Ana White and Monique Rabi-Davis

White’s and Rabi-Davis' innovative teaching idea, "Biotechnology at Cross-Keys High," focuses on introducing minority and underrepresented students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Through practical and hands-on application over the course of a semester-long, daily, 90-minute lab, students will apply various math and science concepts through a holistic approach to truly recognize the ways in which these disciplines impact and enhance one another. The program will foster leadership, critical thinking and problem solving skills. With the Voya grant, the team plans to purchase tools to give their students real world experience. Students will isolate and analyze their own DNA from cheek cell samples using tools such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines and gel electrophoresis. The program is grounded in real world applications, including pharmacology, forensics, medicine and environmental clean-up. The duo hopes to prepare their students with competitive and relevant classes for their college and post-college careers.