STEM Education for Youth and Educators
Jobs in North Carolina’s life sciences sector focus largely on developing and producing life saving medicines. A variety of programs exist to help students learn about how to obtain these types of jobs. The programs below help teachers, guidance counselors, parents and students understand the training and job opportunities for rewarding careers in the life sciences.
NIIMBL bioLOGIC is a classroom-based learning program that raises awareness of the biopharma industry among high school and middle school students. This flexible program includes project-based learning and tours of a college and an industry facility. Students present projects to industry professionals.
NCGrads2Work provides recent high school graduates with a two-day training program at the NC Pharmaceutical Services Network at Pitt Community College. Participants work in a simulated manufacturing environment with laboratory equipment to learn the history and methods of pharmaceutical tablet making.
Accelerate NC's Life Sciences Manufacturing Ambassador Program increases awareness of career opportunities across 79 North Carolina counties. The Ambassador Program provides opportunities to connect with community members and learn about training opportunities, job openings and life sciences events.
TriWiSTEM engages, attracts, and supports women in STEM in their education and careers. The organization's STEM Pipeline Action Team engages K-12 students to be the next generation of young STEM leaders. Hands-on workshops, activities and mentoring help students learn from women in STEM careers.
Young Women In Bio is an initiative of the RTP Women in Bio club. This initiative provides hands-on and virtual experiences in STEM. YWIB partners with companies, universities, hospitals, and other organizations to host educational and motivational programs for young women in STEM.
NCBioNetwork offers classroom activities, training workshops, special events, and career fairs statewide. These programs help connect life sciences industry skills with K12 and community college STEM education. Events are held at various public schools and community college campuses.
Amgen’s Biotech Experience equips educators with biotechnology lessons for the classroom. The experience features an interactive lab, classroom and virtual activities to inspire the next generation of biotech professionals. The program also provides curriculum materials and laboratory equipment.
The CoLab offers life sciences programs and courses taught by employees, leading local nonprofit professionals and teachers. This hybrid model expands the lessons and programs offered and broadens learners from middle and high school students to include early career professionals.
BRITE Futures, led by Durham-based North Carolina Central University, provides STEM projects to spread awareness of career opportunities in the life sciences. Through this program, students explore research labs and meet scientists. Students also participate in hands-on laboratory activities.
Grifols' Discover The Plasma is a teaching program that enhances middle school science curricula and raises awareness about medicines for rare diseases. This program, developed in partnership with Johnston County Schools and Johnston Community College, fits within North Carolina's science core curriculum.
The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce organizes Grow Local, which unveils career interests and grows the talent pipeline. The program targets middle and high school students, providing insights through tours, conversations, and hands-on activities relevant to their studies.
The North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research offers training and materials for K-12 students to learn from scientists at research facilities. Teachers earn continuing education units from workshops.
The NC Science Festival is a month-long celebration of science every April, highlighting the educational, cultural, and financial impact of science statewide. This festival encompasses a variety of hands-on activities, including science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, and more to inspire future generations.
The Scientific Research and Education Network (SciREN) aims to connect local STEM researchers and educators, fostering the dissemination of current research and ultimately enhancing the science literacy of today’s youth through annual networking events and lesson plan workshops.