High School Apprenticeship Challenge

This is a specialized program to prepare Boston-area high school students for careers in life science.

A Pre-professional Training Opportunity

This fall we are pleased to be working with the Massachusetts Life Science Center to offer a BioTech Pathmaker program for students who will be 18+ in June 2025.

Selected high school students from metro-Boston build technical knowledge, lab techniques, research-based thinking and professional skills over ten weeks to prepare them for post-secondary academic pursuits and careers in life science companies.

To be eligible for our program, you must be:
* at least 18 years old by June 1st, 2025
* a Massachusetts public high school student
* from historically underrepresented groups or economically disadvantaged
* committed to pursuing a career in the life sciences

Students who complete this program will earn a $1000 stipend and will be evaluated at no cost for BCSI essential lab-skills and micro-credentials.

Want more information?

Download our Fall 2024 Flier >>

Download the 2024 Class Schedule >>

Preview the 2024 application >>

 

Our Curriculum

Program Goals

We provide students with an academically enriching experience that leads them to make solid contributions at the lab bench and on a research team from the very first day of work.

From October through mid-Decemter, students attend our online and in person Lab Training Program to work in lab research teams. During this period, students may also interview at local biotechnology companies and possibly advance to entry-level positions.

Our class schedule can be downloaded here >>

One Part Theory

We’ve spent time listening to what companies and research labs want students to know … and we’ve partnered with teachers to build on what students are already learning in school.

THE BIOTECHBUILDER CURRICULUM THE BIOBIULDER CURRICULUM

One Part Practice

We leverage our BioBuilder curriculum and our expert teachers to mentor students in a laboratory setting so they can confidently pursue their college and career goals.

BCSI CREDENTIAL TESTING RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES JOBS and INTERNSHIPS

One Part Professional Development

Success depends on more than textbook knowledge and a good pair of hands. We use project-based learning to build strong communication skills, responsibility, and resiliency in our students.

APPLY for Fall 2024 Contact Us with Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about High School Apprenticeship Program here. If you can’t find the answers here please feel free to contact us at info@biobuilder.org.

When do you accept applications for the Apprenticeship Challenge?

Applications for the Fall cohort are open only during the month of September. The Spring cohort will open in January, and will close on March 1st.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply?

Applications for the Fall Cohort are accepted from students who:

  • Attend an under-resourced high school in the metro Boston area or who self-identify as economically disadvantaged
  • Can be nominated by a teacher or academic adviser
  • Are 18 years old as of June 1st following the Apprenticeship AND who want to work in a biotechnology company
  • Are committed to pursuing a career in the life sciences.

Applications for the Spring Cohort are accepted from students who:

  • Attend an under-resourced high school in the metro Boston area or who self-identify as economically disadvantaged
  • Can be nominated by a teacher or academic adviser
  • Are 18 years old as of June 1st following the Apprenticeship AND who want to work in a biotechnology company in the summer
  • Or are 16 years old as of June 1st following the Apprenticeship AND who want to work in an academic lab setting or a non-lab setting in a biotechnology company.
  • Are committed to pursuing a summer internship in the life sciences. Students who will be extensively engaged in other summer opportunities (travel, volunteering etc) should not apply.

How does the nomination and selection process work?

Students interested in participating must apply here and identify a teacher who can serve as a reference to support the student application. The BioBuilder Educational Foundation will review applications. Students must be from underrepresented backgrounds, identify as economically disadvantaged, or go to school in under-served communities. Participants are accepted on a rolling basis and all will be notified no later than October 1st for the Fall cohort and March 15th for the spring cohort. We regret that we cannot respond to all student inquiries.

Are students paid for the Apprenticeship Challenge?

There is a $1000 stipend for the fall program and a $200 for the spring program. The stipend is awarded to students who successfully complete BioBuilder’s Apprenticeship Challenge.

All students are then encouraged to test for micro-credentials, and/or pursue one of the job interviews or paid summer internships that the Apprenticeship Challenge may help arrange. Results on the BCSI exams, and summer placement opportunities and compensation amounts will vary.

I love your program. How can I help BioBuilder offer it?

We are grateful for funding from individual donors and charitable foundations. Without this support, we would not be able to run the Apprenticeship.

We also rely on significant in-kind support from companies and individuals who provide materials and who volunteer their expertise to the program.

Finally, the hiring companies and academic labs are vital partners in this Apprenticeship Challenge. Together we help change the career trajectory of our wonderful students.

Contact us if you can help in any of these ways: info@biobuilder.org

Do you have information about student outcomes from this program?

We sure do! Download our 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023 Outcome Reports!

And please watch our 2023 highlights video linked here.