Stanford University and Partners Expand Access to Bioengineering Education

Strategic Insights -

For the first time, a Stanford course, Introduction to Bioengineering, was offered to low-income high school students. Led by associate professor Drew Endy and assistant professor Jenn Brophy, the course aimed to explore the frontiers of a new field, much like astronauts exploring space. The course was offered in 10 Title I high schools across the country, enrolling over 100 students. The students were part of a distributed teaching team, with some teachers based in high school classrooms and others available over Zoom. The course was offered through the nonprofit National Education Equity Lab, with support from Stanford Digital Education.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Stanford course, Introduction to Bioengineering, was offered to low-income high school students for the first time in the spring of 2023.
  • The course was offered in 10 Title I high schools across California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and South Carolina, with over 100 students enrolled.
  • The students were part of a distributed teaching team, with some teachers based in high school classrooms and others available over Zoom.
  • The course completion rate was 81%, with 87% of those students earning a passing grade and Stanford credit.
  • The students surveyed reported feeling more prepared for college, with 82% stating that the course helped them feel more prepared.
  • 90% of students surveyed said they were likely to recommend the course to other students.
  • The course will be offered in spring 2024 to two high schools, with a focus on implementing upgrades and strengthening the course scaffolding.
  • One school will be in the San Francisco Unified School District, making it the first time an Ed Equity Lab course is taught in the Bay Area.

Statistics:

  • 81% course completion rate
  • 87% of students earning a passing grade and Stanford credit
  • 82% of students feeling more prepared for college
  • 90% of students likely to recommend the course to others
  • 10 Title I high schools participated in the course
  • 100+ students enrolled in the course
  • 2 high schools will participate in the course in spring 2024
  • 1 school will be in the San Francisco Unified School District

Sources:

  • Stanford University News Release
  • Drew Endy Interview with Jonathan Rabinovitz, Stanford Digital Education Communications Director
  • National Education Equity Lab
  • Stanford Digital Education