Introducing Students to Brain Science

Expanding Access to Neuroscience Education

Mentorship, Brain Science, and Health Literacy

Preparing the Next Generation of Neuroscience Leaders

Introducing Students to Brain Science Expanding Access to Neuroscience Education Mentorship, Brain Science, and Health Literacy Preparing the Next Generation of Neuroscience Leaders

NeuroPioneers Pathway

Save a Brain. Shape a Future.

A neuroscience and healthcare education program led by Duke undergraduates empowering middle and high school students to explore brain health, medicine, and STEM careers.

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OUR IMPACT

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130+

STUDENTS ENGAGED IN NEUROSCIENCE + HEALTH CURRICULUM

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15+

SCHOOLS ENGAGED

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35+

REGIONS REPRESENTED

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3+

CONTINENTS REPRESENTED

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15K+

FUNDING DEPLOYED FOR NEURODEVELOPMENT EDUCATION ACCESS

ABOUt NEUROPIONEERS

NeuroPioneers Pathway is led by Duke University students to address gaps in neuroscience and health education by integrating neuroscience, nutrition, and mentorship into a structured, equity-focused learning model.

Our mission is to expand access to STEM opportunities and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Read our full story

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

OUR VALUES

Expand access to neuroscience education and healthcare mentorship.

Empower students to pursue careers in STEM, medicine, and healthcare.

Equity, curiosity, and ethical leadership.

THE PROBLEM

Access to neuroscience education, particularly at the intersection of brain development, nutrition, and health equity, remains limited for many students, especially those from underrepresented and resource-constrained communities.

Primary Care Doctors by 2035

By 2030, nearly one in four active physicians are expected to retire, increasing the gap and need for doctors.

Physicians By 2060

By 2060, over 50% of Americans are projected to identify as non-white, yet less than 12% of physicians were underrepresented in medicine as of 2018.

Number of Neuroscience Education Programs

A systematic review identified 23 K-12 neuroscience education programs, suggesting limited widespread implementation at the national level.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

OUR APPROACH

What Students Experience

  • Guided neuroscience and health-focused learning experiences

  • Longitudinal mentorship with university-level trainees

  • Exposure to interdisciplinary healthcare pathways

  • Applied project-based learning

NeuroPioneers Pathway is built on a three-part model:

  • Education: Foundational neuroscience and health curriculum

  • Application: Project-based and experiential learning

  • Mentorship: Long-term guidance from university trainees

TIMELINE PREVIEW

The NeuroPioneers Pathway program includes structured learning sessions followed by long-term mentorship opportunities.

Program Sessions: Summer 2026
Mentorship Network Launch: Fall 2026

View program timeline

Some of our program PARTNERS

NeuroPioneers Pathway collaborates with universities, community organizations, and workforce development partners to expand access to neuroscience education developed through ongoing institutional and community partnerships

Get involved

NeuroPioneers Pathway welcomes undergraduate mentors, volunteers, and program leaders who are passionate about youth education and healthcare.

Become a Volunteer