Workforce Development

Connecting Philadelphians to STEM careers

Building an Understanding of Lab Basics (BULB)

We're creating opportunities for Philadelphia residents to attain family-sustaining careers in high-growth STEM industries. BULB, a free five-week training, connects Philadelphians to STEM training and jobs in Philadelphia's growing life sciences industry.

The Science Center is committed to developing a strategic workforce development model that fits the needs of companies, strengthens the STEM talent pipeline, and benefits the community around us.

See the data behind our efforts

Felicia Jones

Program Coordinator, STEM Workforce Partnerships

Interested in applying?

Check back soon for open application period, or subscribe to our newsletter for program updates

Interested in gaining skills for a job in a science or tech company?

This FREE five-week training in the STEM field will allow you to gain skills sought after by local science and tech employers.

Why Apply for BULB:

Gain skills desired by science and tech employers and make your career future proof
Gain best of class financial literacy skills
Enhance professional network with science and tech companies
Gain university level training critical to lab environments
Acquire skills and access to family-sustaining career opportunities

BULB Framework

Weeks 1 & 2

Basic Lab Training

With eClose Institute

Week 3

Financial Literacy

with Citizens Bank

Week 4

Cell & Gene Therapy

With Harrisburg University

Week 5

Professional Development

BULB Participants Receive

A performance-based stipend

A laptop upon completion

STEM professional career mentor

Connections to employers looking for talent in STEM fields

Access to the LabXchange platform beyond the program

Program Benefits

Hands-on Training

We’ll share with you the basics of working in a lab from lab safety to microscopy and DNA/RNA isolation.

Career Exposure

Our curriculum is designed in partnership with STEM employers and is industry-informed. What you learn in our program are the foundational skills of actual jobs and real job opportunities.

Professional Connections

It’s not always what you know, it’s who you know. We’ll teach you the lab basics but we’ll also connect you with the people, including mentors and employers, who can help guide you into a STEM career.

Family-Sustaining Career Opportunities

Our goal is to connect you with meaningful employment. We’re not just here to get you a job, we’re here to ensure you’re connected with a career.

Building an Understanding of Lab Basics (BULB)

Curriculum design by

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Supported by

The U.S. Economic Development Administration

Latest in Workforce Development

It is important that the work that takes place in the Science Center is accessible to and a part of the broader West Philadelphia community. Expanding job opportunities to include the diversity of the community works towards building inclusion and unity between the Science Center and the broader West Philadelphia community.

Sharon Willis, Integral Molecular