PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACTThe University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) T32 Cancer Prevention and Control Training ProgramAddressing Health Disparities is designed to advance the independent careers of diverse scientists. Theprogram benefits from the success of training nine postdoctoral Fellows during the first T32 grant period all ofwhom are from underserved populations (including 5 Hispanic/Latino and 2 Native American scientists)access to the diverse population in Arizona who suffer significant cancer disparities and on the 23-year historyof UACC preparing outstanding cancer prevention and control (CPC) scientists. This T32 Program will supportthe training of four postdoctoral positions annually with a maximum of 10 postdoctoral trainees supported overfive years. The programs primary goal is to train a diverse workforce of independent CPC scientistsworking to reduce cancer health disparities. Our aims include: 1) Recruit outstanding and diverseapplicants committed to careers in cancer prevention and control research with an emphasis on cancer healthdisparities; 2) Engage Fellows in a high quality comprehensive training program that establishes theirindependence as cancer prevention and control scientists; and 3) Evaluate the program regularly and activelyrespond to program enhancement opportunities. The Program includes a structured curriculum in CPC andhealth disparities sciences while supporting individualized career development plans. The training programdesign supports trainee outcomes including independence in research and high productivity in academicallyrelevant metrics of success (grants manuscripts and scientific presentations). The Program is based on strongmentorship from a faculty representing diverse disciplines and deep experience working in diverse populations.Program evaluation is operationalized throughout the training to assure ongoing quality improvement. Specificfellowship activities of the training plan include: 1) Completion of required elements of the core curriculum andelective curriculum elements tailored to meet each postdoctoral Fellows training and professional goals; 2)Participation in mentored research experiences; 3) Submission and publication of peer-reviewed journalarticles; 4) Presentation of work at scientific conferences; and 5) Preparation and submission of a researchproposal for funding. This proposed training program aligns with the University of Arizonas strategic plan andaddresses the needs of our States unique population including high numbers of Hispanic and AmericanIndian residents rural and border communities aging population and areas of persisting poverty. Thisdistinctive geographic location along with our strong community ties university partnerships CPC postdoctoraltraining history and university infrastructure and resources uniquely position us to continue to expand the nextgeneration of diverse CPC researchers focused on reducing health disparities and working with underservedcommunities.