The primary goal of this contract is to develop and evaluate a suite of training tools and mentoring strategiesto enhance the research and executive leadership capacity of mental health researchers who are womenand/or persons of color, particularly in DSIR related fields. The need for and benefits of advanced training,networking, and mentorship opportunities for MH researchers of diversity are pronounced, particularly forretention at high-risk career transition points.This SBIR Phase II project will continue the research and development of a suite of training tools andwebsite resources specifically designed to enhance the advanced research and executive leadership skillsof MH researchers of diversity. No other such product exists. Based on Phase I recommendations andfindings, both in-person and web-based resources to support training, mentoring, and networking will beincluded. The final set of tools and resources offered through this project will be based on extensive Phase IItesting (both alpha and beta) in order to tailor them to most efficiently and effectively meet the training needsof MH researchers of diversity.The results from the Phase II research efforts, as well as other essential support activities during Phase II(e.g., feedback through presentations at conferences, real-world implementation experience, manuscriptpreparation), are essential for providing the foundation for a maximally useful, feasible, effective, andcommercially viable suite of training tools for MH researchers of diversity.
