Elevating scientific training by building a Research Alliance for Inclusive STEM Education (RAISE)

ABSTRACT Preparing the next generation for scientific careers is critical for innovation and economic growth. Thus, identifying and fostering students’ scientific talents early in their academic journey is essential for the future of science. In this perspective, I review the challenges hindering access to STEM education and research training. Furthermore, I discuss how such issues may be alleviated by developing a Research Alliance for Inclusive STEM Education (RAISE) program. RAISE serves as a model for the integration of research and education that increases access to STEM education by including high school and undergraduate students from all backgrounds in continuous research training. Although valuable pre-college and undergraduate research programs exist, such opportunities may be limited in time and scope, preventing student engagement in many research training experiences. Here, I outline how to implement the RAISE pathway, which integrates multiple stages of research training into a continuous and collaborative framework, enabling students to develop their skills while contributing to the advancement of the same multiyear discovery-driven research project. I hope this perspective serves as a call-to-action to develop, fund, and support additional RAISE programs to help resolve issues in scientific training, leading to a growing, innovative, and well-prepared scientific workforce.