ID Spark, Train, Educate and Prepare Program
The ID Spark, Train, Educate and Prepare program provides funding for medical schools to introduce infectious diseases as an exciting field of specialization. Participating ID STEP programs will receive funding to implement a variety of experiential learning opportunities for medical students to learn more about ID. Additionally, the program provides resources and support to medical faculty teaching ID topics to their students.
ID STEP overview
ID STEP offers a variety of engagement activities and resources to support both students and faculty. Schools must select a minimum of three student-focused activities for implementation and commit to implementing the faculty-focused program component.
- Application information can be found here.
- Register for the pre-application webinar.
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Funding and eligibility
Accredited medical schools within the United States and its territories are eligible to apply for this funding announcement. Schools with a large population of students underrepresented in medicine are encouraged to apply.
This opportunity will fund three medical schools during the 2025-2026 academic year. Each medical school selected to participate in the ID STEP program will receive:
- Program grant
- A grant of up to $30,000 to support campus-based implementation of ID STEP activities
- Implementation toolkit
- Toolkit containing an overview, step-by-step instructions and resources for implementing ID STEP activities
- Technical assistance and guidance
- IDSA technical assistance and guidance to programs throughout the duration of the grant period
- Online community
- An invitation to participate in an online community aimed at connecting ID STEP partners
- Evaluation
- Support for program evaluation
Sparking interest in ID among medical students
- Escape room
- Outbreak simulator
- Mentored research support
- Careers in ID social event
- iDMentorship365
- IDWeek travel support
- ID special interest groups
- Electronic medical education resources
- ID medical education resources at IDWeek (based on availability)
Funding partners
