The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology is excited to announce that registration is now open for the inaugural MCB BioCamp for Middle Schoolers, a new hands-on summer program designed to spark curiosity and excitement about modern biology.
MCB BioCamp offers middle school students (ages 10-14) an immersive introduction to microbiology, molecular and cellular biology (MCB), and neuroscience through interactive activities, lab-inspired experiments, and direct engagement with the scientific community. Participants will explore how biological discoveries are made and gain early exposure to the kinds of questions researchers ask in academic labs.
MCB’s Dominic Mao and Polina Kehayova, who are co-directing the BioCamp, came up with the idea last summer while both were searching for interesting summer camps for their children. “As both an educator and a parent, I see firsthand how our community needs high‑quality summer camp options for middle schoolers,” says Mao. “That’s why our camp’s curriculum is intentionally designed as a fun, engaging way to nurture curiosity while introducing students to the exciting worlds of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Microbiology, and Neuroscience.”
Kehayova adds, “Like many parents, I’ve often found myself frantically looking for summer programs that fit my daughter’s interests and cover the whole workday. This past summer, as I was sending off my daughter to yet another fantastic music camp, I wondered why we don’t offer a similar experience for kids who are interested in science. Middle schoolers are full of curiosity and energy, but have surprisingly few opportunities for hands-on exploration of cool topics in science.”
More information about the program, including dates, curriculum, and registration details, is available on the BioCamp website. Contact us with any questions.
Community Fundraiser: Candygrams for a “Golden Ticket”
In parallel with the launch of BioCamp, the MCB community will host a Candygram fundraiser to expand access to the program. Proceeds from the Candygram event will support a “Golden Ticket” scholarship that covers the full cost of one week of BioCamp ($1,000) for a child from the MCB community.
The goal of the fundraiser is to help ensure that financial considerations do not limit participation in this new educational opportunity, while also building community around the launch of BioCamp. Complete the Candygram Google form for purchase. Candygrams can also be paid for with cash delivered to Audrie Cortes or Julia Fannon in the BioLabs suite 1058. Candygram recipients will be notified via email, and pickup dates will be from February 11-13 in Suite 1058 of the BioLabs. The recipient of the Golden Ticket will be revealed at the next MCB Community Forum on April 17th.
