Partnership Opportunities
BUILD A STRONGER WORKFORCE
Just A Start’s Adult Career Training Program prepares motivated, diverse talent for in-demand careers in biotechnology and information technology. By partnering with us, you gain access to job-ready candidates, contribute to a more equitable workforce, and help shape training that aligns with your hiring needs.
Creating Opportunity for Career Success
Our training programs provide a path to sustainable careers in life sciences or information technology, leading to higher wages and economic stability for them and their families.
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OUR PROGRAM
Just A Start’s Biotechnology and Information Technology Careers Training Programs run from September to May, with graduation in June. Classes take place Monday through Friday, 9am–2pm, at our new campus at 430 Rindge Ave in Cambridge, directly across from the Alewife T Station. We also offer year-round alumni programming, often held on evenings and weekends and primarily delivered online via Zoom.
OUR PARTICIPANTS
Our program participants are diverse adults, mostly immigrants and people of color, ranging in age from 20 to 60, with an average age around 40. Many are parents and some hold advanced degrees from other countries, and most are underemployed or earning low wages.
WAYS TO PARTNER
GUEST SPEAKER
Career Exploration Class
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Description: In addition to technical skills, we spend time preparing participants for their job search and future careers. Volunteers share their own career journeys, a day in the life at their company, and/or answer participant questions.
Schedule and Duration: 30 minutes, during the regular class schedule (Sept – May, M-F, 9am-2pm), flexibility within the class schedule
Qualifications: We especially appreciate volunteers who can identify with our student population as an immigrant/POC and/or someone who developed their career through a non-traditional path or as a second career.
Location: remote, via Zoom session OR in person, 430 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, T accessible and guest parking available
GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Classroom
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Description: A volunteer would work with one of our teachers to create a hands-on lesson in one of our state of the art labs to share a special technique with which they have expertise. Qualifications: Experience teaching or training
Schedule and Duration: At least one session of several hours for our current students during the regular class schedule OR at least one session of several hours for our program alumni
Location: in person, 430 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, T accessible and guest parking available
GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Career Week
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Description: The programs culminate with a Career Week in which participants practice their career readiness skills with industry professionals. Standard interview questions are provided ahead of time to volunteers who spend approximately 20 minutes with each student where they simulate an interview experience and then provide participants with feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement
Schedule and Duration: Half day commitment for a specific weekday in late May
Qualifications: Hiring Manager or interviewer experience preferred
Location: remote, via Zoom session
TALENT CONNECTOR REPRESENTATIVE
Career Week
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Description: Our program culminates with a Career Week in which participants practice their career readiness skills with industry professionals. HR or hiring manager representatives meet with groups of students for initial conversations helping them prepare for hiring events and beginning their job search.
Schedule and Duration: Half day commitment for a specific weekday in late May
Qualifications: Hiring Manager or interviewer experience preferred; current open positions in your organization are very welcomed but not required for participation
Location: remote, via Zoom session
our employer partners
ADDGENE
BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER
BRIGHAM & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
INSOURCE SERVICES
MASSACHUSETTE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NOVA BIOMEDICAL
PFIZER
SANTANDER BANK
TAKEDA
THERMO FISHER
TOAST
Partner Testimonials
Contact US
Want to learn more about getting involved? Contact us with the form below.
Employer Partnership Form