The Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP) was founded in 1991 by Joan Y. Reede, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., M.B.A, with the aim of increasing the representation of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged individuals in all facets of science and medicine while helping health care institutions, biopharma/biotechnology firms, educational institutions, professional organizations and private industry members meet their need for a diverse workforce. BSCP was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1994. The founding sponsors of BSCP are the Harvard Medical School Minority Faculty Development Program, the New England Board of Higher Education and the Massachusetts Medical Society.

The primary objective of all BSCP activities is to identify, inform, support, and provide mentoring for academically outstanding students/fellows, particularly individuals from groups underrepresented in science and medicine and/or disadvantaged individuals. BSCP’s first student conference took place in March 1992 and was attended by 300 high school, college, medical and graduate students of color. Since its inception, more than 15,500 students and 1,300 postdoctoral trainees, and junior faculty members have participated in BSCP programs. Participants range from high school to postdoctoral level and attend from across the country.

  • Participants: Students/fellows attend from over 391 institutions spanning 39 states plus Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Belgium and Australia. They join and return at different levels throughout their academic career.

Participants stay connected to BSCP as they change their physical locations and transition through their career path – Some even return as student advisors!

  • Our Community: BSCP is supported by the community, especially within the scientific, academic, biopharma, and healthcare fields. In return, the organization nurtures the pipeline and feeds future pipelines in order to provide access to the exceptional talent within the local community and beyond.

BSCP has the ability to aid companies as the cultural focus shifts to mentorship, equity and the whole-health of the organization. BSCP provides opportunities for its partner organizations’ employees to volunteer, connect and create impactful relationships with participants.

  • Talented Workforce: BSCP is a resource of exceptional students/fellows at all levels who can be cultivated into a talented workforce. Students/fellows can be recruited for summer, post-bac and gap-year programs, as well as fellowships and early career positions.
  • Volunteers: Over 1,750 professionals from basic and clinical sciences, medicine, public health, academia, human resources, and the biopharmaceutical industry have volunteered their time and expertise. With a small staff of three full-time employees, BSCP relies on the generosity of volunteers to continue to successfully carry out the BSCP mission through its multiple initiatives.