Selected high school students from metro-Boston build technical knowledge, lab techniques, research-based thinking and professional skills over eight weeks to prepare them for paid summer internships in academic labs and life science companies.
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 their summer work.
From mid-March through mid-May, students attend a Lab Training Program twice a week after school ⎯ as well as Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon ⎯ to work in biodesign teams. During this period, students may also interview and possibly advance to a six-week paid summer internship.
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.
We leverage our BioBuilder curriculum and our expert teachers to mentor students in a laboratory setting so they can confidently enter their summer programs.
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.
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.
Applications open in January and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applications are accepted from students who:
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 March 15. We regret that we cannot respond to all student inquiries.
There is a small stipend ($100) for students who successfully complete BioBuilder’s Apprenticeship Challenge held March through May. All students are then encouraged to pursue one of the paid summer internships that the Apprenticeship Challenge may help arrange. Summer placement opportunities and compensation amounts will vary.
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