ARISE scholars are young researchers in biomedical engineering or allied disciplines who are historically underrepresented minorities in STEM. The terminology is drawn from congressional language and US government guidance. The AGEP website describes scholars as STEM doctoral candidates (advanced to candidacy), postdoctoral scholars, and non-tenured faculty who are African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Native Pacific Islander.
ARISE scholars voluntarily agree to participate in the ARISE program over two years, including an intensive 18-month sponsorship experience. They will be presented or “matched” with one or more senior faculty from the Alliance schools as sponsors for consideration. Interested scholars may opt out of the sponsorship arrangement at any time. Scholars who opt out are expected to provide some notice to their site leads, including their rationale for departure.
ARISE scholars commit to:
- providing information before, during, and after their sponsorship experience for evaluation and improvement of the program, including annual surveys related to their career development up to five years later.
- participating in bimonthly ARISE alliance events and workshops to build cohort community and further their professional development.
- introducing their sponsors to their research interests and accomplishments in one-on-one remote meetings, providing brief written materials and a CV as requested, and participating in ongoing regular check-ins.
- communicating in a timely fashion with their sponsors and the Alliance about any actions taken on opportunities and introductions.
Over their sponsorship experience, ARISE scholars should expect to spend one to two hours per month on activities related to the program with a full-day workshop at the beginning and end of the program. While the Alliance expects the sponsorship to positively impact the scholar and the sponsor, the program is new and can offer no specific guarantee of benefit.