ID Spark, Train, Educate and Prepare Program

The ID Spark, Train, Educate and Prepare (ID STEP) program provides funding for medical schools to introduce infectious diseases as an exciting field of specialization. Participating 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.

Overview ID Step

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.

Student Engagement Interventions include:

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

Faculty Engagement Interventions and Resources

Electronic Medical Education Resources
IDWeek ID Medical Education Resources at IDWeek (based on availability)

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 URiM 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: 

a program grant of up to $30,000 to support campus-based implementation of ID STEP activities;  
an Implementation Toolkit containing an overview, step-by-step instructions and resources for implementing ID STEP activities; 
IDSA technical assistance and guidance to programs throughout the duration of the grant period;
an invitation to participate in an online community aimed at connecting ID STEP partners; 
program evaluation support.

Program participants also will receive information and assistance in linking students to additional IDSA offerings beyond the ID STEP program such as the iDMentorship365 Program and IDWeek.

Please review the RFA for more information.