At BioMarin, we are passionate about making a big impact for people with rare genetic conditions, and this takes the widest possible range of ideas. We believe that filling the talent pipeline with diverse young minds is critical to our continued ability to translate genetic discoveries into transformative medicines.
With this in mind, we partner with community organizations who share our commitment to fostering the next generation of diverse biomedical leaders—supporting these young scholars from underrepresented groups and promoting their early development. Our major partners include:
Biotech Partners: BioMarin is honored to collaborate with Biotech Partners (BP), an award-winning, independent, Bay Area-based nonprofit organization focused on helping students underrepresented in the field of biotechnology to attain personal, academic, and professional development experiences through in-classroom instruction and paid internships within the biotech and health industries. BP has educated over 3,915 youth and made more than 1,564 placements into paid training positions, with student earnings totaling more than $3.4 million.
BioMarin’s partnership with BP founded San Marin’s chapter of the program, providing students with a specialized curriculum, paid summer internships, and additional support services. In addition, BioMarin hosts San Marin High School students for special internships with our Research and Development teams, where these students are immersed in real-world science initiatives with our researchers.
Health Career Connection (HCC): BioMarin is proud to partner with this Oakland-based organization that connects healthcare companies with talented and diverse future health professionals and leaders. Interns support priority projects and programs that optimize organizational performance, foster innovation, and drive growth. HCC’s ultimate aim is to improve the health of populations by motivating and developing greater numbers of value-driven, capable and diverse leaders and health professionals. Over the past 30 years, HCC has placed more than 3,800 students in summer internship programs, now placing over 320 interns per year throughout 10 regions across the country.
In addition, BioMarin founded RARE Scholars, our own scholarship program in support of students living with rare conditions:
RARE Scholars: Created by BioMarin, our RARE Scholars program aims to empower young people living with rare conditions by providing them with educational opportunities. We award this annual scholarship to outstanding high school and graduate students with rare conditions, recognizing those who have demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities.
“Having lived with PKU my entire life, this scholarship – more than any other – is representative of who I am.”
Josh Eckerman
RARE Scholar Recipient
