Bennett College has been selected as a partner institution in the Duke University Medical Center’s Black or African-American Research Training Pathway to Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences (BAA-POCS) program.
This 15-month initiative, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is set to launch in January 2025, aiming to open doors for Black students interested in biomedical careers through hands-on research, professional development, and vital social support.
The program, crafted by Dr. Dennis Frank-Ito of Duke’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, is structured to increase Black representation in the biomedical sciences an area that has historically seen limited diversity.
Dr. Frank-Ito highlighted the dual focus on both academic and identity development within the BAA-POCS program, stating, “We recognize the importance of relationship and identity building for students of color pursuing biomedical fields, which is why BAA-POCS emphasizes both rigorous academic preparation and mentorship.” Through partnerships like this one with Bennett College, Dr. Frank-Ito envisions a more inclusive pipeline for Black professionals in fields such as otolaryngology and communication sciences.
This partnership also comes at a time of historic philanthropic support for Duke University, which recently received a record $100 million donation the largest in its history. The gift, made by the Duke Endowment, a private foundation established in 1924 by James B. Duke, marks a significant commitment to supporting higher education in North Carolina.
The Duke Endowment, Duke’s largest donor, has contributed nearly $2 billion to the university since its inception. This remarkable donation is expected to create further opportunities for local HBCUs like Bennett College, fostering greater collaboration and resources within the state.
Under this BAA-POCS collaboration, Bennett College students will be guided by Duke faculty mentors and gain in-depth training, equipping them for advanced studies in medical or research-based graduate programs. At Bennett, the program will be led by assistant professors Dr. Alex Jordan and Professor Candice Young, who will serve as liaisons, coordinating the first cohort of students for a summer 2025 start. The inaugural group will engage in research projects, skill-building workshops, and a range of activities to build competitive profiles for future biomedical careers.
Professor Young expressed her excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Duke University Medical Center on a program that aligns with Bennett’s commitment to advancing the representation of Black women in STEM.” Dr. Jordan added, “Our students will gain invaluable research experience and mentorship, setting a strong foundation for their future careers.”
Through initiatives like BAA-POCS and the backing of generous endowments, Bennett College continues to champion opportunities that empower and elevate Black students in STEM fields, reinforcing its legacy of pioneering pathways for women of color in academia and beyond.
