MassBioEd

The bioteach program focuses on strengthening the ability of teachers to deliver lab-centered, inquiry-based lessons in Biotechnology in their classrooms. The program introduces teachers to basic concepts in biology and Biotechnology with specific laboratory-based curricula designed for teaching concepts. The program offers free professional development workshops for educators; training, curricula, and on and off-site mentoring to newly trained teachers; assistance to teachers with content acquisition, preparation and execution of classroom activities. The program also offers grants for lab equipment, supplies and materials. Students are introduced to careers through college and career engagement experiences with colleges and companies and through our bank of volunteer career ambassadors who visit schools and meet with students remotely and on-site when possible. Our bioteach program held 11 teacher professional development workshops, with total attendance of 182 teachers across all workshops. Across all bioteach programming, we engaged nearly 14,385 students in authentic science learning. The teacher trainings were very successful with over 90-95% of participants reporting an increase in confidence in executing lab activities in their classroom or reporting that they expect to utilize the resources in their classroom. We were also able to bring our intensive access program of authentic science content and career awareness to over 4,500 students in low-income and high-need school districts.

Professional training classes provide technical and soft skills training and professional development to individuals in the biotech industry. The course are developed in conjunction with industry professionals. In 2023, 502 individuals attended one or more of our courses.

Biotalent included several different programs focused on understanding, building, and supporting workforce development and career awareness. Activities included:a. Labor market information provide job trend analysis, and a greater understanding of the industry's workforce needs in terms of skills to educators and those in industry. In 2023, Massbioed published the Massachusetts life sciences employment outlook, and convened the life sciences workforce 2023 conference in june, which attracted over 391 participants.b. College to career builds a critical bridge between classroom and careers. Career ambassadors help teachers broaden their students' horizons and encourage an interest in the life sciences. Several modes of interaction are offered, from formal career panels to small group q&a sessions. In 2023, 668 college students participated in career awareness activities with over 200 industry volunteers participating and 121 faculty and staff engaging in professional development.c. Career hub brings greater life sciences awareness, access, and career services to Massachusetts residents. In 2023 362 students attended a virtual career fair, 270 persons attended "what the heck is botech" events.d. Apprenticeship programto grow and diversify the workforce, biotalent launched life sciences apprenticeship program that offers streamlined pathways into the industry. The program combines technical training, on-site work experience, and income support. Working with leading life science employers, Massbioed has designed two apprenticeships - one for biomanufacturing technicians and one for clinical trial associates. Both programs enable individuals to obtain foundational knowledge and industry recognized skills, and quickly transition into employment that provides meaningful work, family-sustaining wages, and career growth. In 2023, the apprenticeship program had multiple cycles of apprentice training with a total of 39 apprentices, 65% of whom were females and 60% were poc.

Corporate professional development (cpd) program provides professional development opportunities for incumbent workers and those interested in careers in the industry.