October 29, 2019—(BRONX, NY)—Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s pipeline program for middle and high school students has received a 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

The Einstein Enrichment Program, or EEP, was among 50 programs around the nation to receive the award for efforts to inspire young people from underrepresented minority groups to consider science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers through mentoring, academic and professional support, hands-on activities, and research opportunities.

Irene Blanco, M.D.

“We’re proud to have received this recognition and even prouder of the young people who have graduated from our pipeline program and moved on to successful careers in medicine, health care, and other STEM fields,” said Irene Blanco, M.D., associate professor of medicine and associate dean of diversity enhancement at Einstein and a rheumatologist at Montefiore Health System. “With more than 25 years of experience running this program, we know that there are many talented middle- and high-school students in the Bronx who, given the chance, can excel in these careers and serve as mentors for the next generation.”

The EEP program meets during 15-week sessions in the fall and spring, and students can also attend an optional 6-week session in the summer. Students from underrepresented minority groups are selected for the program based on several factors, including their academic school performance, attendance, and interest in health, medicine, and science careers. EEP is one of several pipeline programs at Einstein designed to ensure that students from minority and financially underprivileged communities have access to opportunities to pursue medical, science, and health care careers.

EEP participants visit the campus twice a week after school, complete a college-level research paper, and attend student conferences where they deliver oral and poster presentations on their work. Einstein medical students serve as mentors. The program is funded by the New York State Education Department’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) award.

We’re proud to have received this recognition and even prouder of the young people who have graduated from our pipeline program and moved on to successful careers in medicine, health care, and other STEM fields.

Irene Blanco, M.D.

The September issue of INSIGHT into Diversity includes a description of the EEP and other Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners, including the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) Diversity in Medicine Program. Einstein also participates in AMSNY’s program, which includes a post-baccalaureate initiative offering academic support, mentoring, and pre-med training for underrepresented minority students who want to pursue medical education.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

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