H.R. 8268: Biotechnology for All High School Students Act

This bill, known as the Biotechnology for All High School Students Act, aims to enhance biotechnology education for secondary school students in the United States. Here are the key elements of the bill:

Funding and Support for Biotechnology Education

The bill proposes that the Director (of a yet-to-be-defined body) can award grants to eligible entities. These grants are intended to support the implementation and expansion of biotechnology education programs for high school students, including informal educational settings. The aim is to improve accessibility and quality of education in biotechnology across various educational institutions.

Eligible Entities

Entities that can apply for these grants include:

• State educational agencies
• Local educational agencies
• Institutions of higher education
• Eligible nonprofit organizations
• Consortiums made up of the above entities

Use of Funds

The funds awarded can be used for several purposes, including:

1. Professional development and training for teachers in biotechnology education, covering areas like laboratory instruction, curriculum design, and teaching methods.
2. Development and distribution of curricula and instructional materials focused on biotechnology.
3. Acquisition of necessary laboratory and teaching equipment for biotechnology education.
4. Establishing partnerships between higher education institutions, private companies, and nonprofit organizations to enhance biotechnology education.
5. Creating transferable and stackable credentials in biotechnology for students.
6. Any other purpose deemed appropriate by the Director.

Priority Considerations

The Director may give priority when awarding grants to entities that demonstrate a lack of resources or limited access to current biotechnology educational materials and programs.

Coordinating and Promoting Biotechnology Education

Aside from awarding grants, the Director, in collaboration with the Secretary of Education and a newly formed National Biotechnology Education Consortium, can undertake various activities:

• Coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to implement and expand biotechnology education programs.
• Promote collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance such programs.
• Identify and share best practices for implementing these educational programs.
• Support professional development and training beyond the scope of specific awards.
• Facilitate access to educational resources, curricula, and digital tools for biotechnology education.

National Biotechnology Education Consortium

The bill mandates the establishment of a National Biotechnology Education Consortium within 180 days from the enactment of the law. This consortium will consist of at least six members from various relevant sectors, including federal agencies, educational entities, and stakeholders in biotechnology. The intention is to provide support and recommendations regarding biotechnology education programs for secondary school students. The consortium will be operational for five years before it is disbanded.

Definitions

Key terms used in the legislation include:

• Eligible entity: This includes state and local educational agencies, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and consortiums thereof.
• Secondary school: Defined per the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Relevant Companies

• AMGN (Amgen Inc.): As a major biotech company, Amgen may be involved in educational partnerships and could see increased interest from students entering the field, potentially leading to a stronger future workforce.
• GILD (Gilead Sciences, Inc.): Gilead could benefit from an influx of knowledgeable graduates entering the biotech industry, augmenting the talent pool for their research and development needs.
• REGN (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.): The initiative to expand biotechnology education may enhance the company's ability to recruit skilled workers from a newly informed generation.