Newswise — Seattle, WA, Jan. 10, 2013 — Seattle BioMed today announced its BioQuest program received a one-year $10,000 grant from the Yakima Valley Community Foundation. The grant will allow the BioQuest Academy to expand its partnership with Wapato and Toppenish High Schools and support students to conduct laboratory experiments related to global health alongside Seattle BioMed’s scientific mentors.

“We are proud to celebrate ten years of BioQuest educational programming which has provided STEM resources to over 10,000 students and teachers in Washington State,” said Theresa Britschgi, director of Seattle BioMed’s BioQuest program. “This generous grant from the Yakima Valley Community Foundation will allow BioQuest to enhance its partnership with South Yakima Valley high schools, with the goal of increasing student interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, increasing confidence in their ability to attain a post-secondary education and enhancing student understanding of Advanced Placement biology content.”

The Yakima Valley Community Foundation was established in 2004 and is composed of more than 60 separate charitable funds which have been established by donors either for the general benefit of the community or for special purposes. The foundation also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to build community.

BioQuest features a dedicated education lab and access to over 80 Seattle BioMed scientists who volunteer their time to provide a hands-on research experience and mentorship for high school students. Since 2005, over 10,000 students, teachers and community members have accessed our award-winning global health and STEM outreach program. In addition to the BioQuest program, Seattle BioMed also offers undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral training programs as part of its mission to eliminate the world’s most devastating infectious diseases.

About Seattle Biomedical Research Institute

Seattle BioMed is the largest independent, non-profit organization in the U.S. focused solely on infectious disease research. Our research is the foundation for new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that benefit those who need our help most: the 14 million who will otherwise die each year from infectious diseases, including malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Founded in 1976, Seattle BioMed has nearly 325 staff members. By partnering with key collaborators around the globe, we strive to make discoveries that will save lives sooner. For more information, visit seattlebiomed.org.

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