15 years built the foundation. The next 15 will build the future.
BioBuilder turns 15 on November 1st
Nearly half
of U.S. ninth graders who planned on a STEM career had changed course by eleventh grade.
Why 15 matters
Fifteen is a formative age.
Fifteen is when many students decide whether science is “for them.” Their interest, confidence and plans for the future can change dramatically in just two years. To transform our future STEM workforce, this is when we need to reach students, and it is exactly the window BioBuilder works in.
At 15, neither a student’s story nor BioBuilder’s story is fully written.
Source: Middleton, Mangu and Lee, “A Longitudinal Study of Mathematics and Science Motivation Patterns for STEM-Intending High Schoolers in the US,” in Affect and Mathematics Education (Springer, 2019), drawing on the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (24,000 students). doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13761-8_5
15 years of impact
Thank you for being part of what we’ve built.
94,000+
students reached with hands-on biotechnology in all 50 states and 87 countries
660+
teachers equipped to run real lab science in their classrooms
A national model
recognized by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology for building bioliteracy
The next 15
Hands-on biotech in every high school.
The next 15 years of BioBuilder are about reaching more students while their futures are still taking shape. That means working with communities, schools, teachers and industry partners so more students get authentic lab experiences at the right moment, before they decide science isn’t for them.
Founder Video
Who believed in you at 15?
Dr. Natalie Kuldell sits down with Dr. Alan Peterkofsky, her mentor from age 15.
15 pieces of advice
Our alumni share what they wish they knew at 15.
A preview of the advice we’re collecting from BioBuilder alumni. Read all 15 in our November 15 LinkedIn newsletter.
“There is so much to be gained if you explore multiple aspects of biology and build a diverse toolkit of experiences.”
Edwin GonzalezBioBuilder alum
“Learning by doing… those are the lessons you’re going to remember the best.”
Will KaegiBioBuilder Student Ambassador
“All science is hugely defined by how you as a scientist are able to overcome challenges that come up in the process.”
Vivian MarmersteinBioBuilder alum, now a BioBuilder teacher
“Always take chances, there is no harm in trying.”
Nicole MumbiBioBuilder alum
15 is just the beginning.
Your gift in honor of our 15th anniversary helps more students find their place in science and decide it’s for them.
The BioBuilder Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (TIN 45-3844761). Donations are tax-deductible where allowed by law.