Science Education Partnership
The Science Education Partnership (SEP) exemplifies a true partnership between scientists and educators. Since 1991, SEP has paired research scientists with over 560 secondary school science teachers in Washington state. We believe that teachers and scientists both play a crucial role in promoting a greater understanding of biomedical research in our community and have much to offer one another. Through workshops and a summer professional development program , teachers learn molecular biology techniques and participate in laboratory research. SEP also helps mentor scientists refine their teaching skills and enhance their ability to communicate science to the broader community.
Read SEP's Statement Commitment to Equity and Justice.
Teacher Professional Development
SEP is available to all secondary science teachers in Washington state who are interested in learning more about molecular biology and want to bring the latest life sciences research into the classroom.
Scientists from Fred Hutch and other nearby research institutes are eligible to serve as mentors, including graduate students, post-docs, technicians and other scientific staff.
Register to become an SEP mentor!
Teaching Resources
SEP participants have access to the Kit Loan Program developed and maintained by SEP. Thanks to financial support from Fred Hutch and other funders, these kits are available at no cost.
About the SEP Program
Each spring, mentor scientists from Fred Hutch and partner research sites select teachers from the applicant pool to participate. Teachers and mentor scientists collaborate to design a research experience tailored to the teacher’s interests. The diversity of research projects over the past several years has included such topics as protein structure, DNA sequencing, yeast genetics, fruit fly development, and oncogenes.After participating and completing the Summer Session, teachers have access to SEP's Kit Loan Program, including complete lesson plans and all the biotechnology equipment, reagents and supplies needed to turn their classrooms into labs. Technical and scientific support is also readily available from program staff and scientists at the Hutch.
This arrangement often leads to partnerships that extend beyond the summer session, including classroom visits by scientists during the school year. These partnerships often help dispel some of the stereotypes commonly held concerning scientists and teachers.
Our Goals
Other Programs
Thank You to Our Supporters
Donors and supporters help ensure the continued vitality of the SEP, allowing science teachers to bring new science techniques and practices to their students. Together, we are cultivating the next generation of cancer researchers and are ensuring a broader understanding of, and support for, scientific research.
Recent Sponsors
2018-2019 school year was generously funded in part by:
Dean Witter Foundation
Inspirus Credit Union
MilliporeSigma
The Trudy Stack Endowment
The STRAWS Foundation
ZymoGenetics/Bristol Myers Squibb
Kit Loan Program Supporters
We acknowledge donations of materials to support our Kit Loan Program from:
Fischer Scientific
New England/Biolabs
SurModics/BioFX
Promega
Rainin
Roche
Scientific Volunteers
Scientists have also provided support through their time and effort, including those from partner organizations. Partner organizations include:
Center for Infectious Disease Research
Pacific Northwest Research Institute
Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute
University of Washington Department of Genome Sciences
University of Washington/Fred Hutch Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program
University of Washington School of Medicine