Minority Training Program in Cancer Control Research

A joint program of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UCLA School of Public Health

PLEASE NOTE: The MTPCCR is currently awaiting renewal funding. There will be no summer program in 2013. Please check back mid-year for information regarding 2014.

Purpose

Northern California is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the world, and this diversity is evidenced in the master's level student populations training in health at Bay Area academic institutions. However, as is true elsewhere, only a small proportion of minority students go on to pursue doctoral degrees, resulting in a national shortage of experienced minority investigators in cancer prevention and control. The purpose of the Minority Training Program in Cancer Control Research (MTPCCR) is to increase ethnic diversity in the field of cancer control research by encouraging minority students in master's level health programs as well as master's trained health professionals to pursue a doctoral degree and a career in research. The program has been designed to enhance participants':

• understanding of the power of research to effect change
• awareness of the strengths and limitations of research methods, theory, and interventions in eliminating health disparities
• interest in cancer control research, from surveillance to epidemiology, individual behavior change, health services, and policy research
• research, networking, information seeking skills, and motivation and ability to successfully apply to a doctoral program.

Components

The MTPCCR consists of three components: a Summer Institute, Paid Internships, and Doctoral Application Support Awards:

1. "Careers in Cancer Control Research" Summer Institute A five-day Summer Institute designed to showcase the opportunities and need for minority researchers in cancer control. Through the institute, 20-25 participants will acquire the motivation, skills, and resources needed to apply to a doctoral program. Faculty include role models and leaders in research from around the country.
2. Paid Internships Students and graduates who participate in the Summer Institute can apply for paid internships. Qualified interns will be matched to a program and mentor according to their academic focus and personal interests.
3. Doctoral Application Support Awards Summer Institute participants who wish to pursue a doctorate are eligible to apply for awards up to $2,000 to cover the cost of doctoral program applications, testing, and/or campus visits.

Sponsorship/Partner Institutions

The MTPCCR was funded by a 5-year (2006-2011) training grant from the National Cancer Institute to the Cancer Center and the UCLA School of Public Health to establish parallel programs in Northern and Southern California. Collaborating institutions in Northern California include California State University, East Bay, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, University of California at Berkeley, and UCSF. For information on the Southern California MTPCCR, please visit: www.ph.ucla.edu/mtpccr/.

Leadership/Staff

Overall direction of the MTPCCR is provided by Dr. Rena Pasick, Associate Director of Education and Outreach, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.