Connecting Philadelphians to STEM Careers: Building an Understanding of Lab Basics Program

• In Event: Community, Industry, and Research Partnerships Can Shift the Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Workforce in Philadelphia

Abstract

Efforts to diversify STEM often focus on traditional education systems and expanding opportunities for underrepresented individuals to obtain postsecondary STEM degrees and credentials (George et al., 2019). However, these attempts inadvertently exclude individuals with limited education or credentials and fail to address the need for qualified entry-level candidates in the life science sector (KMPG, 2022; Econsult Solutions, 2020). The University City Science Center’s Building an Understanding of Lab Basics (BULB) program is a free, 5-week training program that provides lab-based skill development training and mentoring to prepare Philadelphians for entry-level careers in life sciences. The program was intentionally designed to create a diverse and sustainable talent pool via collaboration with industry partners on workforce training and job placement. BULB collaborates with Philadelphia-based biotechnology companies, including Integral Molecular, to understand the skills necessary for entry-level jobs at a biotechnology company and inform program design.
The BULB program targets individuals who are 18 years or older, have limited education and limited or no work experience, and are in low-wage employment or have a history of under-employment or unemployment. BULB has primarily focused on engaging Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals (86%), women (80%), and individuals from historically and systematically disadvantaged (socioeconomically and otherwise) areas of Philadelphia. BULB is strategically focused on the Greater Philadelphia region due to the significant anticipated growth in the life science industry in the area (KMPG, 2022; Econsult Solutions, 2020). Life science companies in the area seek individuals to fill entry-level positions, including roles in lab positions, business operations, and manufacturing. BULB graduates have the necessary skills to enter these careers or more advanced STEM workforce development programs. After completing the BULB program, 100% of the Spring 2023 participants (N=12) felt more connected to the Philadelphia science community and more confident and capable in lab skills (e.g., micro-pipetting).
In the session, BULB will highlight its approach to diversifying the STEM pipeline and discuss its collaboration with Integral Molecular to build a training program that is responsive to the needs of the industry, offers participants meaningful connections with industry professionals, and provides individuals historically underrepresented in STEM with career advancement opportunities. In addition, results from a recent mixed-method, external evaluation conducted by AnLar will be shared to highlight how the BULB program influences a) participants' sense of belonging to the science community and efficacy in lab-based skills and b) industry partner perceptions of who can work in the life sciences sector.
Identifying scalable community-based programs, like BULB, that can be adapted for other communities is critical for sustainably diversifying the STEM field. These programs 1) offer access to STEM education and training to individuals who may not have equitable access to traditional routes, like higher education institutions, 2) have the advantage of being able to tailor their curriculum and training to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve, and 3) can offer long-term support to participants that extends beyond the program.

Authors

• Phil Brooks, University City Science Center

• Felicia Jones, University City Science Center

• Adetoun Adeniji-Adele, Integral Molecular