Advancing Biotech Education Through CTE Pathways

Biotechnology is reshaping industries across the country—from manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and national security—creating a fast-growing demand for students who understand the science and can demonstrate real-world laboratory skills. For Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, this moment presents an exceptional opportunity: to offer students a pathway into high-wage, high-demand careers through accessible, hands-on biotechnology learning.

In this edWebinar, Dr. Natalie Kuldell, Founder of the BioBuilder Educational Foundation, discusses the importance of providing technical knowledge, practical skills, scientific ways of thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset to help students build a successful career in science. Dr. Kuldell shares examples from BioTechBuilder, a curriculum designed to help high schools integrate industry-aligned biotechnology and biomanufacturing coursework into existing CTE programs. Educators explore:

• What “biotech ready” means for students in today’s innovation-driven economy
• How micro-credentials can validate student mastery, strengthen CTE programs, and connect learners to industry-recognized skills
• Evidence-backed approaches for teaching laboratory skills at scale—even in schools without extensive equipment or prior biotech experience
• Practical strategies for building inclusive pathways that connect high school programs to community colleges, local employers, and emerging bioeconomy opportunities

Viewers leave with a clear picture of how biotechnology can strengthen CTE offerings, expand equitable access to STEM careers, and prepare students with the competencies needed to thrive in one of the country’s most important growth sectors. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to middle and high school leaders, district leaders, education technology leaders, CTE directors, and STEM directors.