Boys & Girls Club members explored science in the palm of their hands.
Through the Building with Biology program Tuesday, youth participated in hands-on synthetic biology activities. During a two-hour activity session, they were introduced to the composition of cells, DNA and more.
Chris Sutton, director of operations for the club in Jefferson City, and Brian Valentine, project administrator, both hope the project will have a huge impact on the youth.
"We like to expose them to programs like this so they see what potential career possibilities are available to them in their future," Sutton said. "I want them to start dreaming."
The program was made possible through a partnership between Lincoln University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the Boys & Girls Club.
David Westenberg, associate professor at Missouri S&T, said this was an exciting opportunity for the youth and the college students.
"This is a way to help kids realize how cool science is," Westenberg said. "We have to start the dialogue now, showing kids what science is all about."
Westenberg said the kits the youth were working with were provided by the Boston Museum of Science, which is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Students from the Pre-Med Club at Lincoln facilitated the experiments and conversations at each of the six stations available to the youth.
Vara Om, a junior studying biology and president of the Pre-Med Club, said she was impressed by the youth.
"They were so curious and willing to learn more," Om said. "We hope to inspire them to enjoy science by interacting with them and building their confidence."
Building with Biology is a nationwide collaboration that helps strengthen the connections between education and career possibilities.
Westenberg said he was impressed by the program's ability to open up communication between science lovers and kids. Next week, he will be traveling to Springfield to do a similar activity session.
"The great thing is that this program is not only about science but also about exposure to life skills," Valentine said. "Partnerships like this are awesome."