St. Louis Summer Research Immersion Program

Abstract Expanding participation and opportunity within the Pediatric Neurosciences workforce is essential for improving health and accelerating research toward innovative treatments for pediatric neurological disorders. Children in communities with decreased access to healthcare and advanced scientific educational resources, such as inner-city neighborhoods, are impacted by cognitive and neurological conditions at higher rates, yet they often encounter fewer options for engagement with neuroscience research. Agencies such as NIH/NINDS have taken steps to address these workforce limitations by supporting resource development, research education initiatives, and partnerships to broaden early exposure to neuroscience careers. This proposal will establish the St. Louis Summer Program Immersion in Neurosciences (SLSIP), providing a rigorous research education experience for high school students who would otherwise lack access to research training programs. The SLSIP R25 program is innovative and directly aligned with NINDS priorities for expanding workforce representation, fostering scientific creativity, and improving child health outcomes in the St. Louis region and beyond. The program will develop and support: 1) an expanded candidate pool; 2) transparent and merit-based recruitment; 3) extensive outreach and networking; and 4) formative relationships. Washington University's substantial infrastructure and collaborative environment make it an ideal setting for this unique training opportunity. By advancing the goals of PAR-21-168, SLSIP will strengthen the collective mission of NINDS, WUSM, and the St. Louis community to improve access to research education in Pediatric Neurosciences, ultimately improving health outcomes for all children.