Bridges to Baccalaureate Training Program at Portland State University

Project Summary/Abstract The mission of B2B PDX Metro is to recruit, train, and mentor students from underrepresented (UR) groups to increase the effectiveness of bridging from community colleges to a university and support the timely completion of a biomedical bachelor’s degree by incorporating didactic, research, mentoring, and career

development elements into the student experience. Objectives for this project are: Objective 1: Integrate effective, evidence-based practices into a structured, diversity-enhancing research training program for a strong cohort of UR research-oriented undergraduates to promote the development of science identity, self-

efficacy, and belonging; conceptual and technical knowledge; practical and operational experience; and professional development skills. Objective 2: Integrate inclusive, evidence-based practices into courses, structured training activities, mentoring, and research experiences to provide an enhanced research training

environment to increase participation of UR students in biomedical research pathways; promote the development of trainees from all backgrounds; increase bridging of UR students into baccalaureate programs; and increase attainment of bachelor’s degrees in biomedical fields by those who possess the skills,

credentials, and experiences to contribute to the biomedical research workforce or to continue related academic pursuits. Objective 3: Enhance diversity of the biomedical research workforce by increasing participation of UR graduates in a diverse pool of well-trained scientists who will contribute to that workforce

and address the Nation’s biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. Rationale: The B2B PDX Metro program builds on an existing and strong partnership among Portland Community College (PCC), Clackamas Community College (CCC), and Portland State University (PSU) with the long-term objective to increase the

number of UR students in biomedical and behavioral sciences research careers. Design: This training model has three sequential phases over the 24-month trainee appointment: Pre-Bridge at the Community College, with emphasis on preparation for success; Bridging, with an emphasis on ensuring a successful transfer to

PSU; and Integration at PSU, with an emphasis on engagement with the PSU community. Specific aims of B2B include supporting diverse students in their transfer process to PSU, having trainees begin developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for attainment of a PSU degree prior to the start of their sophomore year at

the community college, providing targeted up-skilling and course-taking to increase their chances of success in bridging to PSU, integrating into programs and biomedical research training at PSU, and improving time-to- degree and attainment outcomes. This is a two-year scaffolded training program designed to support UR

students interested in biomedical research careers through mentoring, tailored curriculum, and hands-on mentored research experiences. Data collection and analysis will be focused on institutional levers that can best support UR biomedical students through the transfer process and retain them through degree completion.