Farmington Schools Announces New Partnership with Jackson Labs

Farmington students will get the chance to intern, research and learn alongside some of the leading minds in the field of genomics through a new partnership with Jackson Labs.

JAX will offer on-site learning opportunities to Farmington High School students and faculty. New courses have been written for high school students between faculty and JAX educational experts.

A competitive internship program aligned with Farmington’s CAPSTONE program will allow students to work at the lab and earn course credit.

JAX recently opened its new lab in Farmington with help from state funding. Gov. Dannel Malloy has touted the new lab as an important step to keep Connecticut on the cutting edge in the growing field of bioscience.

“Jackson Lab is an ideal partner for the Farmington Public Schools,” said Superintendent Kathleen Greider. “Their commitment to exposing our students and faculty to real-world learning experiences that will advance education in Connecticut in the areas of health and genomics is well aligned to our Board of Education’s goals, core beliefs and Vision of the FPS Graduate.”

JAX Vice President for Education for the Jackson Laboratory Tom Litwin said the lab is excited for the new partnership.

“Collaborating with the Farmington School District on health and genomics education is a model partnership,” he said. “Educating our students about the role personalized medicine will play in their lives, and having them start thinking about career opportunities, are important goals. By combining expertise and resources, we can jointly pilot a program that can be expanded state-wide.”

Image via Wikimedia Commons