BABEC (“bay-beck”) is the Bay Area Bioscience Education Community. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving science teachers and students in the San Francisco Bay Area. We supply a biotechnology curriculum, portable laboratory equipment, and hands-on learning opportunities for hundreds of teachers and thousands of students. Since 1996, BABEC’s key to success lies in: 1. Developing strong collaborations with teachers, 2. Providing a relevant curriculum and technical support, 3. Producing cost effective access to educational biotechnology supplies and equipment, and 4. Cultivating a strong regional network of educators and community partners. BABEC is guided by an equity-based philosophy that a high quality science education is a necessity for all students, regardless of academic achievement, socioeconomic status, or English language proficiency. Through a combination of teacher professional development and highly leveraged, portable biotech supplies and equipment, BABEC helps students develop an interest in science, consider science as a career, and become scientifically literate citizens.