BOOST (Building Opportunities and Overtures in Science and Technology) is a multidimensional program designed to excite young people about science — particularly underrepresented minorities, girls, and kids from economically challenged backgrounds — and inspire them to pursue careers in medicine and related fields.
Program activities include:
- Monthly Science Saturdays, where students come to Duke’s Trent Semans Center to work on hands-on STEM activities and a year-long research project.
- High school, undergrad and graduate program alumni volunteer as neer-peer mentors and are eligible to be hired as paid Coaches.
- Each of the three BOOST Cohorts (6th, 7th & 8th grade) go on three STEM field trips per program year.
The program lasts 10 months and is offered annually.
ELIGIBILITY. This program is for…
- Middle School (6-8)
- High School (9-12)
The program encourages applications from individuals who identify as belonging to any of the following groups:
- Race/ethnic groups who are underrepresented in STEM, biomedical sciences, or medical fields
- Females
- Historically or socioeconomically disadvantaged
- Black or African American
- Hispanic, Latino/a, or of Spanish origin
- Native Alaskan or Native American
For questions, contact boostatduke@gmail.com.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
This program was established in 2006 and is housed within Duke University School of Medicine. BOOST was formerly funded through grants awarded by HHMI, Burrroughs Wellcome Fund, and the National Institutes of Health. The program is currently supported by the Duke School of Medicine.
For questions about funding and other forms of support for this program, contact:
- Anthony Fuller, MD, MSGH, Principal Investigator (anthony.fuller@duke.edu)
- Douglass Coleman, Program Director (douglass.coleman@duke.edu)
This program is connected to others in the ecosystem! Check out:
