Merck STEM Mentorship Program Aims To Boost Diversity In Biotech
June 17, 2022
Merck sees success with its STEM Hub for Industry Networking and Exchange (S.H.I.N.E.) program.
Merck’s STEM Hub for Industry Networking and Exchange (S.H.I.N.E.) program aims to increase diversity in the pharmaceutical and biotech arenas by nurturing tomorrow’s diverse experts, according to an article from the company. Merck says the initiative strives to work collaboratively across industry to diversify, prepare and train future STEM talent.
The company says it launched a pilot program in 2021 with 13 companies making mentors available for over 180 underrepresented students from more than 33 schools, including many historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The second cohort of S.H.I.N.E., which began at the end of 2021, improved on those figures, according to Merck: over 275 students from more than 80 schools participated alongside 25 mentor companies.
