200 From Community College to translational science: Building a bridge through immersion research experiences

Objectives/Goals: To describe how the Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana CTSI partnership creates early entry points into translational science, expands access for community college students, and strengthens the biomedical research workforce. Methods/Study Population: The Indiana CTSI partnered with Ivy Tech, a community college system that has campuses throughout the state, to launch a Research Scholars Program. This is a 10-week summer immersion experience introducing community college students to biomedical and health sciences. Students are matched with research teams at Indiana University, Purdue University, or Notre Dame (depending on where the student lives), engaging in 35 hours per week in research activities and professional development. Students receive a stipend and may be provided a laptop if needed. Recruitment is supported through collaboration with Ivy Tech faculty and staff, including classroom outreach, referrals, and information sessions. Results/Anticipated Results: Across two cohorts, the program achieved 17 completions by community college students from multiple Ivy Tech campuses, including one #ₘsocom₁who returned for a second summer. Students gained hands-on research skills, professional development, and communication training, presenting their findings at program-end symposia and a virtual presentation connecting participants across campuses. Outcomes include poster presentations at regional meetings, transfers to four-year institutions, and pursuit of health and biomedical careers. Several students have continued working with mentors, and one was hired part-time by their lab, underscoring the program’s statewide impact through partnerships with IU, Purdue, and Notre Dame. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ₘsoanchor₁ Discussion/Significance of Impact: This program highlights how the Indiana CTSI–Ivy Tech partnership expands access to translational science for learners within community college settings. Statewide collaboration, sustained mentoring, and student outcomes together provide a scalable model for workforce development.