The mission of the Rise to the Challenge Bridge to Health and Bioinformatics program is to continue providing the skills and resources for El Paso Community College (EPCC) students to successfully transfer to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), graduate with a baccalaureate degree, and enter the biomedical research workforce and/or pursue a graduate degree. The goals of the proposed program are to; 1) provide talented EPCC students with the tools to succeed and excel in their freshman and sophomore-level Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics courses; 2) strengthen the data science knowledge and awareness of EPCC students and faculty; 3) increase the number of minority and disadvantaged students that transfer to UTEP with the skills necessary to graduate with a baccalaureate degree in Biomedical or Health Sciences; 4) provide the opportunity for students to earn certificates that will allow them to enter the data science workforce with special emphasis in Bioinformatics and Health Informatics; and 5) guide students through the pathway to a biomedical research career by preparing them early for attainment of advanced degrees. The specific objectives are to; 1) continue enriching EPCC Biology and Chemistry courses, as well as pilot Computer and Health Sciences courses with proven interventions including Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) projects and curriculum modules developed in collaboration with, and using the resources of the Genomics Data Science Community Network, UTEP ‘s Gaining Equity in Training for Public Health Informatics and Technology Program, and other UTEP resources, 2) continue implementing Supplemental Instruction in Chemistry and Mathematics courses, and 3) provide comprehensive year-round research training experiences for EPCC students, which include special emphasis in developing Research Interns’ data science skills, awareness of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics research careers, and a clear pathway to the baccalaureate degree and beyond. In addition to the ten Research Interns per year, through our CURE and SI Programs, we expect to enhance research, data science skills and provide career awareness of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics career options to a total of 3,000 students in the five years. At the end of the 5-year funding period, and based on the current five-year R25 Bridge accomplishments, we expect that 85% of the Research Interns will transfer to UTEP, 60% will have graduated with a Baccalaureate degree, and the rest will be on a clear pathway to degree attainment.

The Rise to the Challenge Bridge to Health and Bioinformatics Program will prepare El Paso Community College students to transfer to the University of Texas at El Paso with the skills to successfully graduate with a Baccalaureate degree in biomedical sciences. The program will prepare them to conduct research and with the skills to enter the Bioinformatics and Health Informatics workforce. Given the location on the US-Mexico Border region and the large percentage of Hispanic students enrolled at both institutions, the program will generate a cadre of diverse biomedical professionals with a vested interest, and the skills to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life on the border and the health of the nation.