This project aims to serve the national interest by increasing the number of two-year college students who continue in science and enter the STEM workforce. By providing paid research opportunities, mentoring, and on-going transfer support, the project expands both access to and awareness of STEM careers. Two-year college students are connected with established professionals, engage in meaningful collaborations with faculty, and participate in research activities that introduce university-level resources. These experiences strengthen academic and professional networks while supporting students through transfer to four-year universities. Ultimately, the project creates a clearer, more supported pathway for students to advance from two-year colleges into four-year STEM programs and beyond. The goals of this project are to: 1) engage students in undergraduate research, 2) build skills and confidence in STEM, and 3) reinforce successful transitions to four-year institutions. These goals are addressed through a research preparation boot camp in collaboration with a nearby university and a mentoring model that connects two-year college students with postdoctoral scholars. Paid research experiences serve as a foundation for building technical and academic capacity, and structured transfer support extends beyond the point of transfer. Assessment efforts examine the influence of research participation, mentorship, and sustained guidance on student persistence in STEM. A mixed-meth