A Pre-professional Training Opportunity

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.

Want more information?

Download our Spring 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 their summer work.

From mid-March through mid-May, students attend our online and in person Lab Training Program to work in lab research teams. During this period, students may also interview and possibly advance to a six-week paid summer internship.

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.

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.

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.

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 Spring cohort open in January and are reviewed on a rolling basis until March 1st. Applications for the Fall cohort will open in summer 2024.

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

Applications 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 March 15. We regret that we cannot respond to all student inquiries.

Are students paid for the Apprenticeship Challenge?

There is a small stipend ($200) for students who successfully complete BioBuilder’s Apprenticeship Challenge held March through May. All students are then encouraged to test for micro-credentials, and/or pursue one of the 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.