Bristol Myers Squibb-sponsored kits will be distributed to 4th-8th graders at Frank W. Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy
CHICAGO, IL – October 21, 2024 – The Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO) is partnering with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to sponsor and distribute iBIO STEM Kits to students at Frank W. Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy. This initiative, part of iBIO’s partnership with the Frida Foundation, aims to support afterschool STEM programs and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Each STEM Kit will contain activity procedures, required materials and supplies, safety glasses, and four STEM Hero cards, featuring inspiring BMS hometown heroes. The kits also include a QR code for step-by-step instructional videos and a program overview card.
State Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Edgar Gonzalez joined iBIO and representatives from Bristol Myers Squibb in distributing the STEMkits, highlighting the collaborative effort to promote STEM education in the community.
“The iBIO STEM Kit program has become an essential tool in our mission to promote STEM education,” said Ann Vogel, Senior Vice President of Charitable Programs at iBIO. “With the support of partners like Bristol Myers Squibb, we’re able to reach more students and provide them with engaging, hands-on learning experiences.”
“At Bristol Myers Squibb, we believe in nurturing young minds and fostering a passion for STEM,” said Genevieve Plumadore, Director of State Government Affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb. “By sponsoring these STEM Kits, we’re providing students with hands-on experiences that can spark curiosity and potentially shape their future careers.”
Launched in January 2021, iBIO’s STEM Kit program was initially designed to bridge educational gaps caused by COVID-19 school closures. Its effectiveness has since transformed it into a valuable resource for families and afterschool programs across the Chicago area.
The STEM Kits, designed for students in grades 3-8, have also proven popular with children as young as kindergarten age. To date, over 15,000 STEM Kits have been distributed, primarily benefiting underserved communities.
For more information about the iBIO STEM Kit program, please visit http://ibio.org.
About iBIO
The Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO) is a life sciences industry association that represents the 91,000 life sciences employees in Illinois. iBIO promotes the industry’s value to the public and policymakers; connects innovators to investment and talent; stimulates collaboration and fosters the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to transform patient lives through groundbreaking research and works to grow the Illinois economy. To learn more about iBIO and its programs, visit http://www.ibio.org.