Vertex Pharmaceuticals is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies that works to cure diseases and improve people’s lives, and on September 28th, the company brought its powers into the classrooms – and the gymnasium – at Boston Green Academy.
In June 2012, Vertex announced a partnership with the Boston Public Schools to improve science education. Working exclusively with BGA and Excel High School, Vertex aims to make improvements by allowing students to work hands-on with scientists through service days and internships, and also provides university scholarships, research fellowships for teachers, and access to state-of-the-art lab space.
To commence this groundbreaking partnership, Vertex employees – including the Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Peter Mueller, and Chief Financial Officer, Ian Smith – visited BGA for a Day of Service. The day began with Dr. Mueller addressing the student body on the future of science and pharmaceuticals, during which he also fielded questions about his career path and offered advice to our students. Shortly after, students got their own chance to dabble with advanced science.
Bryan Vought, Senior Research Scientist, led students in an experiment to purify their own DNA. And in classrooms throughout the school, an array of Vertex employees from different sectors of the company spoke with students about their personal and professional backgrounds, and why a career in science pays off.
Not only did students walk away from the day with a heightened knowledge of Vertex, its employees and the advantages of a career in science – they also walked off with sweet treats from Stonyfield, who stopped by at dismissal with a delicious donation of ice cream, milk and cookies.
While the day had ended for students, the staff around school was gearing-up for a more competitive conclusion: after dismissal, the staffs of BGA and Vertex went head-to-head in a soccer match in the school’s gym. Although the competition was fierce and the injuries were numerous, the BGA team had the advantage of several student athletes, and walked away with a 4-1 win.
All games aside, it is clear to see that the partnership between BGA and Vertex is a win for all. We look forward to growing this successful collaboration so that the students who walk our halls today may become the Vertex employees of tomorrow.