Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE)
Project Director:
Funded by:
Amgen Foundation
Partners:
ANISN (National Association of Natural Science Teacher), Bellarmine University, Biocom Institute, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Columbus State Community College, Development Workshop, DNA-labs on the Road, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Fundación EDUCA, LA Promise Fund, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, North Carolina A&T State University, Northeastern University, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Science Centre Singapore, Shoreline Community College, Technical University of Munich, Tsinghua University, University College Dublin, University of California-Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, University of Hertfordshire, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao, University of Rhode Island, University of South Florida, University of Sydney, University of Tokyo, University of Toronto Mississauga
Focus Area:
Education Workforce & SystemsElementary & Secondary EducationSTEM Education & Workforce DevelopmentYouth & Workforce Development
Services:
Design & DevelopmentImplementation
Duration:
2013-Present
Challenge
Biotechnology is a field full of promise. But with expensive laboratory equipment and skilled instructors often in short supply, too few middle and high school students are able to develop the high-tech skills they need to pursue careers in this field.
That’s changing thanks to the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE), which works to advance STEM education in secondary schools globally. EDC operates the Program Office for ABE, providing a variety of essential functions—including technical assistance, resource development, and program site support—while helping to improve access to STEM education around the world.
Key Activities
EDC’s role as the Program Office for ABE includes the following activities:
- Provide teacher professional development, curriculum materials, and research-grade equipment and supplies to secondary schools
- Lead communications and outreach efforts
- Work alongside the Amgen Foundation to advance the ABE program
Our Impact
- Globally, ABE has reached more than 1 million students to date.
- In a typical year, ABE reaches approximately 90,000 students and 1,500 teachers.
- Preliminary research results show that ABE students have significant and substantial gains in both biotechnology learning and interest as well as confidence in doing science and biotechnology.
- ABE received a rating of “Accomplished” in the STEMworks database.
- In 2023–2024, 59% of the public schools participating in ABE in the United States were Title I schools.
