The Graduate School supports numerous activities that foster graduate student involvement and leadership in the local, diverse community. For example, our graduate students have lead roles in mentorship and guidance of high school students under-represented in the sciences through the INSPIRE Program. Students in this program come from local high schools and spend the summer months in our research laboratories, learning about research and higher education leading to degrees in basic biomedical science and clinical practice. Our graduate students interact with these students on a daily basis, providing guidance, advice, and education in a laboratory setting.

The Graduate School has provided a resource for local military veterans to gain employment skills. Through a course organized and taught by graduate students, veterans gained knowledge and experience in basic biomedical research laboratory techniques. This course helps veterans prepare for a transition from military service to entry level positions in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies which are plentiful in our local area.