How is PROPEL different from other postbac programs?
PROPEL offers support and curriculum similar to other postbac programs (like PREP). However, unlike the standard model, in which large funds are required to host a small number of trainees, the funding for PROPEL scholars is distributed institutionally. PROPEL therefore offers an alternative, and potentially more impactful, model for post-baccalaureate training with the capacity to support an order of magnitude more students. PROPEL@UCSF currently serves over 100 scholars!
What’s needed to start a PROPEL Program at my institution? Here are the basics:
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A team of faculty of dedicated faculty leaders
- We find a team of faculty leaders is best as each can specialize in different roles within the program: coordinate outreach and matchmaking, organize and deliver curriculum, manage community events, maintain scholar relations, manage secondary mentors.
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An administrator
- This can be an administrator shared with another effort, to start.
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A recruitment plan for scholars
- Maybe you already have a postbac program on site you’d like to grow, or you have undergraduates at your institution or a population in mind that you think might benefit from a program like this. Having plan will help you get started.
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A recruitment plan for faculty mentors
- Recruiting mentors to PROPEL is just as important as recruiting scholars. Your mentor cohort should aspire to include a breadth of research from departments across your institution and engage a number of faculty with well-funded research programs. Letting them know that PROPEL can offset their mentorship load can help persuade faculty (especially new faculty) to join.
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A mentorship plan
- We find that scholars who are partnered with faculty trained in mentorship fair the best. A robust mentorship plan is critical to the success of your PROPEL program.