Students are eligible to apply to the UNCG U-RISE Program (previously known as the MARC U-STAR Program) if they meet the following criteria:

  1. Are a Sophomore attending UNCG full-time with a biomedical science major, such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Kinesiology, Nutrition, *Psychology, *Public Health Education, *Anthropology, *Computer Science.  (*These majors must have a focus on biomedical aspects.)
  2. Have at least two full years remaining at the university.
  3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  4. Plan to pursue a Ph.D. (not a medical degree/M.D.) in a biomedical science.
  5. Demonstrate an interest in the diversification of the biomedical research workforce.
  6. Are citizens, noncitizen nationals or permanent residents of the United States.
  7. Agree to fulfill all program requirements including a sustained research project with an approved mentor from UNCG.
  8. Self-Identify as an underrepresented population (See below).

A summary is below, but please click here to see how the NIH fully defines underrepresented students:

  • A. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders).
  • B.  Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
  • C.  Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • D.  Females from the above backgrounds (categories A, B, and C).

U-RISE is supported by the National Institutes of Health and offers talented students who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences an opportunity to improve their preparation for high-caliber graduate training.