Biotech Kids Camp!
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators!
BEAM Circular and San Joaquin County Office of Education Announce Summer Biotech Camp for Local Students and Teachers
For Immediate Release:
May 28, 2025
Photos provided by the San Joaquin County Office of Education STEM camp.
Stanislaus County, CA (May 28, 2025) – BEAM Circular, in partnership with the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), is excited to announce the upcoming Advanced Biotech Camp for students in grades 6-12 on June 16-18, 2025 and a Teacher Professional Development Workshop, for June 9-11, 2025, at the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center in Manteca, CA. Both camps are offered by the SJCOE with funding from BEAM Circular’s Bioeconomy Early Career Exposure Grant Program.
These initiatives are part of BEAM Circular's commitment to fostering early exposure to bioeconomy careers, particularly among underserved and first-generation students. Funded by the State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) through the CA Jobs First Program, BEAM Circular’s Bioeconomy Early Career Exposure Grants aim to build foundational STEM skills and inspire the next generation of innovators in biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and manufacturing.
“The San Joaquin County Office of Education is thrilled to partner with BEAM Circular and deeply values this innovative collaboration,” said Katie Wipfli, Division Director for STEM, Workforce Development, and Innovation at the SJCOE. “Together, we are creating a one-of-a-kind experience that inspires students through immersive, hands-on biotech learning and empowers educators through advanced professional learning.
Wipfli said that by bridging STEM education, industry, and the future workforce, this partnership opens doors to real-world opportunities for students. Aligned with the SJCOE’s mission to educate, innovate, and inspire, BEAM is shaping the next generation of science leaders and learners.
“These programs are part of BEAM Circular’s efforts to build an inclusive, innovation-driven economy in the Central Valley,” said Gloriamar Gamez, Chief Program Officer at BEAM Circular. “We are creating pathways for students to participate in and lead the future of sustainable biotechnology.”
Teacher Professional Development Workshop (June 9-11, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM):
This workshop provides educators with the tools and curriculum resources needed to integrate bioeconomy concepts into their classrooms. Teachers will engage in professional development sessions, collaborate with peers, and gain experience with industry-relevant instructional methods.
Advanced Biotech Camp (June 16-18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM):
Designed for students from the Central Valley who have completed Level 1 or 2 biotech camps or an equivalent high school biotech class, this three-day camp offers hands-on laboratory experiences, mentorship from STEM professionals, and insights into real-world applications of biotechnology within the region's agricultural and bioindustrial sectors. Participants will receive a lab coat, safety glasses, a research notebook, and daily lunch. The camp fee is $25.
Location:
Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center
29442 Airport Way
Manteca, CA 95337
Registration:
Teachers: Register here
Students: Register here
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
For more information about BEAM Circular’s educational programs and to apply for future grant opportunities, visit www.beamcircular.org.
About BEAM Circular:
BEAM Circular is a nonprofit organization that serves as a hub for circular bioeconomy innovation, workforce development, and industry growth in California’s agricultural heartland. BEAM Circular works with over 100 partners across the North San Joaquin Valley and beyond to develop bio-based solutions that transform waste into valuable products while creating local economic opportunities and addressing environmental challenges.
About the SJCOE:
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) is a one-of-a-kind service organization with a mission to educate, innovate, and inspire in order to build a bright future for San Joaquin County. The SJCOE is a regional agency that provides educational leadership, resources, and customized services to assist school districts. The SJCOE promotes student achievement and accountability, serves San Joaquin County’s most vulnerable students, and strives to create an environment in which every student, regardless of circumstances, has an opportunity for a quality education.
