Participation of underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral science research fields is vital to ensuring a high-quality supply of these scientists in the United States. Unfortunately, many underrepresented students do not see research careers as a viable option and may choose not to pursue graduate education in biomedical research. In this symposium we provide an overview of an innovative student-led entrepreneurial undergraduate research training program designed to diversify the biomedical research workforce. The program is a component of A Student-Centered Entrepreneurship Development (ASCEND) model funded through the NIH “Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity” (BUILD) initiative from 2014 – 2019. Provided is an overview of the model and core components of student training along with outcomes that support the program’s effort to enhance student interest, knowledge, and skills in biomedical research careers.