Ohio Life Sciences’ flagship education initiative will connect students across Ohio with life sciences careers and opportunities
COLUMBUS, Ohio (January 28, 2025) — Ohio Life Sciences (OLS), the state’s industry association for biotechnology and life sciences organizations, today announced the launch of BioPathways, a comprehensive education initiative from OLS that helps teachers inspire and prepare K-12 students for rewarding careers in life sciences. BioPathways is a multiyear commitment and investment from OLS in educators, students and communities to make a long-term impact on developing Ohio’s talent pipeline, introducing new career opportunities and creating a next generation, dynamic workforce for life sciences companies doing business and expanding in the state.
OLS made the announcement at this week’s Science Education Council of Ohio’s 2025 Science Symposium.
“We all understand that education is key to economic development and one of the primary ways we can enhance Ohio’s competitiveness in the global life sciences market, and BioPathways is a first-of-its-kind K-12 life sciences-focused initiative to do this for teachers and students in Ohio,” said Eddie Pauline, president and CEO of OLS. “With critical state funding, relationships between partners such as OLS and our member organizations and educators across the state, we will support teachers in preparing all students for careers in the life sciences while addressing the workforce development needs of this truly dynamic industry.”
The life sciences continue to expand in Ohio, with companies in the state growing employment by nearly 13% since 2019 and well outpacing overall private sector growth. Last year, the industry employed nearly 64,000 Ohioans in almost 4,900 individual business establishments, which include biotech, pharmaceutical, medical devices, labs, digital health, gene and cell therapy, agricultural biotechnology, and research and academic institutions.
With this growth and opportunity in mind, OLS collaborated with EducationProjects.org –– a leading education company focused on inspiring educators and connecting students to cutting-edge ideas and careers –– to develop the BioPathways program, equipping teachers with the tools and support needed to prepare all Ohio students for careers in life sciences.
BioPathways introduces life sciences opportunities available in Ohio to students and teachers, providing a curriculum with classroom-proven, hands-on teaching materials and learning. The program also offers career and certification connections as well as real-world experiences, translating these concepts for students to jobs in the industry available with or without a college degree.
“We are excited to provide educators across the spectrum, from science and STEM to business teachers, career tech, school counselors and administrators, with new resources that help them bring the life sciences industry in Ohio to life for their students,” said Angela McMurry, director of industry engagement and workforce for OLS. “BioPathways is a comprehensive education initiative that has the potential to reach thousands of students each year, offering teachers the support they need to introduce life sciences and inspire students across the state to explore and aspire to real-world careers in this growing, next-generation industry.”
To learn more about BioPathways, please visit: https://ohiolifesciences.org/biopathways/.
About Ohio Life Sciences
Ohio Life Sciences (OLS), the state association advancing and advocating for the common interests of the state’s life sciences community, convenes dynamic companies, people, and institutions to elevate the ecosystem in Ohio while supporting those that drive health, economic and social well-being in communities across the globe. OLS is organized as two nonprofit operations to best serve the life sciences ecosystem across the state, a 501c6 (Ohio Life Sciences Association) to serve as the member-based organization focused on economic and workforce development and advocacy; and a 501c3 (Ohio Life Sciences Foundation) focused on delivering research and funding that will accelerate and promote a robust life sciences industry in Ohio. Learn more at OhioLifeSciences.org
Media Contact:
Michael Myser
mmyser@werthpr.com
Phone: 973-207-3195