Minority Fellows Program

sponsorship

 

This program matches undergraduate through postdoctoral minority students on research paths (Minority Fellows) with scientist mentors from industry (Mentors). One of the primary purposes of this program is to introduce students to the biotechnology industry for six days of activities and training at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention. Following the BIO event, Mentors and Fellows interact over the course of the following calendar year.

Sponsors of the Minority Fellows program cite that a key benefit of the Fellows program is that it develops the pipeline of minority scientists for biotechnology companies. They also gain valuable windows into the students’ academic programs and their institutions.

Sponsoring companies also benefit by gaining exposure to excellent prospective employees. During the training program the Mentor scientists interact with the entire pool of Fellows during formal group sessions and structured social networking events. Each Mentor has extensive interaction with their matched Fellow both during the on-site program and during the follow-up one year support.

Companies also report significant benefits to their employees/Mentors as a result of participation in this program. Mentors report that the formal training is valuable to them professionally and that they benefit from participation in BIO. As the Mentors learn to support the Fellows they develop the skills to better mentor others and themselves be mentored professionally, and this helps foster a culture of support. Mentors also benefit by getting to know other scientists from around the country as they work through this program.

This five-day program provides participating Fellows with the following benefits:

  • Networking with colleagues, industry leaders, and professionals in biotechnology industry.
  • Training on how to successfully interview and network with professional industry scientists, and how to make the most of the BIO professional meeting.
  • Attendance at the Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention.
  • Panels on leading issues of biotechnology presented by renowned scientists.
  • Field trips to local biotechnology companies.
  • Career materials, books, and supplies.
  • Lodging, local transportation and meals.
  • Airfare
  • Attendance at the Biotechnology Institute Awards Banquet.

Sponsorship

This Minority Fellows program can accommodate up to 40 Fellows/Mentor pairs. Sponsoring companies provide one scientist Mentor for $10,000 each, and the Biotechnology Institute pairs the Mentors with the Fellows. Sponsorship

15 Mentors - $150,000 (Named Lead Sponsor)
5-7 Mentors - $50,000-70,000 (Lead Sponsor)
2-4 Mentors - $20,000-49,999 (Major Sponsor)
1 Mentor - $10,000

Sponsorship of panels or guest speakers ($2,500 – $10,000) – (5 Sponsorships available)

Guest speakers, who are experts in the biotechnology field, present to participants in the Minority Fellows Program

Recognition and benefits:

  • Opportunity to introduce panel or guest speaker
  • Opportunity to participate in panel(s), where appropriate
  • Listed as a Sponsor on-site during the event
  • Invitation to Institute’s Banquet