AP Biology students at Chelsea High School conducted a hands-on lab experiment using professional-grade biotech equipment through the Amgen Foundation’s Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE), joined by State Rep. Judith García, State Sen. Sal DiDomenico, and leaders from Amgen Massachusetts. The visit focused on expanding access to STEM education and exposing Chelsea students to real-world biotech skills taught in local classrooms.
Rep. García, a Chelsea High alum, spoke with students about pathways into science and medicine, while Amgen leaders highlighted how the same lab tools used in class are used by scientists in Kendall Square.
“I’ve had the great honor of being in your classroom today,” said Rep. García. “As a proud Chelsea High graduate from the class of ’09, it has meant so much to meet many of you and hear about your aspirations in the sciences and medical field. I want to thank Amgen for this partnership – all of you now have the opportunity to really delve into the life sciences, and that’s thanks to the people who stand behind this program. The work you’re doing today opens doors to incredible pathways in research, biotech, and beyond.”
The visit offered a rare look at how public-school students are integrating real-world biotech techniques into their own classroom through the ABE, underscoring the collaboration between local schools, higher education, and biotech employers to build early pipelines into Massachusetts’ life science ecosystem.
Amgen’s site in Kendall Square, known as Amgen Operations East Coast Innovation Center, has been part of the Commonwealth’s life sciences ecosystem for more than 25 years. As it marks its 25th anniversary in Massachusetts, Amgen continues to invest in local STEM education, workforce development, and community partnerships across the Boston area.
“Programs like the Amgen Biotech Experience are designed to show you what’s possible — not just the experiments you’re doing today in the classroom, but where these skills can take you in the future,” said Amgen AVP Product Quality Tiffany Thiel. “The equipment you used today is the very same type our bench scientists use to discover and develop medicines across the therapeutic areas we work in. We’re grateful to the Amgen Foundation for bringing this experience to classrooms like yours, and what truly brings it to life is your curiosity and the passion your educators have for teaching science.”
“What sets Amgen apart is that they don’t just talk about supporting youth or strengthening our communities — they really do the work, locally and internationally,” said Sen. DiDomenico. “I’m proud to be here today because you deserve every opportunity available, whether you pursue science, biotech, or any career that excites you. Kendall Square is a booming hub of innovation and opportunity, and I want students in Chelsea to have access to those pathways. Experiences like this one show you what’s possible, and I love that Amgen is bringing this program to Chelsea.”