The Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Community Affairs and Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research hosted the first official Henrietta Lacks High School Day in March of 2014.
Video by Joshua Franzos
Henrietta Lacks High School Day is a cornerstone event in our ongoing commitment to education and community engagement. Hosted by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination, this event serves as a continuation of university outreach around clinical research and the life and legacy of Mrs. Henrietta Lacks.
Our mission is to provide an immersive educational experience by inviting Baltimore high school students to the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore campus. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of key scientific concepts and ethical considerations.
Since its inception, Henrietta Lacks High School Day has included interactive laboratory experiences and engaging discussions based around HeLa stem cells and biotechnology. Students are empowered to explore the intersections of science, ethics, and society. By telling Mrs. Henrietta Lacks’s story and engaging with members of the Lacks family, we underscore the importance of ethical research practices and the profound impact of scientific discovery on human lives.
The roots of Henrietta Lacks High School Day can be traced back to 2012 and engagements with regional schools and collaborative efforts and ongoing partnerships. We hope for the event to be transformative for the future of science and society.
