National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions that educate students in grades 6-12 or undergraduates in cancer research and biomedical sciences. Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations. Programs must engage students and/or teachers in hands-on cancer research experiences aligned with institutional research strengths.
Applicants must be U.S.-based institutions or eligible federal agencies. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. The program targets institutions that can provide real research experiences to reach students who may not otherwise have access to biomedical research opportunities.
Program description
The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this R25 program is to encourage individuals who have not had substantial biomedical research experience, or who have the potential to significantly benefit from additional biomedical research experience to pursue further studies or careers in research. To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this NOFO will support educational activities with a primary focus on: (1) Research Experiences, (2) Curriculum or Methods Development and (3) Outreach. The NCI’s mission is to conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs concerning cancer. This funding opportunity seeks to facilitate educational activities that encourage students to become knowledgeable about cancer and available to focus on cancer later in their careers. To promote broad interest in pursuing a career in biomedical research via early intervention strategies, the NCI Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Program will support efforts to create and maintain an institutional program to engage grades 6-12 and/or undergraduate students in cutting edge cancer research experiences. The proposed institutional programs may also provide research experiences for the grade 6-12 teachers and undergraduate faculty members. The goals are to inspire interest in biomedical sciences, help envision research as a career path, and strengthen practical research and career skills. In alignment with these goals, institutions may develop unique programs that capitalize on their research strengths and are responsive to their target populations.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Faith-based Organization
- HBCU
- HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- TCU (Tribal Colleges)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- R&R Application (SF-424)
- Project Narrative
- Budget Justification
- Institutional commitment letter
- Letters of support from research faculty
- Biosketches of key project personnel
- Institutional policies (human subjects, conflict of interest)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.398 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$23,853,515
-
$17,454,036
-
$15,407,472
-
$14,410,208
-
$14,234,718
-
$14,219,981
-
$14,192,257
-
$13,766,537
-
$13,734,930
-
$13,123,233
Top States by Funding
- CA 14 awards $114.1M
- MA 10 awards $104.5M
- TX 9 awards $101.0M
- NY 9 awards $65.8M
- PA 7 awards $60.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.398). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $228,173,992 | |
| 2025 | $213,201,522 | |
| 2026 est. | $135,455,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Institutions such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and community-based organizations. Faith-based organizations and federal agencies may also apply if they meet other requirements.
What activities does this grant fund?
Research experiences for students and teachers in grades 6-12 and undergraduates. Curriculum development, outreach programs, and career-building activities focused on cancer research are supported.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. Your institution does not need to provide matching funds.
What is the typical funding amount?
Awards typically reach up to $400,000, though exact amounts vary based on project scope and institutional capacity.
Can foreign organizations apply?
No. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. Only U.S.-based institutions may apply.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize institutional research strengths in cancer. Show how your research environment can provide authentic, hands-on experiences for students.
- Target underrepresented populations in biomedical research. Highlight how your program reaches students from communities with limited research access.
- Include plans for both students and teachers. Programs that engage educators strengthen sustainability and teacher support for student interest.
- Build partnerships with existing research labs. Demonstrate how current faculty research will integrate into the educational program.
- Include clear career pathway messaging. Explain how the program helps students see research as an achievable career option.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical trials. This grant explicitly does not fund clinical trial research—focus on research education and experiences only. Weak connection between institutional research strengths and the proposed curriculum. Show clear alignment between your labs and educational activities. Vague career development components. Spell out specific mentoring, workshops, and pathways students will follow to consider research careers.
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