SoCa Early Scholars Program

Providing Leverage

The Early Scholars Program (ESP) is designed to provide targeted, high-impact mentoring and resources to early-career researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty.

This ESP is not intended to replace traditional, long-term mentorship relationships but rather to serve as a strategic support system — offering a la carte mentorship opportunities tailored to specific challenges that early scholars face as they navigate key academic and research milestones.

Program Benefits & Structure:

Key Focus Areas:

  1. Submitting a Pilot Award 

    1. Identification of funding mechanisms and eligibility 

    2. Structuring a compelling research proposal 

    3. Navigating institutional and NIH-specific submission requirements 

    4. Budgeting and project feasibility considerations 

  2. Completing a Pilot Award Within One Year 

    1. Guidance on IRB creation and approval 

    2. Effective project management strategies 

    3. Maximizing institutional resources and infrastructure 

    4. Troubleshooting common research roadblocks 

    5. Ensuring timely preparation for larger project funding (e.g., K01, R01, etc.)

  • Scholars complete an initial skills assessment questionnaire to identify strengths and areas for targeted support.

  • Participants can receive up to *$5,000 in professional development funds, a two-year paid membership to the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD), and VIP access to select events and resources. 

    *The allotted financial benefit maximums may vary across funding periods. The variance is at the discretion of the Social Capital Center.  

    • Year 1: Intensive engagement, including structured one-on-one meetings with the Social Capital (SoCa) Center Career Enhancement Core (CEC) faculty and dedicated office hours. 

    • Year 2: Continued support through routine check-ins and touchpoints to reinforce progress and independence. 

  • Scholars gain full access to a curated library of research, funding, and career development resources—spanning both their home institution and external networks.

    • Year 1: Intensive Support Phase – Focused mentoring, skill-building, and pilot project development and/or execution. 

    • Year 2: Sustained Engagement Phase – Continued guidance, networking, and professional growth with more flexibility. 

Who Can Participate?:

Early-career investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty in biomedical and public health research seeking actionable guidance on pilot funding success and project execution who have submitted a full pilot award application to the SoCa Center.**

This program provides strategic leverage, ensuring scholars are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to advance their careers while maintaining the independent mentorship relationships critical for their long-term success. 

**The eligibility criteria for ESP participants may vary across funding periods at the discretion of the SoCa Center.  

How to Apply:

For more information on the ESP, including how to apply, please reach out to Milagro Peters at mp4042@cumc.columbia.edu