How can industry partners move beyond sponsorship and create meaningful pathways for students to explore STEM careers? This session highlights the Biotechnology Workplace Experience program, a collaborative initiative between IowaBio and the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa that connects high-achieving student researchers with biotechnology companies across the state.
Participants will learn how scholarship recipients are matched with biotechnology organizations based on their interests and career aspirations, providing students with immersive workplace experiences that include facility tours, exposure to real-world STEM applications, interactions with professionals across departments, and insights into career opportunities within the biotech industry. At the same time, participating companies build relationships with future STEM talent and strengthen Iowa's workforce pipeline.
Through program design, lessons learned, and participant outcomes, attendees will gain practical strategies for developing industry-education partnerships that inspire students, strengthen workforce development efforts, and create sustainable pathways into STEM careers.
