The Student STEM Experiential Learning Foundation (SSELF) is a student-run nonprofit focused on sustaining and expanding the CBSD Biotechnology program. The Biotech program connects STEM students with hands-on research, industry professionals, and collaborative projects that help turn curiosity into real experience. While funding this incredible program, SSELF enables equally valuable opportunities for others- both participating students and donors. In fact, SSELF is one of the few places students can turn to gain hands-on experience in fields outside STEM, such as business, marketing, media, IT, and graphic arts.
Over the past year, the SSELF team has built a solid foundation for the corporation, developing an organizational structure, establishing policies and procedures, and holding regular board and subcommittee meetings. A robust technology infrastructure was created via Google Workspace. Recently, SSELF members have been focused on expanding outreach and communication efforts. Participants are conducting interviews with Biotech Program graduates, recording podcasts, and developing educational and marketing content to help more students learn about available opportunities. This includes building a website and increasing our following on social media platforms. SSELF has also hosted a variety of events, including guest speakers and biotech poster sessions, with many more to come. These efforts are part of a broader push to make participation in STEM and business more accessible and visible within the student community.
SSELF is growing its membership and encouraging students with a variety of interests to get involved. Participants gain valuable exposure to how STEM-related businesses and nonprofits operate- learning skills in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic planning. Whether you are interested in research, website creation, communications, creative media, or IT, SSELF offers ways for everyone to contribute and develop valuable skills while collaborating with peers who share similar interests. Related networking has already led to paid job opportunities for SSELF members.
A key aspect of SSELF’s mission is its partnership with local businesses that provide the donations necessary to keep the Biotech program running. SSELF aims to enable tax credits and to provide positive PR for its business partners. Donors to SSELF not only support student engagement in hands-on STEM projects but also become key players in the development of future leaders in both science and business. When they contribute to the CBSD Biotechnology program, donors make a real impact in their community by expanding opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, real-world work.
If you are interested in learning more about the organization, you can explore our work and mission at: https://www.sself.org/
If you would like to become a member or stay updated on upcoming opportunities, please complete our membership interest survey here:
Through collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning, SSELF aims to empower the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
