Supporting students on their path to STEM careers

The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is a paid summer science intensive for under-resourced Bay Area high school students from Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Alameda counties. The program seeks to broaden students’ understanding of biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels while working on a real bioenergy research project. In addition to trying on a research career, the program also exposes students to professional development, and preparation for the college application process.

Benefits for participating students include: 

• A stipend for successful completion of the program 
• Transportation support
• Meals and nutritional education during on-site days
• Field trips to local universities, biotech companies, and STEM museums and organizations
• Working on a hands-on, real-world research project mentored by Joint BioEnergy Institute scientists 
• Learn fundamental concepts in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biofuels, and synthetic biology 
• Networking opportunities with scientists from many different fields
• Interacting with college-going role models from multiple universities
• Receive career exploration guidance, professional development and preparation for the college application process
• College application support throughout the school year

We are raising funds to cover the program costs to provide the iCLEM opportunity to several wonderful students each year. We are also planning to develop a new, robust website that will contain iCLEM curriculum modules, videos, and other content so that we can expand our reach beyond the Bay Area.

We are so grateful for your support.

Learn more about iCLEM here