Cohort Two, Emerging Leaders in Biotech + Cyber, program pairs high school and college women as near-peer mentors and connects them with diverse professionals from STEM careers in Montgomery County.

This fast-paced, hybrid program introduces high school and college women to biotechnology and cyber jobs, in an all-female cohort environment. Students will get hands-on laboratory experiences and meet female luminaries from all across the spectrum of STEM careers.

Mentors lead high school participants through career and hands-on investigation activities while developing relationships to help support each other as they pursue their STEM goals. The program introduces participants to STEM professionals and entrepreneurs in biotechnology, biopharma, computer science, and cybersecurity to learn more about the careers and industries located in their own communities.

Cohort Two, Emerging Leaders in Biotech + Cyber, began on November 2, 2021. 

Cohort Two Open To:

• College students: Any student currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year Maryland college
• High School students: Must attend a public high school in the Montgomery County Public Schools system
• Individuals who identify as female, cisgender, transgender, and non-binary
• Priority will be given to those from groups underrepresented in STEM careers, including Black and Latina women, as well as first generation college students.

What will you do in Emerging Leaders in STEM?

• Meet strong women who are kicking butt and taking names in STEM fields
• Learn lab skills + computer science techniques that will set you apart when applying to college and that first job
• Practice “soft skills” like making connections and public speaking, which are in super high demand in science jobs
• Build friendships with college and high school women who have similar interests
• Get a completion certificate to add to your college application or résumé

What will you get out of this program? Hear from our Cohort One participants what they thought!

What to Expect as a Participant

The program will meet twice a week from November 2 – December 4, 2021 (no sessions will be held the week of November 22). The program will include both in-person and virtual sessions.

In person sessions will be skills-building sessions focused on laboratory and computer science activities

• In person sessions will be held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4-6PM, in Gaithersburg, MD
  • Participants will be divided into two groups to limit the number of individuals working together in person
  • Group A will meet on Tuesdays and Group B will meet on Wednesdays (participants will sign up for Group A or Group B when they register).
  • In Person Laboratory Session Schedule
    • GROUP A in person sessions: Tuesday November 2, November 9, November 16, and December 7
    • GROUP B in person sessions: Wednesday November 3, November 10, November 17, and December 8

Virtual sessions will highlight keynote speakers from industry and workshops to develop career readiness and networking skills

• Virtual sessions for both GROUP A and GROUP B will be held Thursdays, 4-6PM, via Zoom
• Virtual sessions will be held Thursday, November 4, November 11, November 18, and December 9, 4-6PM via Zoom
• Virtual sessions will consist of a keynote speaker or panel, followed by a smaller skills-building workshop with their mentor and a few peers.

College student (mentor) additional info:

• Mentors must commit to attending all sessions.
• Mentors must commit to having their camera on for all virtual sessions
• Mentors will receive a stipend of $15/hour as well as a $50 travel stipend
  • Stipends will be received at the end of the program
  • Travel stipends will be provided after the virtual orientation on October 19
• Mentors are required to attend a virtual orientation on October 19, 2021 5 – 6 PM

High school participant info:

• To receive a certificate of completion participants must attend all laboratory sessions.
• Students must commit to having their camera on for all virtual small group sessions
• High school participants will receive a $50 travel stipend at the end of the program

Please feel free to contact program manager Dr. Benedetta Naglieri with any questions.

Thanks to Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation and AstraZeneca for supporting this program.