Upcoming Webinar Playful Pedagogy: A Practical Guide to Gamified Outreach Designing Discovery: Innovative Pedagogical Approaches in STEMM Outreach March 25, 2026 at 2pm EDT

We're kicking off our Designing Discovery: Innovative Pedagogical Approaches in STEMM Outreach Program Series with our first webinar — Playful Pedagogy: A Practical Guide to Gamified Outreach — on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 2pm EDT!

Dr. Mikaela L. Stiver, PhD Assistant Professor of Teaching, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia Dr. Siobhan M. Moyes, DPhil Associate Professor and Lead for Anatomy, Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth

Register Here

2 PM EDT, Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Playful Pedagogy: A Practical Guide to Gamified Outreach

While gamified strategies have becoming increasingly commonplace in both everyday life and formal education, the scholarly overlap between gamified learning (including gamification and game-based learning) and outreach remains surprisingly limited. Building on our recent publication, this interactive webinar will use case studies to guide participants' exploration of the intersection between these fields. Topics will include principles of co-design, key theoretical frameworks, and considerations for scholarship. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and tools to apply these principles in their own outreach contexts and with diverse audiences. Whether you are an educator, outreach coordinator, or program leader, this session will offer actionable insights to spark curiosity and engagement through playful pedagogy.

Thanks for being part of the ASPBP Community.

Brianne Lewis
Chair, ASPBP Membership Programming Committee

We are excited to share the upcoming sessions for our 2026 Program Series! Please see the following programs below and add them to your calendar so you don't miss an event. Topics for each session will be announced at a later date.

Save the dates for our 2026 Program Series Designing Discovery: Innovative Pedagogical Approaches in STEMM Outreach All programs are 2–3pm ET.

If you'd like to present your work at an ASPBP Event, contact Brianne Lewis, Chair of the ASPBP Member Programming Committee at lewis5b@cmich.edu.

Thanks for being part of the ASPBP Community.

Brianne Lewis
Chair, ASPBP Membership Programming Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.