Sanofi invests in successful Geisinger Commonwealth REACH-HEI program for Monroe County

Sanofi, the global healthcare company with a campus in Swiftwater, recently made a gift of $60,000 to bring Geisinger College of Health Science’s successful Regional Education Academy for Careers in HealthHigher Education Initiative (REACH-HEI) program to students in Monroe County.

Sanofi’s grant is being used to identify and admit students in the Stroudsburg Area, Pocono Mountain East and Wallenpaupack Area school districts with the goal of introducing students to biomedical research and the varied careers associated with the life sciences.

“As the second-largest employer in Monroe County, we are dedicated to elevating our communities and encouraging our promising young people to explore the rewarding careers available in pharmaceuticals, research and medicine,” said Philip St. James, Sanofi’s Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Relations Lead. “We know that REACH-HEI has a proven track record of keeping disadvantaged students on the path to college.”

The new program enrolled 44 students this fall. In addition to hands-on activities at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, the students will receive an introduction to biomedical science and embark on a year-long research project to gain experience in scientific observation, data collection, critical thinking and small-group and public presentation. They have also been paired with a mentor who will assist with college and career planning.

“Best of all,” Mr. St. James said, “to offer students further career guidance, staff at Sanofi has stepped up and volunteered to share their career journeys. The students have already had the opportunity to interact with Sanofi vaccine scientists and biochemists.” He added that shadowing opportunities with these professionals is also part of the program.