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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 June 22 and July 6
  • Dayton, OH: Week of July 6
  • Philadelphia, PA: Week of July 6
  • San Antonio, TX: Week of July 6 and 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 all be notified before April 1, 2026.

 

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

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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.

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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.

Discover & Apply for STEM Scholarships!

Get rewarded for your passions in science, tech, engineering, and math.

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 Emerging Leaders Partners

Join the Mission