SAN ANTONIO (January 23, 2024) – Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) is launching a new science education program with funding provided by Valero. The program will provide San Antonio high school students with hands-on biomedical research experience.
Valero’s support for the “Valero Young Scientist Program” at Texas Biomed will help inspire local students to be part of the next generation of scientists and provide them unparalleled access to learn from leading biomedical scientists.
“We are excited to connect local students with unique opportunities to expand their horizons and explore a future in science, right here in our community,” says Akudo Anyanwu, MD, Vice President for Development at Texas Biomed.
The four-week summer program will offer an immersive, multi-disciplinary experience. Students will explore different career pathways as they interact with researchers, graduate students and teachers at Texas Biomed. They will collaborate with peers and teachers in laboratory experiments and develop foundational lab skills, including interpretation of scientific data. They will also work on presentation, communication and networking skills.
Parents and guardians will be involved through virtual sessions about STEM careers and university programs that their students might pursue. They will also be invited to participate in a final showcase where students present their summer projects.
“Valero is helping make lasting change in San Antonio by investing in students, teachers and parents,” says Rose Riggs, PhD, Texas Biomed’s Director of Education Outreach Programs. “We are thrilled to launch this program and set students up for success as they explore the many diverse careers available in the biosciences.”
Under its 10-year Strategic Plan set in 2018, Texas Biomed has significantly expanded its overall commitment to STEM education and workforce opportunities. For example, the Institute’s various educational initiatives serve nearly 10,000 K-12 students from all 17 public school districts.
Applications for the first summer scholar program are open and the deadline to apply is February 29. Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors and at least 16 years old when the program begins on June 24.
For more information: https://www.txbiomed.org/education-outreach/valero-young-scientist-program/