Afterschool programs: Enter the Community in Nature Prize Challenge! Help youth design an impactful community project and compete to win up to $3,500.
Exploring the science of health, biology, and innovation through hands-on STEM that prepares youth for careers in medicine, biotechnology, and the life sciences.
The Life & Health Sciences Center of Excellence sparks youth interest in biology, medicine, and human health through hands-on STEM learning outside of school. From genetics and biotechnology to public health and digital tools, we help young people explore real-world challenges—and imagine themselves solving them. With support for educators and career-connected learning at every step, this Center is preparing the next generation of health and life science innovators.
Health and life science careers aren’t just for doctors or lab researchers—they rely on creative thinkers, empathetic listeners, tech-savvy problem-solvers, and community-driven leaders. As innovation in health accelerates, so does the need for diverse perspectives and human-centered skills. From digital health tools to breakthroughs in biotechnology, the future of health depends on people who can think critically, collaborate, and care. That’s why giving youth early exposure to these fields—especially in out-of-school settings—is more important than ever.
As of May 2024, the median annual wage for medical scientists was $100,590—compared to $48,060 across all occupations. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Healthcare will account for more job openings annually than any other sector, driven by innovation, growth, and an aging population. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Biotechnology is creating millions of careers that span medicine, agriculture, and environmental innovation—and it’s one of the fastest-growing STEM sectors today. Source: Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
Exposure to real professionals—especially in healthcare—helps youth connect science to real people, real impact, and real careers. Whether it’s shadowing a nurse, hearing from a geneticist, or meeting a health tech innovator, these experiences can spark lasting interest. Source: Siemens Healthineers
STEM Next teamed up with global genomics leader Illumina on the “Future is Bright” campaign to bring the power and wonder of DNA science to afterschool and summer programs nationwide. Through hands-on activities like DNA extraction experiments and exclusive career chats with genomics leaders, we helped thousands of young people across America discover that innovation is truly in their DNA—and that breakthroughs in health, agriculture, and beyond all connect back to the power of genomics.
Free STEM activities for grades 4–8 explore astronaut health, the circulatory system, and gravity’s effects, connecting afterschool learning to real-world science and careers.
Here are the toolkits, strategies, and opportunities available through the Health & Life Sciences Center of Excellence.
Free STEM activities for grades 4–8 explore astronaut health, the circulatory system,…
Explore Genomics Learning Journeys, interactive DNA science lessons from STEM Next and…
In partnership with Verizon™, STEM Next has curated bundles of lessons and…
