Gift launches Worthington–JAX Biomedical Fellows Scholarship to expand access to biomedical research training

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) today announced a $1 million commitment from the Worthington Scholarship Foundation to establish the Worthington–JAX Biomedical Fellows Scholarship, a new initiative designed to expand access to premier biomedical research training for eligible students and educators.

The scholarship program will offer innovative, experiential biomedical research training opportunities for current Worthington Scholars and scholar alumni.

Three distinct training pathways for eligible students and teachers in Maine will highlight Maine-based careers in biomedical research and secondary education.  

“JAX has a long history of supporting learners who want to pursue careers in biomedicine or STEM fields,” said Charlie Wray, JAX’s vice president for education. “We are thrilled to partner with the Worthington Scholarship Foundation in providing these opportunities to students and educators in Maine’s educational ecosystem.”

Interested candidates can learn more and apply here. The Foundation’s gift will support three educational programs over the next several years:

• Teaching the Genome Generation: Award provides eligible Maine high school teachers and pre-service teachers regional in-person professional development in genetics, genomics, and personalized medicine that they can implement in classrooms.
• Postbaccalaureate training: College graduates from Worthington partner institutions have the chance to immerse themselves in cutting-edge research at JAX, pursue an independent research project with direct ties to human health and disease and strengthen their professional skills.
• Cooperative Ph.D. program: Worthington Scholars will receive doctoral training in mammalian genetics, neuroscience or biomedical sciences.

Since its founding in 2010, the Worthington Scholarship Foundation has held a deep commitment to providing educational opportunities for students in Maine. The Foundation offers postsecondary-school scholarships for graduates of partner high schools who plan to enroll full-time at one of the Foundation’s partner colleges or universities. This new collaboration adds access to JAX’s cutting-edge scientific education resources and vibrant research community.

“Worthington Scholars bring to their studies discipline, determination, and genuine enthusiasm for learning. Through these programs, JAX contributes both high quality teacher training and hands on research and Ph.D. pathway experiences for our scholars,” said Julie Bourgoin, the foundation’s president and member of the board. “Together, we’re opening doors and strengthening Maine’s scientific future.”

About The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees across the United States and around the world. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.