The ASPBP bimonthly general membership meeting, originally scheduled for Friday, September 22, has been cancelled. We will pick up with the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 29. Another reminder and connection information for that meeting will be sent closer to the meeting date. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please reach out to support@aspbp.org.

We are just a few weeks away from the ASPBP 2023 Virtual Conference! But before you log in to connect with your peers in pathways programs, we would like to describe the types of sessions you will experience during the Conference.

2023 Virtual Conference Info

What is a "Short Communication" session?
During these live sessions, presenters will be assigned to a breakout room where conference participants can join them to discuss their work, or ask questions. Each presentation will be allotted 10 minutes to share research and 5 minutes for Q&A with the audience. Our hope is that presenters will have an interactive environment to discuss their scholarly work and answer questions.

Short Research Presentations will be presented Wednesday, October 4, from 1:00 - 1:30 PM EDT. 

Click here for Short Communications Abstracts

What are the "ASPBP Town Halls"?
The ASPBP invites you to either (or both!) of our Town Hall sessions on Wednesday, October 4 at 1:30 PM or Thursday, October 5 at 2:00 PM EDT. These town halls are open to all and are meant as an introduction to the Association. Attendees will meet various committees and have the opportunity to ask questions about our membership, opportunities, and how ASPBP can benefit you and your Pathways & Bridges Programs.

Learn more about ASPBP membership here

What is a "Breakout Session"?
The Breakout Sessions will be concurrent Mini Workshops, Roundtable Discussions, and Problem-Solving Sessions.

Mini Workshops will address topics with high-interest potential to the ASPBP community, and foster active engagement of the participants. Participants will be able to take home specific knowledge and skills. Mini Workshops will be designed with a small group in mind, without the ability to form breakout groups.

Mini Workshops will be presented during the Breakout Session blocks on Wednesday, October 4 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT and Thursday, October 5 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT.

Click here for Mini Workshop abstracts

Round Table Discussions are guided by a topic or case with a set of discussion triggers, while Problem-solving Sessions are an opportunity to present a problem/challenge/issue presenters have encountered in their Pathway or Bridge program, with a set of discussion triggers that can foster a collaborative effort to find a solution during the session.

Roundtable discussions will be presented during the Breakout Session blocks on Wednesday, October 4 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT and Thursday, October 5 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT.

Click here for Roundtable and Problem Solving Abstracts

What are "Program Descriptions"?
Program Description presenters will develop posters to share information about their program with the larger ASPBP community. The goal of the Program Descriptions session is to allow ASPBP members to exchange ideas and insight on pathway programming work. Content may include lessons learned related to the program such as innovations & best practices, target student populations, etc. As the community surrounding pathway programs and bridges continues to grow, learning what other programs are doing and finding a sense of community in the work of others is incredibly valuable.

Program Descriptions will be presented Wednesday, October 4 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT and Thursday, October 5, from 2:30 - 3:00 PM EDT.

Click here for Program Description abstracts

What is the "Virtual Help Desk"?
The ASPBP Team will be holding two Virtual Help Desk sessions prior to the start of each day of programming. These sessions are an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about the program, the schedule, the presenters, and the conference platform. Even if you just want to be sure that your camera is working properly before you start your day, we will be there to help! 

Check out the conference FAQ

By registering for the virtual conference you will gain access to your choice of breakout sessions, virtual poster sessions, short communication sessions, panels, plenary and more! Some events, like the poster and oral presentations, will be presented on demand and available for 60 days after the meeting. Please note that you will need to register and be signed in to view any conference events or presentations.

For more information, and to register, visit www.ASPBPconference.org.

Let Your Voice Be Heard! Don't forget to cast your ballot in the ASPBP Bylaws Amendment vote The ballot for the 2023 proposed Bylaws amendments vote is still open. Eleven amendments have been proposed by the ASPBP General Council for clarification of timelines and processes, meeting details, and other necessary changes. For a look at the current bylaws, please click here. We ask that you thoughtfully consider these proposed amendments and cast your ballot by September 23, 2023.  Members are invited to review the full proposed bylaws revision, linked here. If you have any trouble assessing the proposed changes or any questions, please contact at support@aspbp.org. ASPBP Bylaws Amendment Voting

A resource for ASPBP members, by ASPBP members One of the many ASPBP membership benefits is free access to the new Grant Opportunities page on the members' website. Here, our members will find a curated listing of the latest STEMM pathway and bridge grant opportunities, both public and privately funded. This listing is supported by members like you who wish to share these opportunities with others in the association. To submit a grant opportunity (or several!) simply email support@aspbp.org with all the pertinent information. Opportunities are listed in order of submission deadline for ease of filtering and planning. For more information on submitting grant opportunities, or for any general questions, please reach out support@aspbp.org.

View the Latest Grant Opportunities

We'd like to get the word out about Pathway and Bridge Programs and about ASPBP. To do this, we need your help!

Will you be attending any virtual, in-person or hybrid educational events this year? If you are, please let us know! You can send this information to us via email at support@aspbp.org.

We'd like to broaden our network and reach our fellow colleagues and educators. If you would like to share information about ASPBP while at one of these events we would be happy to provide you withes promotional materials to share while you are there! If you have any additional questions or concerns, please just let us know at support@aspbp.org.

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, the ASPBP admin offices will be closed on Monday, September 4. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 5.

The Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs (ASPBP) believes that justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential for STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine) to be successful, and strategies to increase these principles should be rooted in evidence-driven practices. ASPBP values cooperation and teamwork as crucial to solving complex problems. If these principles apply to your teaching we invite you to apply for membership in our blossoming association.

Membership in ASPBP provides:

• Opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues from a range of backgrounds and programs
• Free access to monthly webinar series and the annual conference
• Publish in Association publications
• Invitation to the bi-monthly General Membership Meeting and Sharing Sessions
• Opportunities to serve on working committees including External Communications & Advocacy, Finance, JEDI, Membership & Internal Communications, Research & Scholarship and Regional Committees
• Ability to apply for grant funding

Become Part of the Future of STEMM Education

ASPBP Mission
As a vibrant and supportive community of practice, we will develop best practices needed to achieve inclusivity and equity across the continuum of education. We will provide mentorship and support to develop and implement pathway programs and bridges for students to succeed in STEMM careers. Consistent with our values and vision, we will advocate for systemic change that espouses justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all learning spaces and institutions. We will act in solidarity with professional organizations and other communities of practice to advance and lead evidence-based objectives to transform the biomedical workforce for the benefit of the human condition.

If you would like to continue to be part of this mission, or if you would like to join, please select one of the following member types:

• Individual member - 1 year
• Individual member - 2 years
• Institutional member - 1 year
• Student member - 1 year

If you have any questions regarding membership please feel free to reach out to support@aspbp.org.

Join or Renew Your Membership Today

The Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs (ASPBP) would like to remind you to register for the 2023 Annual Virtual Conference, to be held October 4-5, 2023. The ASPBP conference provides opportunities to connect with and learn from others who share the same passion for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion essential for STEMM disciplines. The annual ASPBP conference will provide you with new approaches, ideas and resources across the pathway programs ecosystem, from K-12 programs to post-bacc and  Master's degree programs. Our theme is "Pathways and Bridges: Opportunity. Connection. Equity. Success."

Register for #ASPBP23 Today

Join us on Wednesday, October 4 for Creating Native American Pathways to Diversify the Healthcare Workforce presented by Allison Empey (left) and on Thursday, October 5 for Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program Comes Full Circle presented by Ebonie Woolcock.

By registering for the virtual conference you will gain access to your choice of breakout sessions, virtual poster sessions, short communication sessions, panels, plenary and more! Some events, like the poster and oral presentations, will be presented on demand and available for 60 days after the meeting. Please note that you will need to register and be signed in to view any conference events or presentations.

Additional meeting details and registration can be found at www.ASPBPconference.org.

Explore the Conference Schedule

The Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs (ASPBP) is excited to extend an invitation to universities, colleges, associations, groups, and companies focused on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEMM to exhibit at the ASPBP 2023 Virtual Conference from October 4-5, 2023. Help us broaden our reach by forwarding this email to anyone who would find themselves right at home at the ASPBP 2023 Conference.

The ASPBP conference provides opportunities to connect with and learn from others who share the same passion for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion essential for STEMM disciplines. The annual ASPBP conference will provide you with new approaches, ideas and resources across the pathway programs ecosystem, from K-12 programs to post-bacc and Master's degree programs. Our theme is "Pathways and Bridges: Opportunity. Connection. Equity. Success."

2023 Virtual Conference Info

Who Should Exhibit?

We have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities designed to showcase your group’s products and services to maximize your footprint. The ASPBP meeting is a perfect place to display educational products and services and engage with educators from across the US.

• Educational technology companies/developers (e.G. Applications, devices, learning management systems, audience response systems, testing tools)
• Publishers of education-focused journals and books (various disciplines, undergraduate, graduate, professional, etc.)
• Developers of distance education platforms
• National organizations representing educational associations
• Providers of continuing education
• Universities and other educational organizations seeking talented educators

Sponsorship Levels to Meet Every Need

Gold ($4000) - 2 Spots Available

• Waived conference registration for 3 individuals
• Full page ad in the digital program book
• Company promotion on the conference website
• Company logo in all event websites and virtual rooms
• Two sponsored emails distributed during the conference
• Sponsor booth in the virtual lobby
• Supports the creation of an ASPBP scholarship fund

Silver ($1000) - 6 Spots Available

• Waived conference registration for 2 individuals
• Full page ad in the digital program book
• Company promotion on the conference website
• Company name used as conference room name with logo displayed in the room
• Sponsor booth in the virtual lobby
• Supports the creation of an ASPBP scholarship fund

Bronze ($500)

• Waived conference registration for 2 individuals
• Half page ad in the digital program book
• Company promotion on the conference website.
• Supports the creation of an ASPBP scholarship fund

For all sponsorship levels, part of your sponsorship may be allocated to free ASPBP registrations for K-12 educators this year or in future years and your support will be announced during the course of the conference

For more information on exhibiting, please view our website or please contact the ASPBP office at support@aspbp.org or by phone at (304) 816-0055. 

By registering for the virtual conference you will gain access to your choice of breakout sessions, virtual poster sessions, short communication sessions, panels, plenary and more! Some events, like the poster and oral presentations, will be presented on demand and available for 60 days after the meeting. Please note that you will need to register and be signed in to view any conference events or presentations.

For more information, and to register, visit www.ASPBPconference.org.

Register Today!

The 2023 ASPBP virtual conference will provide opportunities to connect with and learn from others who share the same passion for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion essential for STEMM disciplines. The annual ASPBP conference will provide you with new approaches, ideas and resources across the pathway programs ecosystem, from K-12 programs to post-bacc and Master's degree programs. Our theme is "Pathways and Bridges: Opportunity. Connection. Equity. Success." The second of our two keynote speakers is Ebonie Woolcock, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. She will present Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program Comes Full Circle on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

2023 Virtual Conference Info

Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program Comes Full Circle

Presented by: Ebonie Woolcock, MD, MPH
Date and Time: Thursday, October 5, 2023, 12:15 PM - 12:55 PM Eastern

Come along for the journey as Dr. Ebonie Woolcock, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion and Director of the Early Medical School Selection Program by day and OB-Gyn by night, takes you through her full circle path of starting her medical education journey in the same early assurance pathway program she now directs. Dr. Woolcock will take you through lessons learned in the 40-year history of the program as well as future goals.

By registering for the virtual conference you will gain access to your choice of breakout sessions, virtual poster sessions, short communication sessions, panels, plenary and more! Some events, like the poster and oral presentations, will be presented on demand and available for 60 days after the meeting. Please note that you will need to register and be signed in to view any conference events or presentations.

For more information, and to register, visit www.ASPBPconference.org.

Register Today!