The mission of the Intermountain PREP (IM-PREP) is to build a diverse biomedical research workforce reflecting the talent pool of our diverse population. The University of Utah is committed to fortifying, sustaining and amplifying the STEM pipeline that trains and launches a diverse research workforce.

IM-PREP will specifically address the leaks in the pipeline leading from undergraduate to doctoral training of groups underrepresented in STEM. IM-PREP focuses on students from diverse underrepresented backgrounds that demonstrate a strong drive for research and would benefit from additional research-intensive training experiences and professional development, enhancing their successful transition to top-tier doctoral programs, as well as their long-term retention in PhD-based career tracks.

IM-PREP will provide key proposed activities that include

1. holistic, culturally competent mentored experiences to undertake hypothesis-driven research;
2. scientific coursework and professional workshops that enhance strong oral and written communication skills, and instill successful strategies for applying to graduate school;
3. an innovative, inclusive support system that develops and implements Individual Development Plans and enhances their self-confidence, self-efficacy, and authentic scientific identity through peer support, cultural STEM communities and diverse role-models.

Building on institutional momentum and infrastructure at the University of Utah that is dedicated to supporting STEM equity, diversity and inclusion, IM-PREP will provide Scholars with critical thinking and research experience that will enable persistance in high-quality graduate programs and beyond in academic and non-academic biomedical career tracks.