FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbus, OH (April 2025) Ohio Life Sciences (OLS) and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) are partnering to launch a statewide workforce development initiative designed to inspire the next generation of life sciences professionals, reaching students in all 88 counties of Ohio with engaging, hands-on learning opportunities and clear career pathways within in the life sciences industry.
This new partnership is focused on addressing the “leaky STEM pipeline” by reaching students earlier, specifically during middle school, with immersive, meaningful learning experiences that connect science to real-world careers in biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and beyond. Together, OLS and COSI will help students build foundational academic and soft skills while introducing them to the diverse range of opportunities within the growing life sciences sector.
To officially kick off the initiative, OLS and COSI hosted a roundtable on Friday, April 11, at Forge Biologics, a leading gene therapy development company. This collaborative session gathered input from community partners, educators, legislators, and industry leaders to shape the content of the soon-to-launch Ohio Life Sciences Learning Lunchbox. The goal: to ensure the science kits are intentional, relevant, and reflective of Ohio’s diverse workforce needs.
“We’re not just building kits; we’re building a stronger pipeline of future life science leaders who are going to save lives by creating the next generation of life saving treatments. Our kits will help thousands of students and families across Ohio become more aware of the types of fulfilling careers the life sciences industry is creating.,” said Eddie Pauline, President and CEO of Ohio Life Sciences. “This roundtable event is our opportunity to listen and learn from the people closest to the communities we’re serving. Their insights will help us deliver an educational experience that is both exciting and deeply impactful.”
This industry is worth investing in. In 2023, life science industry workers in Ohio earned an average wage of $105,000, 67% higher than the state’s private sector average. Entry level roles in the life sciences pay about $44,000 annually, 48% more than the average entry level wage for all other occupations. These careers include lab technicians, biomedical engineers, clinical research coordinators, quality specialists, and regulatory analysts, providing strong starting wages and long-term growth opportunities. (Source: Industry Assessment and Economic Impact Report, developed by TEConomy Partners and IMPLAN State of Ohio model).
The Ohio Life Sciences Learning Lunchbox, developed by COSI’s team of PhD scientists and educators, will be a hands-on, activity-based kit distributed free of charge to middle school students. It will feature interactive challenges, workforce skills development, and real-world science experiences designed to spark curiosity and career exploration. A complementary mini-kit will also be deployed statewide, acting as a launchpad for broader engagement.
Beyond the kits, the partnership will roll out a series of “Ohio Life Sciences Career Connects to You” roadshows, community-based events that bring science, mentorship, and workforce development directly into schools, community centers, and gathering spaces across Ohio. These experiences will connect students with life sciences professionals, provide hands-on activities, and offer tangible next steps into career and education pathways, including tech centers, community colleges, direct-to-work roles, and four-year degree options.
“COSI has long championed that science is everywhere and for everyone, and this groundbreaking partnership with Ohio Life Sciences brings that vision to life across all 88 counties in Ohio,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of COSI. “This is about more than making STEM approachable and exciting—it’s about transforming young lives by connecting students directly with the industries that will define Ohio’s future economy. By reaching middle schoolers at this critical decision point with immersive, hands-on experiences, we’re building a powerful pipeline of diverse talent that will drive innovation in biotechnology, healthcare, and beyond for generations to come.”
As this initiative continues to unfold, OLS and COSI will invite stakeholders to upcoming events to contribute, connect, and celebrate the future of Ohio’s life sciences workforce.
For more information or to explore how to get involved, visit www.ohiolifesciences.org.
Media Contact:
Natalie Monroe
Director of Integrated Marketing and Operations
Ohio Life Sciences
nmonroe@ohiolifesciences.org
