Abstract Introduction: Persistent disparities in cancer among medically underserved groups underscore the need for a research workforce equipped to discover and address such disparities. Training programs that engage individuals from diverse backgrounds are essential to building capacity in cancer prevention research and cancer control. The Cancer Prevention Research Training Program (CPRTP) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center annually selects 25 trainees from diverse backgrounds for its NCI R25-funded summer research education program. The program offers mentored research experiences, a structured career development curriculum, and exposure to multidisciplinary research, while promoting content-based career navigation and reflection on professional identity. A distinctive feature is empowering trainees to take ownership of their career development through strategies such as initiating informational interviews with faculty. Methods: We conducted a prompt-based content analysis using the AI tool Copilot to examine midpoint and final summer progress reports from 146 trainees who participated in 2021 to 2024. Trainees described how the program shaped their research experiences, career goals, and perspectives on cancer prevention. Using targeted prompts, “how did CPRTP influence trainee’s confidence or clarity in navigating their career path, and/or interest in careers serving underserved communities or address health disparities.” Copilot extracted relevant quotes. These were reviewed and thematically analyzed to identify common patterns. Results: Three major themes were identified: 1) Evolving understanding of cancer prevention, “...prior to the program, I didn't have any knowledge that cancer prevention could be done in a laboratory, which was highly impactful to my career… I could see a possible future for me in the cancer prevention research department.” (American Indian or Alaska Native female college student). 2) Career navigation and clarity, “…Career Conversations and the Imposter Phenomenon Workshop… providing me with valuable insights into career navigation... These experiences have equipped me with strategies to overcome self-doubt and the importance of networking and mentorship. I am now more confident in my career trajectory and excited to integrate my passion for working with underserved populations into my future physician-scientist work…” (Hispanic male medical student). 3) Interest in underserved communities or disparities, “Shadowing Dr. … inspired me to enter GynOnc since it allows me to work with women, underserved populations, and in the cancer prevention field” (Asian female graduate student). Conclusion: CPRTP empowers trainees to explore their career interests and supports the development of a diverse, equity-focused cancer prevention workforce. Through mentorship, activities that foster an inclusive environment, and exposure to multidisciplinary research, the program broadens trainees’ understanding of the cancer prevention landscape and introduces career paths many had not previously considered. Citation Format: Hwa Young Lee, Cheryl B. Anderson, Kava Lewis, Shine Chang. Empowering the next generation: Evaluating a training program for diverse cancer prevention researchers abstract. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C032.
Lee et al. (Thu,) studied this question.