Fee Structure & Cost Breakdown

CELLS is a community-funded nonprofit—our lab remains active and accessible thanks to families like yours. As we grow, our goal is to build a sustainable "circular" model: one that honors the expertise of our instructors while keeping biology as a technology accessible to every curious mind in our community.

Here is how your membership fees directly support our lab:

• The Lab Home & Operations (40%–55%): This keeps our physical space safe and ready for discovery. It covers essential facility costs, including rent, liability insurance, and professional hazardous waste disposal.

• The Science in Your Hands (25%–40%): Biotechnology requires precision. This portion directly funds the "tactile" side of learning—including equipment (such as thermocyclers and centrifuges), specialized reagents, molecular biology kits, and protective gear (PPE) that keeps our scientists, young and mature, safe.

• Investing in Our Educators (10%–20%): We are currently a volunteer-powered lab. These funds are dedicated to building a sustainable future where our instructional staff and subject matter experts receive the stipends they deserve for their time and talent.

• The Tools That Connect Us (4%–10%): This covers the essential platforms and administrative tools—such as payment processing and scheduling software—that allow us to communicate and keep the lab running smoothly.

The Value of Community Expertise: Currently, our lead instructors and lab techs generously donate their professional expertise—worth $30–$100+ per hour. Your contributions ensure they have a professional facility to teach in today, while helping us build a bridge toward a sustainable future for our instructional team.