Why the Algae Foundation? As the leading algal-based education nonprofit, the Algae Foundation plays a critical role in workforce development by delivering industry-aligned STEM education that prepares students and educators to meet the growing demands of the bioeconomy.
Algae Foundation Historical Timeline The Algae Foundation (AF) was established by a group of dedicated algal academics, national laboratory scientists, and algal industry leaders.
2013
The Algae Cultivation Extension Shortcourses (ACES) program launched with Part 1: Seaweeds. AF has served: 800+ students 8 K–12 teachers 2 ATEC schools
The Summer Algae Science Institute (SASI) program and ACES Part 2 Microalgae were established. AF has served: 37,000+ students 231 K–12 teachers 7 ATEC schools
2021
2019
2017
2018
2016 The Algae Academy and Algae Technology Educational Consortium ATEC) programs were launched, formalizing national education and workforce development efforts.
The second MOOC, Algae Biotechnology, and the Cultivate program were launched. AF has served: 127,000+ students 925 K–12 teachers 21 ATEC schools
The Foundation released its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Introduction to Algae. AF has served: 12,000+ students 58 K–12 teachers 5 ATEC schools
All participation figures reflect cumulative impact to date.
The new Biology of Algae The third MOOC, Introduction to Laboratory and Seaweed Seaweeds, and the second AlgaePrize Biology courses were (2023-2025) competition were launched. AF has served: launched. AF has served: 360,000 students 228,000+ students 3,191 K–12 teachers 1,863 K–12 teachers 48 ATEC schools 41 ATEC schools
2020 Algae Academy creates virtual curriculum to serve students through COVID. ATEC begins Digital Badging. AF has served: 83,000+ students 541 K–12 teachers 11 ATEC schools
2025
2023
2022
2024
The inaugural AlgaePrize Student Competition (2022–2023) was launched. AF has served: 172,000+ students 1,365 K–12 teachers 31 ATEC schools
The fourth MOOC, Algal Blooms & Proliferations, was launched, and the educational board game Phycoverse was released. AF has served: 6 290,000+ students 2,489 K–12 teachers 46 ATEC schools
Algae Foundation Case Statement
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