Pathways Research Program

CCB's High School Lab Pathways Summer Research Program, a partnership with the Harvard Ed Portal, aims to provide an experiential learning experience for local high school students to improve their science literacy and equip them with basic life science, laboratory, and workforce skills.

The annual program begins in the Spring when CCB graduate students teach a weekly class about science literacy and laboratory skills at the Harvard Ed Portal for a group of Brighton High School students nominated by their teachers. At the end of the semester, the students demonstrate the skills they acquire in front of high school science teachers and guests from CCB. 

Each student is paired with a graduate student mentor who provides guidance and instruction to the high school interns as they perform experiments, read scientific papers, and experience scientific research in action. Over the six weeks, the high schoolers participate in laboratory research, attend group meetings, lunch with faculty and staff, perform experiments, and utilize the department’s X-Ray facilities.

 “This program’s goal is to identify and support high school students who are not aware of STEM laboratory career options in chemistry,” said Deana Reardon, executive director of CCB. “For CCB, this program complements our collective focus on increasing diversity in our department, cultivating mentorship, and forging outreach efforts within the Boston community.”

The program's curriculum offers a well-rounded experience, combining science literary lessons with hands-on laboratory work. Under the guidance of professors and seasoned researchers, interns engage in collaborative projects and experience the excitement of scientific research.

2023 Pathways Celebration Video: