National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you run an institution with cancer research capacity and want to build a sustainable program engaging middle-school through undergrad students, this NIH grant funds the infrastructure and staff to do it.
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What this is
This R25 program targets educational institutions—schools, colleges, nonprofits, and even small businesses—seeking to create or expand cancer research experiences for youth and early-career learners. Funded activities focus on research experiences, curriculum or methods development, and outreach to inspire students to pursue biomedical careers. The program explicitly excludes clinical trials and emphasizes broad engagement, practical research skills, and career pathway development. Applicants must propose institutional programs that leverage existing research infrastructure and are responsive to their student population.
Who can apply
Highly inclusive: nonprofits (501(c)(3) or not), schools, universities, state/local governments, tribal organizations, small businesses, and for-profits may apply. Must be an institution capable of hosting research experiences for grades 6–12 and/or undergraduates; solo individuals and independent researchers are not eligible applicants.
Eligible applicant types
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- County governments
- State governments
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
- Small businesses
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- City or township governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Full description — from the agency
The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this R25 program is to encourage individuals who have not had substantial biomedical research experience, or who have the potential to significantly benefit from additional biomedical research experience to pursue further studies or careers in research. To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this NOFO will support educational activities with a primary focus on: (1) Research Experiences, (2) Curriculum or Methods Development and (3) Outreach. The NCI’s mission is to conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs concerning cancer. This funding opportunity seeks to facilitate educational activities that encourage students to become knowledgeable about cancer and available to focus on cancer later in their careers. To promote broad interest in pursuing a career in biomedical research via early intervention strategies, the NCI Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Program will support efforts to create and maintain an institutional program to engage grades 6-12 and/or undergraduate students 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. The 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.
Topics: cancer research education · youth STEM programs · biomedical workforce development · R25 research education · grades 6-12 science outreach · undergraduate research experiences
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.