BioConnects New England
BioConnects New England (BCNE) partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) to introduce 8th-grade students to career opportunities in the life sciences at the Junior Achievement of Greater Boston’s JA Inspire expo held at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center in December.
JA Inspire
JA Inspire is a powerful event designed to share career opportunities with 1,200 middle school students from cities such as Boston, Chelsea, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, and Quincy. “It was great to join forces with two of our closest partners in BCNE and ThermoFisher Scientific at JA Inspire to highlight the MLSC internship programs and other resources for students interested in life sciences careers,” said Ryan Mudawar, VP of Education and Workforce Programs at the MLSC. “It was truly energizing to engage with hundreds of local middle and high school students and help them understand the great potential and opportunity that the life sciences industry can offer them right here in Massachusetts.”
Volunteering with JA Inspire
“Volunteering with JA Inspire was such an impactful experience that allowed us to introduce the intersection between science and business to young students,” Jordyn Blake, biosciences account manager at ThermoFisher’s Life Sciences Solutions Group in Boston, said. “They were so engaged in learning about career pathways outside of the traditional STEM careers. I am glad we were able to play a part in inspiring the next generation of innovators and scientists by sharing our journeys.”
“Northeastern seeks to bring the best of its resources and reach to events like JA Inspire. Our research government affairs and BioConnects New England teams collaborate regularly on these opportunities to drive tangible impact locally,” said Dana DeBari, Director of Government Relations & Strategic Projects at Northeastern. “JA Inspire is a one-of-a-kind event where we can interact with young learners and really get them thinking about careers in biomanufacturing and the life sciences in companies, labs, and academic and research institutions across New England.”
Future of Biotech
BCNE believes that the future of biotech relies heavily on creating access, education, and connection to the industry for young people. Junior Achievement Boston has built a brilliant opportunity with its annual JA Inspire Event.