National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA CA 24 026

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA CA 24 026

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Research Education Program is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R25 grant opportunity designed to build and strengthen education programs that bring more students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds into the biomedical research pipeline, with a clear emphasis on cancer. The program is rooted in the NIH Research Education Program (R25) mechanism, which supports structured educational activities that align with NIH mission areas. For this specific funding announcement, NCI is looking for institutional programs that help young learners gain early, meaningful exposure to cancer research and to the idea of research as a realistic, appealing career path. Clinical trials are not allowed under this opportunity, meaning the supported activities should focus on research education and experiences rather than conducting clinical trial research.

The central purpose is early intervention: creating sustained, organized programs that engage students in grades 6 through 12 and/or undergraduates who are from populations underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral sciences. The intent is not only to spark interest, but to provide real skill-building and mentorship that helps participants imagine themselves as scientists and equips them to pursue future study and careers in research. NCI is specifically trying to expand the future workforce of cancer researchers by helping students become knowledgeable about cancer science early on, so they are prepared and motivated to focus on cancer-related research later in their training and careers.

Funded programs are expected to be creative and to emphasize three main activity areas. First, research experiences are a primary focus, meaning hands-on involvement in cutting-edge cancer research environments, typically through mentored laboratory, computational, behavioral, or population-based research experiences appropriate to the participant level. Second, curriculum or methods development can be supported, which may include developing new educational content, course modules, teaching methods, or training approaches that strengthen cancer education and research readiness. Third, outreach is encouraged, which can include efforts to recruit and support participants from the intended communities, build partnerships, and create sustained engagement that reaches students who might not otherwise have access to cancer research exposure. Programs can be tailored to the institution's strengths, such as leveraging a cancer center, strong research departments, community partnerships, or specialized training resources, as long as the design is responsive to the needs and realities of the target populations.

In addition to student experiences, the opportunity allows programs to include research experiences for educators who serve underrepresented student populations, specifically grades 6-12 teachers and undergraduate faculty. This recognizes that strengthening the skills and confidence of teachers and instructors can multiply impact, since those educators can bring research-informed teaching back to their classrooms and better guide students toward research opportunities. Overall program goals include inspiring interest in biomedical science, helping participants see research as a viable career path, and strengthening practical research and career development skills, such as scientific thinking, research techniques, communication, mentorship relationships, and understanding how research careers progress.

The eligible applicant pool is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and governments. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities. The announcement also highlights several mission-relevant institution types and community-based organizations that may apply, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), as well as faith-based or community-based organizations and regional organizations. At the same time, foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as defined by NIH policy) are not allowed.

Key administrative details from the source information include the funding opportunity title "National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)," funding opportunity number RFA-CA-24-026, and CFDA number 93.398. It is a discretionary grant in the education and health activity category, administered by the National Institutes of Health. The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $400,000. The original closing date provided is 2026-09-28, and the posting creation date is 2024-07-09. Overall, this funding opportunity is aimed at building durable, institution-led programs that widen participation in cancer research by giving underrepresented middle school, high school, and/or undergraduate students (and potentially their educators) authentic research exposure, stronger skills, and clearer pathways toward future cancer research careers.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.398.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-07-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-28. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $400,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA CA 24 026

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: