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Webb City High School Students Dive Into Science with Virtual Reality

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A Message From Our Executive Director
Investing In STEM Education: Building Tomorrow’s Biotech



Kelly Gillespie

Executive Director

MOBIO

From the moment children step into kindergarten classrooms to the day they walk across the stage at graduation, their journey in education shapes not only their future but also the trajectory of our society. As someone deeply entrenched in the biotech and life sciences industry, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of investing in STEM education from an early age — and I've seen how its benefits extend beyond traditional education to adults seeking new career paths.

 

STEM education develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific knowledge that will help us tackle the challenges of the future. It also prepares students for the career opportunities of today.

 

Life sciences jobs are in high demand. This industry is growing rapidly in Missouri, and our life sciences companies need skilled people now. Some of these jobs require bachelor’s or advanced degrees, but many, including those in high-tech labs, require only a high school diploma or certificate. These jobs offer great opportunities, with average salaries significantly higher than the state’s median income. However, too many students — including adults who might be looking to switch careers — are unaware of these opportunities or what it takes to obtain them.

 

It's become clear that our industry and our state must do more to inform people about these opportunities and connect them with the training they need to not only get jobs in the life sciences but also succeed in them.

 

We’re focusing on three key groups:

· Our emerging workforce: Students in grades 6 through 12 who might be interested in science but need help understanding the opportunities available.

· Our imminent workforce: College students on the brink of starting their careers who likely already enjoy working in the sciences but might not know the full breadth of what the field offers.

· Our incumbent workforce: Our current working population in and outside Missouri who, with some upskilling, reskilling, or relocation support, could find a fulfilling opportunity at one of our companies.

 

The key for all groups is more than just education. It is intentional education. We are dedicating the coming months and years to being intentional in how we help all Missourians, especially students, see their potential.

 

Investing in Education

Missouri Biotechnology Association's (MOBIO) workforce development initiative, PROSPER, is committed to Partnering Resources, Opportunities, and Students for Powerful Employment Results. By integrating PROSPER into our framework, MOBIO aims to advance its workforce development role while ensuring long-term program sustainability.

 

As we begin this journey, we're partnering with educators to bring portable laboratories to classrooms in Missouri, providing teachers with state-of-the-art resources to explore scientific concepts in a hands-on environment. These labs provide the equipment needed to incorporate engaging activities and expand science experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of life sciences among students and enabling them to see what this kind of science looks like in the real world.

 

The immersion trailer is doing more to encourage life science exploration. Scheduled to roll out in June, this one-of-a-kind experience is scheduled to meet students at schools and community events. Through virtual reality, drone demonstrations, and NASA greenhouses students will have exposure many would otherwise never experience. This cutting-edge technology is designed to open new doors of discovery.

 

In addition, our member companies are partnering with us to provide a fantastic experience though Summer BioTech Tours. These tours offer a firsthand look of Missouri's vibrant life sciences industry. For high school students eager to explore the vast potential of these life sciences fields, this tour is your gateway to gain insights, meet professionals, and immerse yourself in the exciting world of agriculture, animal, and human life sciences.

 

In addition to these student-driven experiences, we proudly partner with Missouri Southern State University, MOSO Caps, and Missouri Western State University in the Science 2 Jobs (S2J) program and collaborate with BioSTL and BioNexus KC in the BIOTECH for MO program. PROSPER directly supports these programs and functions as a bridge extending additional assistance to rural and underserved communities within Missouri, thereby enhancing accessibility to opportunities in the biotechnology sector.

 

By preparing students and existing workers to meet our industries demand, we are not only securing individuals’ futures but also ensuring our state’s future prosperity.

 

It's an exhilarating time for our state and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We encourage you to learn about and lean into these programs.

 

We also wish to extend our appreciation to Governor Mike Parson and the State of Missouri for their support and investment in the current and future growth of Missouri's life sciences. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Kelly Gillespie 

Executive Director