The 2010 and 2020 U.S. Census confirmed the overall U.S. population is growing and diversifying. These trends, however, are not matched in higher education enrollment. The disparities are even more pronounced for STEM doctoral education. In response to these inequalities, higher education institutions have responded with a variety of solutions, including the high impact practice of undergraduate research. When formally administered, programs such as the UC LEADS program, create formative experiences that develop skilled and talented undergraduate researchers well suited for careers in research and academia. Founded in 2000, this program has supported over 1,100 students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds, with 76% matriculating into graduate school. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the UC LEADS program on the STEM doctoral experience of former program participants. To accomplish this, an embedded case study was implemented using the UC LEADS program as the bounded system and PhD STEM doctoral students enrolled during the 2021-22 academic year were the units of analysis. Data collected included semi-structured interviews from seven research participants, annual reports, and websites. Four themes were identified from the data analysis that highlighted the UC LEADS academic and social experiences and how they impacted the STEM doctoral experience: Participation in the academic and scientific community, beginning graduate school, developing social support, and pursuing higher education. The findings illuminated how the acquisition and development of navigational, linguistic, and social capital throughout the UC LEADS program were foundational to a healthy transition into graduate school, forming a safe community, and establishing a healthy and balanced graduate student life. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]