January 03, 2026
Every community has its own questions — Geneskool is creating space for students to ask them.
Since 2004, Genome BC’s Geneskool program has worked to bring genomics to life for students across British Columbia. From CSI-style classroom workshops and summer science camps to portable “suitcase” exhibits and teacher training, Geneskool has evolved into the province’s leading provider of Grades 8–12 genomics education. Its programs are designed not only to spark curiosity but also to connect science learning with real-world applications and future career pathways.
To date, Geneskool has reached over half of BC’s communities — 51% of cities, district municipalities, towns and villages — through a combination of hands-on programming, regional outreach and digital resources. Now, the program is entering a new phase.
Geneskool Hubs are being established to deepen local engagement and increase access to genomics education throughout the province. These regional hubs will deliver Geneskool’s full suite of content — workshops, field trips, online tools and community events — in ways that reflect local cultures, regional priorities and student interests.
Each hub is rooted in partnership with post-secondary institutions across BC, including Thompson Rivers University, Vancouver Island University, Capilano University and the University of the Fraser Valley. These institutions serve as anchor partners, hosting regional hubs and providing access to lab spaces, faculty expertise and student mentorship. By rooting each hub within a local post-secondary setting, Geneskool is creating strong regional connections and introducing high school students to the learning environments, technologies and people that shape BC’s life sciences sector.
Just as important, Geneskool Hubs will help educators bring curriculum to life with localized resources and expert support. Students will gain more opportunities to explore how genomics connects to health, food and environmental challenges in their own communities. This helps students see not only where science happens, but also how they might be part of it.
By supporting localized delivery while maintaining province-wide reach, Geneskool Hubs represent a new model for science education in BC — one rooted in access, relevance and community.
