Explore. Engage. Earn Rewards.
The CTSC Passport Program invites Early Stage Investigators (ESIs)—defined as individuals who have not yet served as a PI on a substantial NIH research award—to explore everything the CTSC of Northern Ohio has to offer while earning rewards along the way. Accessible by phone or desktop, the program makes it easy to participate in CTSC activities, earn points, unlock badge levels, and receive rewards at each tier. Along the way, ESIs can build valuable connections, strengthen their research journey, and access resources that support both research and career development.
How It Works
- Join the CTSC Passport Program
To get started, click the “Join the CTSC Passport Program” button on this page. The access code to join the passport program is 1234. Once you have created your account, complete your profile and follow the prompts to begin participating in the program. You can access the platform using either your phone or computer. - Participate in CTSC activities
Earn points by engaging in eligible CTSC opportunities, such as:- Trainings and workshops
- Consultations
- Funding opportunities
- Other CTSC-sponsored activities
- Collect points
As you participate in CTSC activities, you will earn points that count toward your Passport Program progress. Points may only be earned for eligible activities completed on or after July 1, 2026, and cannot be awarded retroactively. - Unlock badges
As your points add up, you can unlock badge levels at the following tiers. Points are cumulative, meaning they keep building as you progress. For example, after earning 20 points to reach Bronze level, you need only 10 additional points to reach the Silver level.- Bronze (20 points)
- Silver (30 points)
- Gold (40 points)
- Platinum (50 points)
- Choose your reward
Each badge unlocks a corresponding reward level. Once you unlock a badge, you are eligible for all of the items available in that level.
Rewards by Tier
| Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Passport graphic for signature lines | Silver Passport graphic for signature lines | Gold Passport graphic for signature lines | Platinum Passport graphic for signature lines |
| Access to secure CTSC Passport member directory | Invitation to Annual CTSC Passport Networking event | Professional Development Funding Available: Up to $2,500 (i.e. Conference Registration) | Eligibility for Special Funding Supplement (Based on the projects needs) |
| CTSC Marketing spotlight (Newsletter, Social Media, Etc.) | Front of the line for CTSC Mock Study Section or Scientific Editing (e.g., Proposal development) | CTSC ATLAS seat or WFD coaching session | CTSC Trophy |
| CTSC 12oz Ceramic mug | CTSC 20oz Yeti Tumbler | Letter of support to department chair (from CTSC PI) | CTSC North Face Jacket |
Instructions on Saving the Passport Platform to your Mobile Device
iPhone Instructions
- Click on the three dots on the bottom right-hand side of your phone screen when you're on the passport home page > click share > scroll down and select 'add to home screen'. This turns your web page (passport) into an easily accessible button on your app list/home screen.
Android Instructions
- Click on the three dots on the top right-hand side of your phone screen and then select ‘Install and create shortcut’. This turns your web page (passport) into an easily accessible button on your app list/home screen.