Futurelab+
BABEC is proud to be a founding member of a new program sponsored by Genentech to expand and scale its Futurelab program. Futurelab+ is a STEM education initiative that supports all K-12 students in the South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) and gets them excited to learn about science, improves their college readiness and inspires them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Phase II of Futurelab+ is the design and execution of a brand new high school biotech curriculum, which includes science teacher professional learning experiences and biotechnology community/industry engagement opportunities. This initiative has three key strategies: 1) Design and deploy new and innovative high school biotechnology content to support all learners, especially those from underrepresented groups; 2) Train and retain high school science educators; and 3) Engage the broader biotechnology community and industry to provide education and career exploration opportunities to students and educators.
The Futurelab Scaling Initiative (FSI) is a collaborative effort with multiple partners that span the science education spectrum, and has both local and a national input. The goal is to empower and support a community of educators and biotech community and industry leaders to bring industry-aligned opportunities to all students, providing greater and more equitable access to explore and engage in a vast range of biotechnology skills and careers.
This work is in its early stages; stay tuned for more updates.