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Learning Undefeated's 2026 Emerging Leaders in STEM Biotechnology Course

Coming to Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio!

Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology is a fast-paced, hands-on accelerated 30-hour biotechnology course that introduces high school and college students to high-demand STEM careers.

The 2026 program includes five virtual events during the spring and a one-week in-person laboratory session over the summer. The virtual sessions will take place Saturday mornings starting April 25th. Below are the dates and locations for the in-person laboratory sessions:

  • Upper Marlboro, MD: Week of July 6
  • Dayton, OH: Week of July 6
  • Philadelphia, PA: Week of July 6
  • San Antonio, TX: Week of July 13
  • Rockville, MD: Weeks of July 13, 20, and 27

Thank you to our 2026 Emerging Leaders in STEM partners! AstraZeneca, REGENXBIO, DoD STEM, Montgomery County Maryland, AFCEA Bethesda and the Neilom Foundation are helping empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Apply Today for the Spring 2026 Program!

Submit your application for the 2026 program. Selected candidates will be notified in April.

Become an Instructor for the 2026 Program!

We’re seeking passionate instructors to help lead our Emerging Leaders in Biotechnology summer labs — a free, one-week program introducing high school and college students to advanced lab techniques, career pathways, and real-world problem-solving in biotechnology.

Instructor Benefits

  • Paid training in spring 2026, with on-site support during summer labs
  • $35/hour for up to 180 hours of work
  • Access to curriculum materials for classroom use
  • Ongoing professional development and classroom support

Program Timeline

  • Training: May–June 2026
  • Summer Labs: June–July 2026

Locations

  • Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Maryland
  • San Antonio, Texas
  • Philadelphia, PA

Eligibility

Teachers with experience teaching biology or related laboratory courses at the high school or community college level.

Interested in joining?

Complete the instructor interest form below. Selected candidates will be contacted in February/March.

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emerging leaders in stem in the lab with teacher showing students

During the Emerging Leaders laboratory intensive, high school students are paired with a college-age mentor to explore more advanced topics.

student showing off lab equipment

During a typical laboratory intensive, students explore CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and genetic engineering, transformation, gel electrophoresis, and polymerase chain reaction.

emerging leaders in stem students with their certificates

Career-building sessions and company tours highlight the contributions of early career scientists and focus on critical soft skills like aligning coursework to meet professional goals, networking, and interviewing techniques.

emerging leaders in stem mobile mx lab

Leveraging the near-peer mentorship model, Emerging Leaders builds lasting relationships to carry students into their careers with a network of support.

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Flex Your Advanced Skills in Biotechnology

Participants dive into synthetic biology, CRISPR, biomarkers, and gene editing — using custom-designed science kits and real lab equipment. Alumni have landed jobs at the NIH, cancer research centers, and beyond.

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Join A Powerful Network of 400+ Alumni and Mentors

Visit laboratory facilities, build career readiness and networking skills, and develop friendships with like-minded young scientists who will support their journey in STEM. Alumni join a welcoming network of 400 + students and early career professionals.

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Earn a Certificate, a Stipend, and Leave Internship-Ready

Graduates walk away with a certificate, a stipend, and hands-on experience that looks great on a résumé. More importantly, you’ll gain the technical and professional skills that make you truly internship-ready — prepared to step into real lab environments with confidence.

emerging leaders in stem in the lab using gel electrophoresis
Being in a collaborative environment like Emerging Leaders prepared me to work in the lab I’m in today. It was just really cool to have women who look like you in one space, it truly taught me the importance of networking”
madison please

Madison Pleas
• Currently a Johns Hopkins Medicine Lab Technician.
• Alumna of Learning Undefeated’s inaugural 2021 Emerging Leaders Program.

MORE ABOUT MADISON’S JOURNEY

Our Mission is Made Possible with the Support of Our Partners

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dod stem dsec department of defense learning undefeated Partners 1
dod stem dsec department of defense learning undefeated Partners 2
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Join the Mission