In a major move to boost STEM education in San Antonio, Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) has attracted over $3 million in donations from local giants H-E-B and Valero. These funds, which include $2 million from H-E-B, will facilitate hands-on experiences in biomedical research for local high school students and fuel construction of the new Center for Science Education, as reported by the San Antonio Report.
The Center for Science Education is set to be a cornerstone of the upcoming Global Center for Bioscience at Texas Biomed, a space intended for student training and collaborative research. H-E-B's hefty contribution will not only bolster the Center's development, but will also expand upon the institute's current internship programs, which accommodate up to 20 college and graduate students each summer. Texas Biomed is steadfast in its mission to embrace all students, offering paid opportunities to ensure internships are accessible, irrespective of financial standing. Craig Boyan, president of H-E-B, emphasized, "H-E-B is pleased to support student experiences at Texas Biomed and help make the Center for Science Education a reality," in a statement from Texas Biomed.
Complementing H-E-B's efforts, Valero's contribution of more than $1 million is set to establish the Valero Young Scientist Program, a novel initiative encouraging high schoolers to delve into the world of scientific inquiry, the San Antonio Report detailed. This four-week summer program grants students a unique opportunity to mingle with researchers and graduate students, potentiating a newfound passion for bioscience careers.
Applications for the inaugural summer scholar program have already been launched, as Texas Biomed gears up to welcome 40 students each summer. Dr. Larry Schlesinger, president and CEO of Texas Biomed expressed pride in the institute's role within the local community, affirming the importance of educating upcoming bioscience leaders and advocates. Texas Biomed's educational endeavors currently span 17 public school districts in San Antonio, touching the lives of nearly 10,000 K-12 students. The transformative effect of such initiatives is not to be underestimated, they showcase a vested interest in the intellectual prosperity of the local youth, aiming to nurture their curiosities in the sciences, particularly in light of the ever-looming challenges posed by infectious diseases, according to the San Antonio Report.
