Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia and Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware introduced the bipartisan Biotechnology for All High School Students Act on April 14. The legislation aims to increase access to hands-on biotechnology education in high schools across the United States.
The proposed bill seeks to strengthen future workforces in health care, agriculture, environmental science, and other key industries by providing students with practical experience in biotechnology. Supporters say that expanding educational opportunities is important as countries like China invest heavily in biotech.
“America’s leadership in biotechnology starts in the classroom. As competitors like China rapidly invest in biotech, we cannot afford to fall behind. This bill expands access and ensures our students can be part of America’s innovation economy. By investing in hands-on learning and expanding access to cutting-edge resources, we are building the workforce that will drive innovation and keep the United States competitive on the global stage,” said Rep. McCormick.
The act would establish a National Biotechnology Education Consortium involving federal, state, local partners, and industry stakeholders to recommend ways to expand biotechnology education nationwide, with a focus on schools lacking resources. It would also authorize grants through the National Science Foundation for teacher training, curriculum development, lab equipment acquisition, partnerships with higher education institutions or nonprofits, and stackable credentials for students.
“Biotechnology is helping shape the future of health care, agriculture, and our economy, but we must do more to prepare the next generation to lead in this critical field,” said Rep. McBride. “The bipartisan Biotechnology for All High School Students Act would help close that gap by expanding access to biotechnology education and equipping students with the skills to continue driving innovation in Delaware and across the country. I’m grateful to Rep. McCormick for his partnership and look forward to advancing this legislation together.”
Support comes from groups such as Afterschool Alliance—whose Senior Vice President Anita Krishnamurthi said afterschool programs play a central role—and iGEM’s Janet Standeven who called it “a critical step toward building a robust bioeconomy.” Dr. Angela Belcher from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology said: “Biotechnology has incredible power to inspire curiosity… The Biotechnology for All High Schools Act will engage students early… give them tools…to build…and shape American science.” BioBuilder’s Natalie Kuldell stated: “This legislation expands access at scale by supporting teachers…so biotechnology becomes part of every high school student’s education…” NIIMBL Institute Director Kelvin Lee added: “The Biotechnology for All High School Students Act will lead to an informed…society that can benefit from biotechnology…”
McCormick currently serves Georgia’s 6th district after winning election against Bob Christian with nearly 65 percent of votes according to Ballotpedia. He replaced Lucy McBath as U.S Congress member as reported by Congress.gov when he began serving his term representing Georgia’s 6th District starting in 2023 according Clerk of House. Born in Las Vegas in 1968 at age 54 he now lives Suwanee according House.gov, graduating from Oregon State University (1990) before earning another degree from National University (2010) as detailed by Ballotpedia.
