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| BioBuilder Education launches BioTechBuilder curriculum for high school students |
The BioBuilder Education Foundation has introduced BioTechBuilder, a thorough curriculum aimed at equipping high school students for careers in biotechnology. This initiative combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory training, allowing students to earn micro-credentials and directly enter the biotech workforce upon graduation.
With the biotechnology sector's increasing need for skilled labor, BioTechBuilder addresses a significant demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 40% of students delay or forgo college after high school. BioTechBuilder offers these students a direct path to biotech employment by providing essential skills and credentials.
Dr. Natalie Kuldell, BioBuilder's founder and executive director, emphasized the importance of early exposure to STEM careers, stating that such experiences can inspire students and guide their career decisions. The launch of BioTechBuilder represents BioBuilder's ongoing effort to bridge the workforce gap in the bioeconomy.
Developed in collaboration with industry leaders such as UCB, BioMADE, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Daicel Arbor Biosciences, BioTechBuilder supports U.S. students interested in biotechnology and biomanufacturing careers, regardless of their college plans. The curriculum connects students to entry-level STEM jobs through industry-recognized micro-credentials.
Jon Weaver, president and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), highlighted the program's importance, noting the biotech industry's growing need for skilled workers to tackle global challenges. He praised BioTechBuilder for preparing the next generation with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in biotechnology.
Starting this summer, Carolina Biological Supply Company will offer the BioTechBuilder curriculum and provide laboratory kits. The BioScience Core Skills Institute will oversee both basic and advanced micro-credential testing.
A pilot program in Worcester's public schools, in partnership with Clark University, Worcester Public Schools, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and Mass Biomedical Initiatives, demonstrated the curriculum's success, with 82% of students earning at least one micro-credential.
BioTechBuilder delivers a "biotechnology-in-a-box" curriculum that includes modules on DNA and protein analysis, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology. It features hands-on training, lab practicals, and peer-to-peer learning, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology.
Dr. Kuldell emphasized the practical benefits, stating that the program's collaboration with academic and industry leaders gives students a significant advantage, whether they choose to attend college or enter the workforce directly.
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