Communities are built by individuals coming together to find solutions to challenges. During this difficult time in our economic history, companies want to lead as community builders and industry professionals want to dedicate themselves as volunteers. President Obama has said throughout his presidency that "people can do some extraordinary things if they're given the proper tools and support", and has asked the nation to "come together to help lay a new foundation for growth." The life science industry would like to take hold of this ethic of service and has made a commitment to the enhance science literacy within California.

The BIOCOM Institute wants to put this kind of support to good use. We are organizing activities to help schools infuse real world examples of science. You can help by becoming a part of Science ACES (Advancing Classroom Education in Science), a volunteerism movement designed to bring industry professionals into middle school science classrooms.

Developed by the BIOCOM Institute, the campaign will leverage lessons tied to California State education standards from its Science Education Speakers Bureau program. The lessons are taught by industry representatives that are members of BIOCOM as well as retired and displaced life science professionals.

Each module in the Science ACES curriculum can be taught by a volunteer industry professional. Professionals are encouraged to not only teach the lesson but show how the lessons are applied in the real world. Part of the lesson allows professionals to discuss science career options with students. The goal is to make science come alive for students.

While the Science ACES program is being launched across San Diego Unified, it will ultimately be available to all middle schools in San Diego County. As the ranks of volunteer professionals increase and funding grows, the BIOCOM Institute expects to serve all K-12 San Diego County schools in the future.

Industry Professionals: If you are interested in being a guest speaker please fill out this SESB Industry Application.pdf and fax to (858) 455-0022 or email to kgrover@biocom.org

Teachers: If you are interested in having a guest speaker visit your classroom please fill out this SESB Teacher Application.pdf and fax to (858) 455-0022 or email to kgrover@biocom.org