About the YES Program

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Research Education Program (R25) aims to enhance the pool of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research via early intervention strategies. YES supports efforts to create and maintain institutional programs to engage grades 6-12 and/or undergraduate students from underrepresented populations in cutting edge cancer research experiences. The proposed institutional programs may also provide research experiences for the grade 6-12 teachers and undergraduate faculty members who serve underrepresented student populations. Each YES award must include three integrated components: Research Experiences, Curriculum or Methods Development and Outreach.  

The YES Program is part of the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program at the NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD). YES evolved from the long-running, highly successful P30 CURE supplements program that has supported research experiences at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers for high school and undergraduate students for more than 16 years. The specific goals are to inspire interest in biomedical sciences, help envision research as a career path, and strengthen practical research and career skills. In alignment with these goals, institutions may develop unique programs that capitalize on their research strengths and are responsive to their target populations. 

The R25 Youth Enjoy Science funding opportunity announcement has expired but can be found here. For general program information, check out the fact sheet.