Bridging academic experiences to career opportunities
Undergraduate, Graduate, Ph.D. and Post-Doc
Colorado’s academic and research institutions are respected for highly ranked programs in STEM fields. The Institute bridges academic experiences to career opportunities.
Campus Programs
Our programs open up opportunities and build relationships, bringing students and instructors together with professionals in our life sciences ecosystem.
pairing undergraduates with professionals
Mentor Program
The Institute pairs junior and senior undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D.-level students with professionals in life sciences.


During the academic year, students and mentors meet for the purpose of professional development, interactive learning experiences including tours and demos, and networking with leaders in the field.
Professional & Career Development – Students gain an understanding of what it means to be a life sciences professional, working with a variety of companies at different stages of their growth.
Skills & Education Enhancement – The program connects university knowledge to real-world applications by providing access to work environments.
Leadership Development – Experts from Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem demonstrate and share their expertise with the next generation of life science leaders.
Student Qualifications
To qualify for the program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Studying life sciences or interested in a life sciences career
- Undergraduates who are juniors or seniors/ graduate students/Ph.D.-level students
- Attending school at any university in Colorado
The purpose of the program is to provide networking opportunities for professional development. Students must commit to attending the scheduled activities and maintaining professional contact with the mentors.
Deadline for applications is September 24th 5:00 PM MT.
If a participant in the mentor program, you are invited to a series of specialized events. Registration for each event is required. Mark your calendar for the following events:
- Crafting Your Path: Mastering the Art of Resume Writing for Undergraduates October 11th from 3-4 PM Register Here.
- Connecting Futures: Navigating the Pathways of Networking for Undergraduates November 2nd from 3-4 PM Register Here.
- Master Programs Showcase November 8th from 3-4:30 PM Register Here.
- Crafting Your Path: Mastering the Art of Resume Writing for Graduates February 7th from 3-4 PM Register Here.
- Connecting Futures: Navigating the Pathways of Networking for Graduates February 28th from 3-4 PM Register Here.
- Industry Showcase: TBD
Mentor Qualifications
Mentors interact with students over a five-month period. The Institute asks that mentors:
- Commit to working with 2-5 students during the program.
- Collaborate with The Institute on planning programming.
- Participate in activities that include hybrid, virtual, and in-person: kickoff event, site tours, and one-on-ones with students, among others.
connecting students with companies and opportunities
Life Sciences Industry Showcase
The Life Sciences Industry Showcase connects Colorado life sciences companies to Colorado university talent from undergraduate to post doc to demonstrate the breadth and depth of the state’s life sciences ecosystem.
Participating professionals highlight their companies, provide an overview of their technologies, present their talent recruitment initiatives, and host a booth.
Students have the opportunity to meet with companies of interest, share information on their degree programs, and learn about job opportunities.