The Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program Branch of the Division of Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) provides research training opportunities for students and faculty from minority groups who are underrepresented in biomedical research. Biomedical research includes such areas as cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, etc., and behavioral research as well as more quantitative areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer sciences.  As part of its ongoing commitment to the development of prospective underrepresented minority researchers and the enhancement of their training environment, the MARC Program provides support to underrepresented minority undergraduate students to improve their preparation for graduate training in biomedical research. 

                                                     MARC's Goals & Benefits     
  
The primary objective of this program is the success of minority students. The broad, long-term goal of this program is to stimulate interest among underrepresented undergraduates in continuing to a career in biomedical research. In addition, this program has the potential to increase the pool of these talented students who are well prepared academically and experienced in research so as to be competitive to win admission to top graduate programs leading to the Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. degrees in disciplines important in biomedical research. The intent is to increase the participation of minority group members in leadership positions in the American science enterprise. The students, by working alongside advanced undergraduate and graduate students and active research faculty and interacting in the larger scientific establishment, will have a better understanding of the biomedical career path and develop a competitive advantage in their university careers. This will help make them excellent candidates for acceptance into graduate schools.
           The FIU MARC U-STAR Program will provide a yearly stipend, paid tuition, and money for travel to scientific meetings. The laboratory research project is complemented by a seminar series, workshops on biomedical research techniques and methodologies, GRE Prep Course, academic advisement and social events with participating faculty and students.