Genentech gives $10 million to K-12 STEM program

Genentech, the biotechnology giant, announced Monday it would invest $10 million in a nationwide K-12 school STEM program that originated in South San Francisco schools.

The program, Futurelab+, includes biotechnology curriculum that fits into existing state science standards, training for teachers and a volunteer program that matches biotech professionals with classrooms. The goal is to boost achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among low-income students and groups that are underrepresented in the biotechnology field.

Genentech, which is based in South San Francisco, launched Futurelab+ in South San Francisco Unified in 2015. The program, which has so far reached more than 8,000 students, will expand nationally with the new funding. Genentech hopes it will reach 2 million students by 2026.