eligibility criterion cannot increase underrepresented minorities' presence in this field. Suggests creative recruiting and outreach strategies to promote both quality and diversity of talent and proposes options to consider based on key challenges related to how the program can cost-effectively recruit a highly qualified and diverse group of students who will achieve the program's goals. Notes that creating stronger incentives for undergraduate institutions and emphasizing elements of the program that go beyond financial support may be helpful.