Research training and biomedical education.

In an effort to increase the number of well trained minority healthcare professionals and basic science researchers, Jackson State University, (JSU, a historically black institution) in partnership with Hinds Community College (HCC, a 2-year college) and consultant biomedical researchers/healthcare professionals at the University of Mississippi Medical Center established a Bridges to the Baccalaureate Degree Program (BBDP). The purpose of the BBDP was to enhance HCC students transfer rates to 4 year institutions and to motivate trainees to seek Baccalaureate and advanced degrees in the biomedical and health sciences areas. The program utilized faculty and administrators at each institution in the planning and implementation of all programmatic aspects, including student selection, advisement procedures and program activities.