This article describes an intentionally designed two-pathway (in-class and out-of-class) framework for undergraduate students to gain research opportunities and analytical skills in an applied undergraduate economics degree program located in the Deese College of Business and Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), a high research activity Historically Black College and University (HBCU), 1890 land-grant university. This framework is being expanded across the Deese College, building on the success of past undergraduate research activities in the economics department. We summarize the design and pilot implementation of this framework that scaffolds hands-on research experiences and practical research skill development over multiple years, involving multiple stakeholders. The framework seeks to increase the number of underrepresented students engaged in applied research experiences and prepare students for a future that encompasses graduate studies and research-based employment.

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