The REACH Summer Program is an NIH-funded initiative (since 2020) designed to enhance diversity in the biomedical workforce, particularly in neurodevelopmental disorders. It offers 16 minority and underrepresented college and high school students the opportunity to engage in innovative neuroscience research, with a focus on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Participants also receive crucial training in mental health disparities, cultural competence, and community involvement, aiming to establish a direct connection between the summer research and pursuit of higher education STEM degrees (e.g., MD, PhD, MD/PhD).