HMS MEDscienceLAB

Pathmaker Program

What is Pathmaker?

Thanks to generous funding from the Massachusetts Life Science Center, the HMS MEDscienceLAB Pathmaker program aims to train Lowell-area young adults from a variety of backgrounds with key career- and laboratory-skills to prepare them for the increasing number of life science openings across the Commonwealth. We currently have 3 classes - Fall 2024, Winter 2024-25, and Spring 2025. Each class will have between 12-16 participants. 

Participants will participate in career development & lab skills training on the Harvard Medical School campus and at UMass Lowell. Participants must commit to two (2) in-person training days per week for the full 8-week program, with a graduation on the 9th week. Please see the application for detailed dates for each class. Job counseling, a $1,500 stipend + transportation stipend will be provided.

Sign Up Today & Jumpstart Tomorrow

Sign Up Today & Jumpstart Tomorrow

Pathmaker Student Application 

Are you between the ages of 18-29, a resident of Massachusetts and interested in medicine or life sciences?

We encourage you to apply for the HMS MEDscience Pathmaker program, a new collaboration between Massachusetts Life Science Center, HMS MEDscience, Project LEARN, UMass Lowell, and other industry partners. No prior experience or degrees required!

Industry Partner Application 

Do you work in a life science field and want to help our Pathmaker participants as they are entering the field?

Become an Industry Mentor: To serve as an industry mentor, we ask that you are able to commit to meeting with your mentee for 30 minutes/week for the 8-week program (virtually is fine!) and helping them with resumes, networking, interview prep, and general career advice. To sign up, please fill out the interest form HERE.

Serve As a Career Panelist - We will be hosting an in-person career panel of our Pathmaker participants on Thursday, December 19 from 10:00 - 11:30 at our Project LEARN office at 58 Prescott St. We would love our Lowell alumni to participate! If interested, please fill out the form HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The State of Massachusetts has an economy that is projected to grow its employment base by adding 40,000+ net new jobs in the life sciences by the year 2032. There is a projected 6,617 average annual job openings in key life science occupations over the next 10 years. The HMS MEDscience Pathmaker program will help recruit, train, and connect those who are interested in life science careers to the job market. 

  • Young adults between the ages of 18-29, who are residents of Massachusetts and have US work authorization are eligible to apply for Pathmaker.

  • Accepted participants will be expected to engage in 2 days of training during the course of the 8-week program.

    One day will be spent at HMS MEDscience, which is located on the campus of Harvard Medical School in Boston, participating in hands-on training for laboratory skills.  The second day will be either at Project LEARN in Lowell, UMass Lowell’s campus, or doing a visit of an industry partner. The second day will be focused on career counseling and development, with skills such as resume building, networking, etc.

    Approximately 40% of the program will be in Lowell, with 60% of the program in Boston in the Longwood Medical area.

  • All applicants must be Massachusetts residents and must be eligible to work in the United States.

  • Upon successful completion of the program, all participants will receive a $1,500 stipend.

  • While transportation will not be provided, participants will receive a transportation stipend to cover transportation from Lowell to Boston. A member of the team will also accompany participants the first week to ensure a smooth transition.

    • Small group learning, with each track of the program only accepting 12-16 students 

    • Personalized instruction from experienced teachers at the HMS MEDscience Lab, Project LEARN, and UMass Lowell 

    • Job counseling and preparation to help place students in a position after graduation from the Pathmaker Program 

    • Industry mentors who can continue to provide guidance throughout the program and beyond 

    • Rolling admissions for the Winter Class will be open until Januray 29th at 5PM.

    • Once the application has been filled out, you will be contacted by a member of the team to schedule an interview.

    • The Winter Class will begin on February 18, 2025.