From Classroom to Career: How LabCentral's New Program is Addressing Biotech's Skills Gap

LABCENTRAL LEARNING LAB

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Established in 2017 and sponsored by New England Biolabs, the LabCentral Learning Lab is a 1,270 sq ft state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space in the heart of Kendall Square's biotech innovation ecosystem. 

The Learning Lab serves as home to LabCentral's signature educational programs—What the Heck is Biotech?® (community engagement) and Biotech Ready (micro-credentialing and upskilling)—while also operating as a rentable space for aligned partners to deliver their own STEM programming. 

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PARTNER WITH US! 

 

WHY Partner with the Learning Lab? 

Access + Authenticity + Impact

  • Professional-Grade Space: Deliver your programs in a fully equipped biotech lab without the overhead costs
  • Prime Location: Immerse your participants in Kendall Square, the epicenter of biotech innovation
  • Authentic Environment: Your participants experience a real working biotech facility, surrounded by active startups and scientists
  • Career Pipeline Development: Give your students/participants genuine exposure to biotech career pathways and workplace culture
  • Proven Impact: Join a community that has already engaged thousands of students and educators in hands-on biotech education 

 

Who It's For

Organizations Building Tomorrow's Biotech Workforce

  • STEM Education Nonprofits running hands-on science programs (participants 16+) 
  • High Schools seeking authentic lab experiences (juniors/seniors only) 
  • Community Colleges & Universities delivering biotech/life sciences coursework 
  • Workforce Development Agencies training for biotech careers 
  • Community Organizations expanding STEM access to underserved populations (16+) 
  • Corporate Partners conducting employee training or community outreach 

 

What You Get

A Complete Teaching Laboratory Experience

The Space

  • 1,270 sq ft of laboratory and adjoining classroom
  • Capacity for up to 25 participants
  • BSL-2 certified laboratory equipment
  • AV capabilities for presentations
  • Direct access to LabCentral's innovative environment
  • Age Requirement: All participants must be 16 years or older (BSL-2 safety requirement) 

The Support

  • Program planning consultation and service agreement
  • Environmental health and safety training for all participants
  • Day-of logistics coordination
  • Package handling and temporary storage
  • Equipment training
  • Lab coat handling 

Flexible Rental Options: 

  • Full-day programs (8 hours)
  • Multi-day workshop series
  • Recurring quarterly programs 

Rental Rates: 

  • Non-profit/Education/Community Rate: $400/day (8 hours) For schools, non-profits, and community organizations
  • Corporate Rate: $800/day (8 hours) For corporate trainings, workshops, seminars, video shoots, and commercial activities

 

Lab Location

700 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

Located in LabCentral's flagship facility: 

  • Public transit accessible (Kendall/MIT Red Line)
  • Surrounded by leading biotech companies and MIT
  • Fully ADA compliant
  • Parking available nearby 

 

When the Lab Can Be Used

Availability & Booking

Check Available Dates: 

Click here to view our Educational Programs Public Calendar for open dates. The Learning Lab hosts multiple Biotech Ready cohorts and What the Heck is Biotech? workshops throughout the year.

Available for External Rental: 

  • Weekdays only (Monday-Friday)
  • Based on the Educational Programs calendar availability
  • School vacation weeks often have increased availability
  • No weekend rentals 

Booking Process: 

  1. Review the public calendar for available dates
  2. Contact our team at edprograms@labcentral.org to discuss your program
  3. Complete the Learning Lab Scheduler form with your program details
  4. Receive service agreement and confirm logistics
  5. Complete environmental health & safety documentation
  6. Deliver your program in a world-class facility! 

 

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READY TO BECOME A PARTNER?

Contact Us Today!

START YOUR PARTNERSHIP JOURNEY! 

  1. EXPLORE: Schedule a tour to see the space and discuss your program needs
  2. PLAN: Work with our team to identify optimal dates and logistics
  3. DELIVER: Run your program in a professional biotech environment
  4. GROW: Build lasting connections within the LabCentral ecosystem 

What to Have Ready? 

  • Your organization's mission and target audience
  • Proposed program description and learning objectives
  • Desired dates and frequency
  • Number of participants
  • Any special equipment or safety requirements