Outreach

a female student explains her research poster to several other people

BCS is committed to expanding access to graduate education for diverse scholars by identifying and implementing opportunities to engage undergraduates and recent graduates from historically underrepresented groups through educational programming and research opportunities. Members of our community have launched initiatives targeting post-baccalaureate students, undergraduate students and K-12 students.  

Research Scholars Program

A two-year post-baccalaureate program for outstanding recent college graduates from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds who plan to pursue a research career in neuroscience, cognitive science, computational neuroscience or neuroengineering. Read more.

MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP)

A 10-week summer research-intensive training program in all fields of neuroscience to advanced sophomore and junior science majors who are not currently enrolled at MIT. Read more.

Mind/Brain Course

In partnership with minority-serving institutions including Howard University and Florida International University, MIT faculty organize and teach a course in neuroscience. Read more.

MIT Sagrado Neuroscience Program

A summer internship and mentoring program designed for students in grades 9 to 11 who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM) with a focus in neuroscience. Students spend two weeks at the University of Sagrado Corazón and two weeks in the Cambridge area.

K-12 Initiatives

Activities that target underrepresented groups in STEM in elementary, middle, and high school.

Mentor for the Application Assistance Program

The BCS Application Assistance Program is a student-run initiative to help PhD applicants, especially those from underrepresented minorities and backgrounds, by providing feedback on their application materials and answering questions related to the BCS program. Click to learn more and become a mentor.

Conferences

BCS staff and Building 46 community members travel to academic and admissions conferences to meet prospective students who are interested in learning more about our graduate programs and additional outreach opportunities.