WID alumna Martel DenHartog, along with Sarah Miller and WID Director Jo Handelsman, recently published a Perspective in the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education examining how the Tiny Earth Summer Research Course can expand access to research for students at two-year colleges. The article describes how the cohort-based program builds on the Tiny Earth curriculum to give students hands-on university research experience, strengthen scientific and workforce skills, and foster a greater sense of belonging in STEM. The authors also share lessons from the program and considerations for institutions interested in developing similar research experiences.