Gene Editing Institute Receives $500K Federal Grant to Expand CRISPR Learning Lab

ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute has received a $500,000 federal grant secured by Delaware’s congressional delegation to expand its Learning Lab, a hands-on program that introduces high school and college students to gene editing. The Learning Lab is powered by CRISPR in a Box™, a teaching toolkit developed by Institute scientists that lets students try gene editing and watch DNA change in real time. With this new funding, more schools in Delaware will be able to offer the experience, with plans to expand it nationwide.

The Learning Lab is designed to make advanced science feel real and accessible. Students spend a half day at the Gene Editing Institute where they perform a full gene editing experiment, talk with working scientists and learn how tools like CRISPR are shaping the future of medicine.

The program has reached thousands of students so far, with many more expected in the coming year. Teachers report that students leave feeling more confident, more curious and more excited about science. “This support helps us give students a chance to see themselves in science,” said Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., executive director and chief scientific officer of the Gene Editing Institute. “When young people use real tools, work with real scientists and see results with their own eyes, it builds confidence and sparks new interests. We are grateful to our Congressional Delegation for making it possible to expand this life-changing experience.”

Science and technology jobs continue to grow, and the Learning Lab helps prepare students for those careers. The program encourages students to explore pathways in biotechnology, research, laboratory science and health care. It also helps schools strengthen their own science programs by providing learning tools that are easy to understand and exciting for students.

As the Learning Lab expands, the Gene Editing Institute will offer more teacher training, more classroom support and new curriculum modules that help students learn about data analysis, ethics, health care applications and the role gene editing plays in diseases like sickle cell and cancer. Partnerships with Delaware colleges and universities will also help students stay connected to STEM opportunities long after their first visit. “CRISPR in a Box™ gives students a way to understand gene editing by doing it themselves,” said Amanda Hewes, MS, education program manager. “When students try an experiment and watch DNA change, it helps them feel capable. It opens their minds to careers they might not have considered. This grant will help us share that experience with many more students.”

CRISPR in a Box™ has become a trusted learning tool for teachers and students around the country. The kit grew out of the Gene Editing Institute’s research on DNA repair, where scientists discovered a clear and repeatable gene editing process that could be shared safely in a classroom. In 2017, the National Science Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to support its development, making it the first NSF-funded project to bring hands-on gene editing directly to high school students. Since that time, thousands of students have used CRISPR in a Box™, and the kit has earned national honors, including recognition as a Best of STEM Awards finalist and one of The Scientist’s Top 10 Innovations.

“Delaware has always been a leader in innovation, and this grant to invest in Delaware’s next generation of innovators will continue that tradition,” said Senator Chris Coons. “I’m proud to have secured this funding so our state can keep putting forward the kind of cutting-edge research that’s happening at ChristianaCare that will change and save lives.” Said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester: “ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute does amazing work giving our students the tools they need to take on the biomedical challenges of tomorrow. “I’m grateful that Congressionally Directed Spending has been able to invest in the Learning Lab curriculum and ensure even more students can access these opportunities. This is how we’ll ensure Delaware stays at the forefront of health care innovation for generations to come.”

"Investing in Delaware’s innovative spirit requires strong public-private partnerships,” said Congresswoman Sarah McBride. "I’m proud to support this federal funding to expand access to cutting-edge research and prepare the next generation of scientists to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Delawareans."

As the Learning Lab grows, more students from all backgrounds will have the chance to explore science in a meaningful way. The program is especially focused on reaching students who may not have access to advanced STEM resources. By giving these students hands-on experiences, the Learning Lab helps build pathways to college, careers and future success. ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute will continue to work with local schools, community organizations and national partners to share the program widely and help shape the next generation of scientists, innovators and problem solvers. CRISPR in a Box™ is available for purchase by high school and college instructors through Carolina Biological Supply Company.