NBME Call For Letters of Intent: Innovations to Advance Pathways and Bridges to Medicine Programs

Letters of intent are due by March 23, 2026.

Full proposal submissions are due by June 28, 2026.

NBME has a long history of contributing to the medical education and assessment communities with the goal of improving patient care through quality assessment of medical professionals. To further build on our contributions and our commitment to increasing representation in the medical and assessment professions, we are providing resources to assist programs and building collaborations that aid learners with education, mentorship and resources at a crucial time in their development. We hope to help programs develop and utilize best practices to drive positive changes in medical education in the long term and support the Association of STEMM Bridge and Pathway Programs (ASPBP) in developing a pathway program community of practice. Since 2024, NBME has collaborated with the ASPBP to award the Innovations to Advance Pathways to Medicine Programs Grants. In two grant cycles, NBME has awarded 21 grants totaling $450,000 to institutions and other nonprofit organizations implementing pathway programs. 

As we continue our support of pathways to medicine, NBME and ASPBP are initiating a call for applications in 2026 to continue to investigate the effectiveness of strategies that increase the representation of individuals in the medical profession. These grants are intended to support pathway programs across the entire educational continuum. Community-based, elementary to high school and higher education programs are invited to submit applications that focus on evaluating the evidence for success of a particular educational or programmatic intervention strategy.

There are two different funding opportunities: 

• SEED Grants

• • One-time grants of up to $20,000 for programs wanting to develop the foundation for a rational design of an intervention strategy or strategies. 

• Material and Resource Grants

• • One-time grants of up to $5,000 for programs wanting to improve their curriculum with needed educational resources such as learning management software, student data management software and educational or learning software.

• Eligibility to apply includes not-for-profit organizations and programs or their fiscal sponsors and not-for-profit institutions.

  Initial letters of intent are due March 23, 2026. After reviewing letters of intent, NBME will invite full proposals in April. Full proposal applications are due June 28, 2026. 

  Interested applicants can learn more about the requirements and how to apply on https://www.nbme.org/contributions/pathway-program-grants. 

  In addition, ASPBP will host an information session on "Pathway Grant Letter of Intent and Application," that will take place on Monday, March 9 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM EDT via Zoom. 

  During this session a member of the ASPBP Research and Scholarship Committee together with Joanne King from NBME will be presenting on the upcoming Request for Letter of Intent and Grant Applications. The session will provide an overview of these funding mechanisms and the application process. Past recipients Emil Chuck and Angel Gonzalez will be joining the presentation sharing their insight and helpful tips. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions via the Zoom chat function.

  Monday, March 9, 2026
  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
  To register for the Zoom session click here.

ASPBP is seeking passionate members to contribute their time, talent, and expertise to our committees and initiatives. Committee membership is a 1-year commitment. We are also seeking an editor-in-chief of the PBP Wire, our bi-annual newsletter featuring organizational updates, innovative research, and member voices to strengthen the pathway and bridge programs community.

Joining an ASPBP committee or initiative is a fantastic way to connect with peers, contribute your expertise, and directly impact the future and value of our organization. Plus, it’s a great addition to your resume, LinkedIn, and CV. We currently have openings on several committees in addition to the open editor-in-chief role, and would love to have your perspective and energy.

Ready to make a difference? Take a look at the committees and complete the signup form here to let us know where you’d like to serve.

We look forward to collaborating with you!

In Partnership,

ASPBP Council
Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs 

Connect with ASPBP on LinkedIn

Join an ASPBP Committee!

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Wednesday, January 28, 2026

ASPBP is pleased to present its first Fireside Chat, set for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST! This is an ongoing effort to provide a space to exchange ideas and connect with like-minded people.

As a cozy continuation of our summer Poolside Chat, "bundle up" and log in from the comfort of your home for an afternoon of real talk, reflection, and refreshment! This relaxed, come-as-you-are virtual event will feature themed discussion rooms designed to help you navigate the ever-changing slopes of pathway programs, professional growth, and personal connection — no mittens required.

This is a member-driven gathering! The Fireside Chat Table Topics are listed below:

• Table 1: Reading Nook - Book Club & Connection
• Table 2: Sparks to Scholarship - Turning Programs into Publishable Ideas
• Table 3: The Resource Woodpile - Gathering & Sharing Program Resources
• Table 4: The Campfire Exchange - Cross-Sector Collaboration & Idea Trading
• Table 5: Tending the Flame - Exploring Professional Development Opportunities

To join the ASPBP Fireside Chat, click here.
Meeting ID: 892 1386 7655
Passcode: 681715

Join the ASPBP Fireside Chat!

Make a Difference!
Apply for the 2026 ASPBP Annual
Conference Committee Today!

It's time to begin planning for the ASPBP 2026 Annual Conference!

I hope you enjoyed the conference, but do you have any ideas to make it better, even if it's virtual?

We are looking for new members to join us! Share your enthusiasm and dedication to support the next generation of STEMM professionals! This isn't just another resume addition, it's an opportunity to build confidence and connections by collaborating with peers and allies. Plus, you'll be acknowledged for your efforts in the conference program!

Position Overview:

• Committee Role: ASPBP Annual Conference Committee member.
• Open to new members: No ASPBP experience required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in regular committee meetings (1-2 hours per month, and up to 4 hours per month as we move closer to the conference, with deliverables due).
• Work collaboratively with committee members.
• Take lead on an aspect of conference planning.
• Meet deadlines for the planning schedule.
• Bring new ideas for group consideration and discussion.
• Ready accessibility by email from February 2026 through the program in October 2026.

As a committee, we aspire to have a broad representation of professional educators and administrators of K-12, undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate programs.

Application Process:

If you would like to be considered for a position on the 2026 ASPBP Annual Conference Committee, please complete this form by January 30, 2026, so we can begin our meetings in February 2026. 

We hope that you will consider becoming involved in this important and collegial work. For additional information or questions, please contact support@aspbp.org. 

Thank you,
Emil Chuck
2026 ASPBP Annual Conference Committee Chair

Volunteer for the 2026 ASPBP Annual Conference Committee!

Congratulations to All Those Elected
and Thank You to Those Stepping Down!

Nominations for several officer positions and committee chairs were sought from the general membership. The ballot for those leadership positions were sent to the ASPBP membership on September 11, and the ballot closed September 24. Their terms commenced immediately following the conference in October this year. It is our pleasure to announce to you the results of this election.

Executive Council Positions:

• Michelle Demory - Treasurer
• Amber Richardson - Secretary

Executive Committee Positions:

• Stacie Fairley - Nominating Committee Vice-Chair
• Jonathan Wisco - Finance Committee Vice-Chair

General Council Committee Positions:

• Emil Chuck - Annual Conference Committee Chair
• Amber Heck - Annual Conference Committee Vice-Chair
• Jickssa Gemechu - Member and Member Programming Committee Vice-Chair
• Margaret Maimone - Mission Alignment Committee Vice-Chair

General Council Member - Regional Representatives:

• Carolina Restini - Central Region Representative
• Jenna Hagerty - Northeastern Region Representative
• Nishika Edwards - Southern Region Representative
• Vicky Rhine - Western Region Representative

Please join us in congratulating the new members of ASPBP leadership and in thanking our previous leaders who are stepping down from office for their past and ongoing dedication and service.

Make a Difference!
Apply for the 2026 ASPBP Annual
Conference Committee Today!

It's time to begin planning for the ASPBP 2026 Annual Conference!

I hope you enjoyed the conference, but do you have any ideas to make it better, even if it's virtual?

We are looking for new members to join us! Share your enthusiasm and dedication to support the next generation of STEMM professionals! This isn't just another resume addition, it's an opportunity to build confidence and connections by collaborating with peers and allies. Plus, you'll be acknowledged for your efforts in the conference program!

Position Overview:

• Committee Role: ASPBP Annual Conference Committee member.
• Open to new members: No ASPBP experience required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in regular committee meetings (1-2 hours per month, and up to 4 hours per month as we move closer to the conference, with deliverables due).
• Work collaboratively with committee members.
• Take lead on an aspect of conference planning.
• Meet deadlines for the planning schedule.
• Bring new ideas for group consideration and discussion.
• Ready accessibility by email from January 2026 through the program in October 2026.

As a committee, we aspire to have a broad representation of professional educators and administrators of K-12, undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate programs.

Application Process:

If you would like to be considered for a position on the 2026 ASPBP Annual Conference Committee, please complete this form by November 30, 2025, so we can begin our meetings in January 2026. 

We hope that you will consider becoming involved in this important and collegial work. For additional information or questions, please contact support@aspbp.org. 

Thank you,
Emil Chuck
2026 ASPBP Annual Conference Committee Chair

Volunteer for the 2026 ASPBP Annual Conference Committee!

Cast Your Vote on the ASPBP Bylaw Amendments!

The ASPBP Bylaws Committee recently submitted their suggestions for changes to the general council. Please take the time to review the suggested bylaws changes and vote on them.

To view the existing ASPBP Bylaws, click here.

To view and vote on the proposed bylaw amendments, click here.

The deadline to vote on the ASPBP Bylaw Amendments is Friday October 24, 2025!

Thank you,
Peter Vollbrecht
President-Elect, ASPBP
Chair, ASPBP Bylaws Committee

Vote on Proposed ASPBP Bylaw Amendments

The Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs (ASPBP) would like to introduce you to Dr. Nancy Moreno, Professor and Chair, Huffington Department of Education, Innovation & Technology at Baylor College of Medicine, Plenary Speaker of the 2025 ASPBP Virtual Conference! Moreno's Plenary Session is titled Benefits and Limitations of Boutique Approaches to Pathway Programs.

Dr. Nancy Moreno

Nancy P. Moreno, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Huffington Department of Education, Innovation & Technology, Thomas R. Powers Chair of Educational Outreach, and Director of the Center for Educational Outreach at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA. Trained as a biologist, she aims to improve the quality of science and health teaching and learning at all educational levels; develop faculty members’ abilities as educators and educational scholars; develop a more scientifically literate population; and promote preparedness for, and access to careers in science, medicine and the health professions. Her funded research develops educational partnerships, pathway programs, and transdisciplinary science and health educational materials on topics such as science communication and neuroscience. She also served as Associate Provost of Faculty Development at BCM.

Dr. Moreno is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and received the Robertson Presidential Award for Excellence in Education, BCM’s most prestigious award for faculty educational contributions. She earned her BA with distinction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, MSc from the Institute Nacional de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Bioticos in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, and her PhD in biology from Rice University.

"Benefits and Limitations of Boutique Approaches to Pathway Programs"

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM EDT Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Pathway programs across the country have developed innovative, community-responsive models that reflect deep commitment and vision in addressing local needs to build a future science and healthcare workforce. These tailored approaches offer valuable insights and impact, yet there are opportunities to enhance their reach and sustainability through shared practices, professional development, and institutional support. This session will explore strategies for building stronger networks, recognizing outreach as a scholarly discipline, and fostering scalable models. A case study from a single institution will illustrate how a systemwide, community-engaged framework can amplify local successes and support long-term growth and sustainability.

2025 Virtual Conference Info

The ASPBP 2025 Annual Virtual Conference will be held October 7-9, 2025. The ASPBP conference provides opportunities to connect with and learn from others who share the same passion for increasing opportunities for entry into STEMM. 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 "Broadening the Path: Connecting Pathways and Building Bridges to Potential."

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! Please note that you will need to register and be signed in to view any conference events or materials.

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

Register Today!

The Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs (ASPBP) would like to introduce you to Susan Ipri-Brown, Principal Consultant at Empowerment Levers, Plenary Speaker of the 2025 ASPBP Virtual Conference! Ipri-Brown's Plenary Session is titled Empowering Your Sphere of Influence.

Susan Ipri-Brown

Susan Ipri-Brown is the principal consultant at Empowerment Levers, specializing in the strategic implementation of educational programs. Prior to her consulting firm, Susan served as the Strategic Initiatives Manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Advanced Manufacturing. At NIST, Susan expanded strategic collaborations in advanced manufacturing technology and workforce development among Manufacturing USA stakeholders inside and outside of government. Susan additionally worked as the founding Associate Dean for Educational Outreach and as an Associate Professor of Engineering Instruction at Hope College. She has also held positions with the Northwestern University Office of STEM Education Partnerships, several North Carolina school districts, Delphi Automotive Systems, and the Michigan Legislative Service Bureau. As an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Federal Fellow, Susan served a year at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Within her work and community, Susan is a long-time advocate of programs that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the engineering profession. She served as the 143rd president of ASME where she is a Fellow and has held a range of leadership positions. Susan earned her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University.

"Empowering Your Sphere of Influence"

2:30 PM - 3:20 PM EDT Thursday, October 9, 2025

Maximizing the impact of our STEMM programs requires each of us to align our program goals with our unique sphere of influence. Understanding who we can influence and how we can empower those audiences is often assumed in our program planning. Taking the time to define those spheres and tailoring the details of our programs can achieve higher levels of empowerment for those we serve.

2025 Virtual Conference Info

The ASPBP 2025 Annual Virtual Conference will be held October 7-9, 2025. The ASPBP conference provides opportunities to connect with and learn from others who share the same passion for increasing opportunities for entry into STEMM. 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 "Broadening the Path: Connecting Pathways and Building Bridges to Potential."

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! Please note that you will need to register and be signed in to view any conference events or materials.

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

Register Today!

Abstract Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025

ASPBP is excited to continue the series "Tips & Tricks for Successful Pathway and Bridge Programs" in the upcoming issue of PBP Wire (January/February 2026 Vol. 9). We want to hear your tips and tricks for running successful programs and are excited to announce the call for short article abstract submissions. 

These articles should offer practical and feasible advice for improving the recruitment of students to and/or participation in programming, ways to increase pre-matriculation competencies of students, or ways to improve teaching and learning.  Programs should target one of the following populations- K-12 outreach and enrichment, undergraduate engagement, or post-baccalaureate programs. Articles should be brief- a maximum of 800 words, not counting your abstract, references, and acknowledgments. Captions count towards the word limit. Articles are limited to a maximum combined three figures/tables, as our goal is to limit the article to two and a half pages.

Interested authors should submit a 200-word abstract discussing their proposed article by Friday, October 31, 2025. Abstract submissions can be made on the member portal here. Individuals will be notified in early June of their selection. Only members who are up-to-date on their dues are eligible to submit.

Join or Renew Your Membership Today!

Criteria for Abstract Selection

• Relevance to the ASPBP community
• Mission fit with regards to ASPBP
• Focused on improving recruitment of students or participation in programming, increasing pre-matriculation competencies of students, or improving teaching and learning within PBP (K-12, undergraduate, or post-baccalaureate programs)
• Tips and tricks are innovative, engaging, or push forward the ASPBP community
• Tips and tricks are feasible and can be replicated
• Tips and tricks are clearly presented and easy to follow

Schedule

• Late September - abstract submission opens
• October 31st - submission closes
• Mid-November - individuals will be notified. (Note, only paid members are eligible to submit! Join here: https://aspbp.wildapricot.org/join-us/)
• December 15th - full submissions due
• Late-December - submissions will be returned with comments
• Late-January/Early-February - article will be published in PBP Wire

Additional information for article submission

• Word or Google Doc
• Document format-double-spaced 11 pt. Times New Roman, including line numbers
• Figures and tables should be listed at the end of the document, but indicate within the article where you would like them to be placed
• Document Structure
  • Title page with author name and affiliation
  • Abstract and keywords (3-5)
  • Article with brief introduction, body, and conclusion. Please include lessons learned and how this may help others
  • Abbreviations
  • Acknowledgments
  • References (APA)
  • Conflict of interest statement
• Figure and table format-Initially the figures can be PDF, but final submissions should be in TIFF grayscale or the RGB color mode or PNF. 300 dpi. Please use accessible colors. Tables must be saved as a picture. Website links- All URL Addresses in the text should be accessible by click
• Any work that includes human data must have an IRB approval or a Not for Human Research designation
• Bio- All individuals published will be asked to submit a 100-word bio that will be published on the ASPBP site

For more information about this opportunity, please feel free to reach out to support@aspbp.org.

Log in to Submit Your Abstract

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