The American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute for General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) funded the grant in September 1996 to increase the number of minority students in the educational pipeline for biomedical research careers in psychology. 

MDCC/Kendall Campus, Florida International University, and the University of Miami were selected as institutions of excellence in the recruitment/retention/training of minorities for the Southeastern Region.  MDCC has participated in the Biomedical Research grant since 1996.  At MDCC/Kendall Campus the grant has been named "Educational Pipeline /Psychology Research Initiatives Mentorship Experience" (PRIME Project).  Students from Miami-Dade Community College, Florida International University, and the University of Miami are eligible to apply for the PRIME project.

The PRIME program provides summer internships to eligible minority students to afford them the opportunity for direct experiences in biomedical/psychology research.  Students accepted into the program work with faculty members from FIU or UM assisting with research in laboratories and/or out in the community.  

The Project provides for student stipends, tuition payments, books and materials during Summer Internship at MDCC in coordination with Florida International University and University of Miami. 

Summer Internship Activities

At MDCC during Summer A (May 13- June 19, 2002): 

1. Students enroll in SLS 1401 Psychology of Career Adjustment (3 cr.).  This seminar explores career opportunities in psychology/biomedical research.
   

2. Students enroll in ISS 1935 Social Science Seminar (1 cr.). This seminar reviews research methodology in psychology and the social sciences.

At FIU or UM during Summer B (June 24-July 31, 2002):

1. MDCC students intending to transfer to FIU or UM,  and who are interested in psychobiology could be teamed to work with a PRIME student.  This experience gradually exposes students to research in biomedical psychology.
    

2. MDCC students help PRIME students with preparation of the research project.
   

3. MDCC students help Faculty in laboratories and are exposed to laboratory procedures.
   

4. MDCC students are acquainted with the PRIME Program, campus, and research and library resources.
   

5. MDCC students enroll in a College Orientation Seminar at FIU/UM which may include: 

• Undergraduate programs

• Academic requirements

• College application procedures

• Campus and research resources

• Financial Aid available for minority students

• Current research in Biopsychology

6. MDCC students work 20 hrs per week M-Th for 5 weeks during Summer B.
   

7. MDCC students are paid a stipend from MDCC-PRIME Project funds, tuition for MDCC seminars (SLS 1401 and ISS 1935), and an allowance for books.
   

8. MDCC students submit a paper describing their experiences in this project and feedback evaluation.

Pictured are the 2001-2002 Psychology Research Mentorship Experience [PRIME] recipients. 

The MDCC Social Science Department offers its congratulations and best wishes to these promising students.  

Pictured are the 2000-2001 Psychology Research Mentorship Experience [PRIME] recipients and their Faculty Mentors, Professor Deborah Powell and Dr. Frank Foote.  They are, from left to right, Deborah Powell, Charles M. Garcia, Rachel Valdes, Katherine Hamilton, Alicia Orlando, Frank Bandiera, Derrick Thomas, Diana Marrero, and Anton Joshua. 

The MDCC Social Science Department offers its congratulations and best wishes to these promising students.  

Pictured are the 1999-2000 Psychology Research Mentorship Experience [PRIME] recipients and their Faculty Mentor, Professor Deborah Powell.  They are, from left to right, Karen Rosell, Lisa Jeanty, Martha Machado,  Yvonne Lora, Suzanne DiMercurio, Alex Alvarado, and Professor Deborah Powell.  The MDCC Social Science Department offers its congratulations and best wishes to these promising students.