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PROSPER

MOBIO's PROSPER Initiative: Bold New Program to Elevate Life Sciences Education and Workforce

September 16, 2024

Missouri Biotechnology Association (MOBIO) launches PROSPER a new initiative to enhance workforce development in the human, agriculture, and animal bioscience sectors across the state. PROSPER, which stands for Partnering Resources, Opportunities, and Students for Powerful Employment Results, aims to help address the growing demand for skilled professionals in these life sciences industries.


PROSPER offers free cutting-edge resources throughout Missouri to enrich learning experiences and foster greater awareness and interest in science-based education, programs, and careers.

PROSPER emerged from MOBIO’s commitment to workforce development, a fundamental area of focus for the association. The initiative builds on existing collaborations with institutions such as Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) and programs like Science 2 Jobs (S2J), as well as with BioSTL and BioNexus KC through the BioTech for MO program. These partnerships exemplify MOBIO’s strategic approach to unifying various stakeholders to enhance workforce readiness in Missouri’s life sciences sector.

The program offers several key features to provide students and communities with enriching educational experiences. These include:

 Hands-on Mobile Science Lab: These labs bring equipment and activities directly to schools and community events, allowing participants to engage in practical scientific experiments and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.

 Discovery Life Sciences Trailer: A 40-foot mobile unit equipped with virtual reality learning experiences, agriculture drone demonstrations, and a NASA greenhouse. This trailer provides immersive learning opportunities that overcome logistical challenges and make advanced science education accessible to diverse audiences.

 Virtual Reality Learning Experiences: This feature immerses students in a metaverse environment tailored for life sciences exploration, offering practical experience and skills pertinent to future careers.

 Summer BioTech Tours: New for 2025, these tours will provide teachers and counselors insight into Missouri’s life sciences industry, including career opportunities and networking with professionals.

Since its pilot launch at Salem Middle School on May 18, 2024, PROSPER has reached over 3,500 individuals across 19 schools and community events. Student feedback has been positive, with one participant noting, “This was real science,” reflecting the program’s success in bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.

PROSPER receives funding through grants, private sector contributions, and partnerships with life sciences companies. Key sponsors and donors include Agri Spray Drones, Avadel, Fisher Scientific, Labconco, Paul Mueller Company, and St. Louis Community College. 

For more information about PROSPER and how to support its mission, visit prospermo.org