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During February school vacation, we had the privilege of hosting 20 Boston Public High School students at LabCentral for a “Biotech Boot Camp” in collaboration with the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). The Boston PIC organizes industry-specific "boot camps" across various fields— including architecture, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more—providing students with hands-on experience, skill-building opportunities, and valuable networking connections. 

Students not only gain exposure to STEM careers but also receive a stipend and priority for paid summer internships. This marks our third year partnering with the Boston PIC on these boot camps, and each year, the experience becomes even more impactful! 

Our What the Heck is Biotech?® program is dedicated to making the life sciences industry accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. Partnering with organizations like the Boston PIC allows us to tailor our workshops to meet participants where they are in their career exploration journey. For this group, we focused on igniting interest in STEM, demystifying biotech startups, showcasing the wide range of career opportunities available, and connecting students with professionals actively working in the industry. 

Throughout the three-day program, students participated in a series of interactive sessions and hands-on activities, including:  

• Engaging discussions on biotech fundamentals and the diverse career pathways within the industry;
• A personality assessment to help students identify strengths and potential career alignments;
• Hands-on lab activities designed to introduce key scientific techniques and concepts used in real-world biotech roles; 
• Career panels at Biogen CoLab featuring professionals from AbbVie and Biogen, providing insights into different industry roles and career trajectories; and 
• Dedicated networking opportunities, including a casual lunch where students could connect one-on-one with industry experts.  

This initiative holds personal significance for me as a Boston PIC alumnus. A decade ago, I was in these students’ shoes, participating in similar programs that helped shape my career in the innovation economy. My hope is that these students will one day find themselves in similar positions – leading, mentoring, and creating opportunities for the next generation.  

We extend our gratitude to the Boston PIC, Biogen, and AbbVie for their invaluable support in making this program a success, and look forward to future collaborations.  

If you’re interested in getting involved with future What the Heck is Biotech?® programs, reach out to us at ignite@labcentral.org.