The MLSC is proud to spotlight LynnLab, which recently received a $30,000 award through the Out-of-School Time (OST) track of the Education and Workforce Development Grant Program. LynnLab is a community biology lab and maker space designed to make science accessible and increase bio-literacy for learners of all backgrounds.
The MLSC’s support enables LynnLab to offer BioTech Explorers (“BE-Lynn”), an afterschool program that introduces high school students to biotechnology and medical science through hands-on laboratory experience. This year’s award builds on an initial grant of $31,488 to help pilot the program, bringing total MLSC investment to more than $61,000.
Serving up to 48 high school students annually, BE-Lynn enables participants to build technical skills while gaining experience with state-of-the-art life sciences equipment and technologies and learning from industry professionals. Students explore topics such as molecular and cellular biology, gene editing, computational biology and AI, laboratory safety, and core biotechnology techniques.
“The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s continued support is an investment in both our students and our community,” said Don Pinkerton, Founder and President of LynnLab. “Through the BE-Lynn program, we’re giving young people the opportunity to explore biotechnology through authentic, hands-on experiences while helping them envision futures in the life sciences. This grant enables LynnLab to inspire the next generation of innovators and build a stronger, more inclusive STEM pipeline for Massachusetts.”
To date, the MLSC has awarded more than $2.2 million in funding to nonprofit organizations offering hands-on OST programming. Additionally, the MLSC has invested nearly $34 million in life sciences equipment and professional development funding for more than 470 public schools throughout Massachusetts.
LynnLab is among the 68 organizations receiving a share of $12.3 million in awards recently announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MLSC to support life sciences education and workforce development across Massachusetts. Read the full announcement here.
