Cast Inc. was awarded a $646,526 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education under the federal STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop career guidance curriculum and materials for biofabrication careers. The three-year award running from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2025 will support Cast to design a dual enrollment pathway for high school students to gain awareness and skills relevant to biomanufacturing technician roles.
Specifically, Cast will work with academic and industry partners to identify knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for biofabrication technician jobs. This will inform the development of career guidance resources including a website, work-based learning simulations, and classroom activities. The curriculum will be piloted in dual enrollment programs at two community colleges in New Hampshire and one in North Carolina, taught by both high school and community college educators. Regional professional development workshops will introduce educators to the curriculum and portfolio tools, and model strategies for increasing student support and recruitment in STEM fields. The project aims to help meet regional industry needs for STEM technicians by expanding access to biofabrication education opportunities in high schools.