Jun. 30, 2023 Next Generation Development

【Supporting Neuroscience Lessons in a Joint Program with Sunovion (currently, Sumitomo Pharma America) and a Local Public School】

Since 2019, Sunovion (currently, Sumitomo Pharma America) has conducted a Peer Teaching^*1 Program in collaboration with the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School (AMSA), a charter school in Massachusetts. This program supports Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education^*2 and enables students to learn about life science career paths within a pharmaceutical company, gain professional skillsets, and foster a deeper knowledge of neuroscience. The AMSA peer teachers (11th and 12th graders) created lesson plans and presentations on the central and peripheral nervous system to enhance and complement the existing biology curriculum for 7th graders. Peer teaching was carried out via video or in-person in a classroom setting. Sunovion (currently, Sumitomo Pharma America） held a reception with AMSA faculty to honor the five AMSA students and celebrate the completion of the program. As in other years, scholarships were awarded to 12th graders to help support further learning in healthcare, life sciences, or neurobiology.

*1　Peer Teaching: programs whereby learners teach each other

*2　STEM education: An abbreviation for 'Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics' - it is an interdisciplinary approach to education, where students do not study each field separately but instead learn them in a cross-disciplinary manner. It is considered a 21st-century education that aims to foster individuals who can creatively and innovatively solve problems and create new value, in response to the changing needs of society.