The biopharmaceutical industry is the backbone of America's innovative economy, supporting more than 4.9 million jobs across the United States. As the U.S. industry with the largest number of research and development (R&D) jobs, biopharma is at the forefront of scientific advancement, working to develop life-saving treatments and cures. These jobs are crucial not only for the patients they serve but also for the communities and economies they sustain.
Looking toward the future, the development of tomorrow's treatments and cures hinges on preparing today's workforce with the right skills and knowledge. Investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is essential for creating a pipeline of talent that will lead the next generation of breakthroughs.
Earlier this year, We Work For Health (WWFH) and local legislative leaders announced a STEM Talent Pipeline grant for the Keystone Science School's “Girls in STEM” program in Colorado. Through hands-on, real-world activities, this program aims to make STEM both relevant and fun, promoting teamwork and collaboration among young students. These programs are critical to prepare girls for future careers in STEM and in the biopharmaceutical industry.
In another event in April, four WWFH STEM Talent Pipeline grant recipients, including Minnesota robotics teams from Eden Valley-Watkins High School, Greenbush Middle School, and West Central High School, competed in the “First Robotics Granite City Regional Competition” in St. Cloud. The Eden Valley-Watkins team proudly displayed the WWFH logo on their robot, showcasing the organization’s support for developing future innovators.
In July, WWFH sponsored a workforce development roundtable hosted by the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in Maine. This event brought together elected officials, business leaders, and community organizations to discuss the importance of a strong workforce in fueling biopharmaceutical innovation. Representatives from Jackson Labs shared insights on how a robust workforce is essential for driving the development of cutting-edge treatments. The active participation of lawmakers and industry leaders during this event highlights the bipartisan recognition of workforce development as a key pillar of economic growth and healthcare advancement.
Beyond direct employment, the biopharmaceutical industry plays a critical role in supporting a variety of indirect jobs that sustain local economies. From skilled laborers responsible for building and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities to the businesses that surround these hubs of innovation, the industry's reach extends across all 50 states. This broad economic impact means that when we support the biopharma workforce, we also uplift the communities where these facilities are based. These events are just some of the ways that WWFH is leading the charge to ensure the workforce of today is ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.