YOUNG SCIENCE EXPLORERS VISIT AND TOUR MEDIMMUNE FACILITIES IN GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND
The MdBio Foundation received a grant of $50,000 from AstraZeneca and its Gaithersburg, Md.-based global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune. The grant will enable the foundation to expand its focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and prepare today’s students to become the workforce of tomorrow.
“Our goal is to show students the many possibilities their future can hold with a strong foundation in STEM,” said Brian Gaines, CEO of MdBio. “AstraZeneca’s and MedImmune’s generosity will enable us to expand our programs to ensure that we reach students who can benefit from enhanced educational opportunities. Our state is well-known for its strength in the bioscience market, and we hope to foster the next generation of employees for the companies that call Maryland home.”
AstraZeneca and MedImmune, which employ thousands of individuals in Maryland, have donated more than $165,000 to MdBio since 2010. This most recent grant will support key MdBio programs for students throughout the state, such as:
- MdBioLab – a custom-built mobile laboratory that serves high school students and their teachers throughout the state of Maryland.
- Young Science Explorers Program – an intensive 30-hour summer program during which middle school students can explore STEM-related industry and careers.
- ATLAS – the Advancing Tomorrow’s Leaders + STEM (ATLAS) half-day symposium gives students and parents the opportunity to explore rewarding careers in STEM.
DURING THE VISIT, YOUNG SCIENCE EXPLORERS LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION, PARTICIPATE IN A HANDS ON ACTIVITY, AND INTERACT WITH EMPLOYEES.
“Investing in innovative STEM education programs is one of MedImmune’s and AstraZeneca’s key priorities,” said Bahija Jallal, executive vice president, MedImmune. “The MdBio Foundation plays a vital role in bringing STEM education to communities that often lack sufficient resources. By providing these valuable resources to students across the state, the foundation is playing a key role in ensuring that MedImmune and AstraZeneca will have a strong local workforce to draw from in the future.”
