Life Science Resources & Programs for Students & Educators

Jobs in North Carolina’s life sciences sector help to develop and produce medicines that improve lives. Many of these jobs do not require advanced college degrees. There are a variety of programs that help students learn about rewarding careers in the life sciences: 

  • Amgen Biotech Experience: Amgen’s Biotech Experience, funded by the Amgen Foundation, equips educators with biotechnology lessons for the classroom. The experience features interactive lab, classroom, and virtual activities to inspire the next generation of biotech professionals. The program also provides professional development, curriculum materials, and laboratory equipment.

  • Biogen Community Lab: Biogen’s Community Lab two-week classroom program engages middle and high school students with hands-on, interactive biotechnology experiments. It also offers opportunities to meet scientists. Activities strive to inspire the next generation of life sciences leaders to solve global challenges. 

  • BRITE Futures: BRITE Futures, located at North Carolina Central University, provides interactive STEM projects to spread awareness around rewarding opportunities in the life sciences. Through this program, students explore research labs and meet scientists. Students will also participate in hands-on laboratory activities.

  • Discover the Plasma is a teaching program that enhances middle school science curricula and raises awareness about life-saving medicines that treat rare diseases.

  • Grow Local: The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce works with local businesses to host local, middle, and high school students, providing them with an experience to introduce, involve, inspire, and invest in students and young adults.

  • NIIMBL BioLOGIC: NIIMBL BioLOGIC is a classroom-based learning program that engages students to solve real-world health problems. Through this program, educators work with teams of students to explore career pathways, master STEM concepts, and improve communication skills.

  • OpenDoors: OpenDoors is a six-week internship program that introduces students from underserved populations, including African American, Latinx, and Indigenous communities to fulfilling career opportunities in the life sciences. Students learn business concepts and participate in projects to build their confidence.  

  • The North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research (NCABR) offers free training and materials for K-12 educators to bring them into research facilities to learn directly from scientists. NCABR also offers online courses, curricula, and other publications about research. Professional development workshops provide opportunities for teachers to earn continuing education units.

  • NCBioNetwork STEM Outreach: NCBioNetwork offers classroom activities, special events, and workshops for students and faculty statewide. These events help students explore occupations that match an individual's skills and unique values, facilitating informed decisions.

  • Triangle Women in STEM (TriWiSTEM): TriWiSTEM engages, attracts, and supports women in STEM in their education, careers, and personal pursuits. Their initiatives include education and workforce development, career assistance, entrepreneurship opportunities, and leadership development.

  • Young Women in Bio (YWIB): YWIB gives young women the inspiration and support to become leaders in STEM. This organization hosts free events and programs through schools and local organizations. Consult the calendar of events to learn about local programs.

  • The PharmaK12 Workforce Development Training Initiative is a program that creates a unique pipeline to fill jobs at local manufacturing companies. The program also creates a career pathway for students who have never before considered a career in the life sciences.

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