Presenter describes Biodesign Pathway at Academy of Innovation

A presenter for the Engineering Academy of Innovation described the school’s Biodesign Pathway as hands-on biotechnology training that prepares high school students for industry certification and workplace experience, the presenter said during a short recorded presentation.

"I'm super excited to tell you about 1 of the coolest opportunities here, the biodesign pathway," the presenter said, and later added that "we don't just read about science, we do science." The presenter described classroom work ranging from "analyzing DNA to exploring disease outbreaks" and projects that ask students to "investigate how to diagnose a mystery illness or design a medical device."

The presenter said the pathway builds partnerships with local health-care and research companies to provide workplace experience and professional networking before graduation. The presentation also said the pathway prepares students for an industry certification the presenter referred to as the "base exam," which the presenter described as standing for the "biotechnology Apt Substitute and Competency Exam" and said passing it "means that you earned an industry certification." The presenter noted membership in HOSA, Future Health Professionals, as a co-curricular opportunity for leadership and competition.

The presentation included claims about labor-market outcomes: the presenter said "recent labor statistics suggest that health related professions are growing more than 40% in the next 10 years for some jobs" and that some positions offer "wages that easily exceed a $100,000 annually." Those statements were presented as part of the program overview and attributed to the presenter’s summary of labor forecasts.

Enrollment and outreach were framed as part of the program pitch: the presenter closed by inviting students to join, saying, "The Biodesign Pathway isn't just about learning. It's about creating your future. Are you ready to innovate? Let's go."