Boz Institute Awarded Prebys Foundation Grant to Expand Youth Workforce Pathways

Aug 2025 | The Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute has been awarded a grant from the Conrad Prebys Foundation as part of its $6 million Youth Workforce: Career Pathways initiative, supporting local efforts to address youth unemployment across San Diego County.

This funding supports a collaborative workforce program led by Boz Institute in partnership with EcoLogik Institute and UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, creating paid, hands-on internships for young people ages 18–26. The program focuses on applied life sciences and environmental research, combining real-world research and professional skill-building in CEQA and GIS.

Through this collaboration, participants gain technical experience, exposure to research and industry environments, and guidance toward continued education or employment in STEM and environmental sciences-related fields. The program is designed to reduce barriers to entry while aligning training with real workforce demand.

The Prebys Foundation initiative awarded grants to 17 local organizations working across multiple sectors, all focused on expanding access to meaningful, paid career opportunities for young adults. Boz Institute is grateful for the Foundation’s leadership and investment, which strengthens regional workforce development and supports the next generation of scientific and environmental professionals.