This program with Citizen Schools provides us with an opportunity to inspire and prepare students for successful STEM careers—aligning with our focus of making science exciting and accessible," said Tony Kingsley, Chairman, Biogen Idec Foundation. "There's simply no better way to engage our next generation of STEM leaders than through hands-on learning experiments that show them what's possible." The Biogen Idec Foundation supports Citizen Schools' apprenticeships in Massachusetts through a 10-week course at the Biogen Idec Community Lab. The 90-minute per week course has helped Boston students transform into junior scientists. Suited in lab coats, the students conduct experiments using the same state-of-the-art equipment and tools that Biogen Idec scientists utilize to discover and create new medicine. The apprenticeship program is helping to ensure a more diverse 21 st century workforce skilled in the STEM job sectors, which are prevalent industries in both Boston and Durham.