[Press Release] GMGI Announces Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
(GLOUCESTER, MA) Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) have joined forces to bring STEM enrichment opportunities to Boston-area youth. Together, the organizations will create new opportunities for Club members to learn about the exciting pathways and career opportunities that exist in the thriving life science and biotechnology fields.
GMGI’s flagship Summer STEM course, Fish Fraud Forensics, will be offered to BGCB members at five sites in July and August. The five-day course, taught by Gloucester Biotechnology Academy instructors, takes members through a simulated, real-world investigation into a restaurant suspected of selling a cheaper type of fish under the guise of another, more expensive species. Participants learn modern molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, to identify different species of fish. The program will be offered to participants of BGCB’s Young Leaders Program.
“The chance to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston – an organization whose community impact is immeasurable – is an honor,” said Chris Bolzan, GMGI’s Executive Director. “We’ve had the pleasure of sharing our STEM programs with the Cape Ann community, and now we are thrilled to expand our reach and encourage young people to experience a hands-on laboratory investigation and the possibilities the STEM fields offer.”
Since its founding in 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, build strong character and realize their full potential as responsible citizens and leaders. The organization serves more than 8,000 individuals across 9 Clubs and through its YouthConnect program in partnership with the Boston Police Department.
”BGCB is grateful for thoughtful, intentional opportunities to partner with organizations like GMGI that are committed to youth success and realize that the future of STEM and its career pipeline exists in the same neighborhoods as our Clubs,” said Robert Lewis, Jr., Nicholas President and CEO.
Academy Instructor Sadie Salazar and Teaching Assistant Mel Drexler piloted the program with BGCB Clubs over the recent April vacation and were met with enthusiasm and excitement. “Working with the BGCB was fantastic!” said Salazar, who will be teaching the course in Boston over the summer. “Their members’ sense of community and enthusiasm for learning was inspiring and I can’t wait to work with them this summer.”
“Our members are motivated to learn, and this unique program offers a hands-on experience that inspires young people to be curious,” said Mr. Lewis.
All programs are offered free of charge to participants through funding generously provided by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Dalio Philanthropies, the Cabot-Wellington Foundation, and the Saab Foundation.
Media availability dates are to be provided upon request. Please reach out to Bailey Snyder.
About Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute addresses critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment through innovative scientific research and education. By bringing world-class science and transformative workforce development to Gloucester’s historic waterfront, GMGI is catalyzing the regional economy. GMGI’s Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, a 10-month certificate training program to train recent high school graduates for careers as lab technicians, recently graduated its sixth class. Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute’s state-of-the-art research institute on Gloucester Harbor opened in 2018 and is located at 417 Main Street.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Since its founding in 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, build strong character and realize their full potential as responsible citizens and leaders. BGCB does this by providing a safe haven filled with hope and opportunity, ongoing relationships with caring adults, and life-enhancing programs in six core program areas. The organization serves more than 8,000 individuals in Clubs and through its YouthConnect program in partnership with the Boston Police Department. BGCB is an affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit BGCB on the web at bgcb.org.