MBL Awarded State Funding to Expand Educational Opportunities for Massachusetts Public School Students

WOODS HOLE, MA – The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $200,000 in state funding to provide transformative science education to Massachusetts public school students. This funding will enable high school and undergraduate students to participate in immersive, hands-on research courses at the MBL, one of the world’s leading institutions for biological and environmental science research and education.

The state funding will provide Massachusetts public school students with tuition to participate in MBL’s High School Science Discovery Program (HSSDP) and undergraduate programs, including the Semester in Environmental Science (SES) and the Semester in Biological Discovery (SBD). This support will ensure that students from across the state have access to these unique, hands-on learning experiences located within their home state, regardless of financial need.

About the High School Program

The High School Science Discovery Program provides high school students a unique opportunity to move beyond the classroom and actively participate in research alongside MBL scientists. In this residential program, students work with cutting-edge scientific tools, equipment, and techniques to tackle key questions in biological sciences, gaining experience in many areas of biology, advanced microscopy, and data analysis. They also explore the MBL’s Marine Resources Center, where they interact with marine organisms including sea urchins, skates, starfish, crustaceans, rotifers, local coral, and more while learning directly from leading scientists.

About the MBL Undergraduate Programs

Semester in Environmental Science (SES)

SES offers a 15-week experience where students conduct field and laboratory research to understand the biogeochemistry of coastal ecosystems. Participants study the dynamic interactions within wetlands, bays, and coastal forests on Cape Cod, including sites like Waquoit Bay. This course emphasizes independent research projects, enabling students to gain a deep understanding of ecosystem science and environmental research methods.

Semester in Biological Discovery (SBD)

The SBD program is a 13-week, research-intensive course that allows students to explore diverse fields within biological sciences, including parasitology, biodiversity, and neurophysiology. Modeled after MBL’s prestigious Advanced Research Training Courses, this program provides students with a unique opportunity to conduct hands-on research using state-of-the-art technology, immersing them in discovery-based learning.

Expanding Access and Opportunities

This new state funding will significantly expand access to these programs for Massachusetts public school students, providing them with opportunities to engage in high-level scientific research and develop skills essential for pursuing careers in STEM fields. By supporting these programs, the state is investing in science education and helping to cultivate the next generation of scientists.

“We are honored to receive this funding, which will allow us to extend our world-class educational programs to more students across Massachusetts,” said Linda Hyman, Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education at MBL. “This support will open doors for students from diverse backgrounds to experience the thrill of scientific discovery and to explore potential careers in research and science.”

For more information about the High School Science Discovery Program, the Semester in Environmental Science, the Semester in Biological Discovery, as well as information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.mbl.edu/education

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The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery – exploring fundamental biology, understanding marine biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cummis
Scummis@mbl.edu
973-800-4119