The Summer Training on Aging Research Topics – Mental Health Program is designed to give investigators an opportunity to mentor a predoctoral or medical student who may be interested in the field geriatric mental health. One of the goals of the program is to increase the number of talented individuals in the “pipeline” of developing investigators. START-MH gives investigators the mechanism to foster a relationship with students and serve as a role model and mentor. Applications are welcome from all investigators who are interested in becoming a mentor.

There are multiple ways investigators are matched with students. Investigators may nominate a student they wish to work with or START-MH will match them will a student in their field of research interest and goals or a specific geographic area. Trainees will work on specific projects developed by, or in conjunction with their mentor. Students will receive a stipend for the summer program dependent on the number of weeks worked. From this stipend, they are responsible for their own meals, housing and travel expenses. 

The program activities are rigorous and require a full time commitment (five days a week/ 40 hours per week) from trainees. The trainee will receive a stipend for the 10 weeks of training, however students are encouraged to work with their mentors after the 10 week experience to complete and submit for review a journal style paper.

Due to a change in the program's funding policy, we are no longer able to consider applications from undergraduate students.

Students receiving other types of Federal Training support during participation in the program will not be qualified for the stipend.  Please contact START-MH for more information.