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PROSPER

PROSPER Brief

August 2024


PROSPER: is the workforce development arm of Missouri Biotechnology Association (MOBIO) - Partnering Resources, Opportunities, and Students for Powerful Employment Results


HISTORY: MOBIO views workforce development as a fundamental aspect of our mission. Our members increasingly express the need for workforce development support in advocacy, application assistance, and project engagement. MOBIO, as the statewide association, is uniquely positioned to unify different partners and programs. PROSPER was developed to help streamline efforts and make a significant impact across the state.

Forged from our current collaborations, which include Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) Science 2 Jobs (S2J) along with BioSTL and BioNexus KC BioTech for MO, PROSPER highlights our dedication to advancing workforce development in Missouri's life sciences, marking a significant milestone in our journey.

Life sciences jobs are in high demand. This industry is rapidly growing in Missouri, and our life sciences companies need skilled people now. Some 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.

PROSPER aims to expand learning experiences with FREE Missouri resources. We enhance awareness and interest in science-based learning, programs, and careers.


Three focus groups:

• Our future and emerging workforce: K-12 Students who need unique learning experiences to cultivate interest, as well as those who are 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.


PARTNERS: Meeting the growing demands of the workforce requires a multifaceted approach. To serve in our greatest capacity, MOBIO will execute programs in Missouri under PROSPER, functioning as a bridge that extends our offerings to rural and underserved communities. Additionally, we partner with other organizations advancing this workforce development mission.

Current partners/programs:

• Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) and MOSO Caps: Partnering in the Science 2 Jobs (S2J) program.

•BioSTL and BioNexus KC: In support of the BIOTECH for MO program


PROGRAM FEATURES AND REACH:

• Hands-on Mobile Science Labs: Provide the appropriate learning level equipment for hands-on science activities and experiments, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and skills.

• Discovery Life Sciences Trailer: A 40-foot mobile immersive learning unit featuring virtual reality learning experiences, agriculture drone demonstrations, a NASA greenhouse, and more. We bring innovative science experiences directly to students and community events, eliminating logistical hurdles and ensuring accessibility to enriching educational opportunities.

More To Come:

• Summer BioTech Tours: New for 2025, these tours offer high school teachers and school counselors a firsthand view of Missouri's life sciences industry, insights into career opportunities, and the opportunity to meet professionals in the field.

• Virtual Reality Learning Experiences: This metaverse is specifically designed for workforce exploration and training. It allows students to immerse themselves in a virtual life sciences environment, gaining practical experience and skills that will be invaluable in their future careers.


Student Feedback and Outcomes: The first student lab "test run" was held at Salem Middle School on May 18, 2024. From May – August 2024, the Discovery Life Sciences Trailer and the Hands-on Mobile Science labs have served at 11 schools and community events, reaching over 2,200 individuals.

One Salem middle school student participating in the hands-on labs told his teacher, "This was real science."

We are confident that these resources are helping students bridge classroom learning with real-world applications and shaping a brighter future in the life sciences sector.


Funding: PROSPER's support comes from grants, private sector contributions, and partnerships with life sciences companies. PROSPER enables MOBIO to utilize a diverse funding base to assist with the program's sustainability.

Thank you to the State of Missouri, our sponsors, and donors for their support and investment in the growth of the state's life sciences sector.


• Agri Spray Drones

• Avadel

• Fisher Scientific

• Labconco

• Paul Mueller Company

• St. Louis Community College


To learn more and support PROSPER, we encourage you to visit prospermo.org