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 STUDENT-LED brain health education program led by Duke undergraduates, empowering middle and high school students to explore brain health and related careers.

LEARN MORE

NeuroPioneers Pathway programming is currently paused while organizational restructuring and institutional review take place. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

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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4+

CONTINENTS REPRESENTED

ABOUt NEUROPIONEERS

NeuroPioneers Pathway is a student-led initiative 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 student interested in caring for their brains.

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 community advocacy.

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, and only 6 for underserved students, 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 Duke undergraduate students

  • Early exposure to career topics related to neuroscience and research

  • 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 Duke students

TIMELINE PREVIEW

NeuroPioneers Pathway programming is currently paused while organizational restructuring and institutional review take place.

Thank you for your continued support and patience.

Some program PARTNERS

NeuroPioneers Pathway often collaborates with community organizations, and workforce development partners to expand access to brain health education developed through ongoing institutional and community partnerships.

Get involved

NeuroPioneers Pathway programming is currently paused while organizational restructuring and institutional review take place. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

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