Program Memberships

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 micropipettes, sensitive scales, centrifuges, DNA copying machines, etc), 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 now, while helping us build a bridge toward a sustainable future for our instructional team.

Important Scheduling & Enrollment Notes

  • Weekly Schedule & Calendar: Programs meet once per week (an average of 4 sessions per month). Your monthly membership fee remains consistent throughout the season, as scheduled holiday/vacation breaks are offset by months that contain a 5th week of class.

  • Flexible Cohort Options: Classes listed on multiple days or times are identical repeat sessions designed to accommodate multiple student cohorts. Simply choose the single weekly day and time slot that best fits your family’s schedule.

  • Fall & Spring Sequence: BioFUNdamentals is offered during the Fall term. CELLS Matter: BioFABrication runs in the Spring term within the exact same weekly time slots for seamless scheduling.

Join Us for a Live Virtual Q&A Session & Membership Portal Demo!

Have questions about age placements, policies, or how the volunteer co-op works? Want to see how to register and how our student skills tracking portal works? Join Dr. Paralanov for a live virtual session.

  • WHEN: Monday, August 17th, 2026 @ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

  • WHERE: Live via Google Meet  (Link provided upon RSVP)

  • WHAT WE’LL COVER:

    • Program overviews & age flexibility guidelines

    • Co-op Discount Rates and task options

    • Any questions you may have

  • Live Screen-Share Demo: How to create a parent profile in our online portal, enroll dependents, enroll in a membership, and track your child's verified lab skills and attendance hours!

Key Dates to Remember

Monday, August 17 (7:00 PM EDT): Live Virtual Q&A & Online Portal Screen-Share Demo. Please RSVP here or use the RSVP button to obtain the meeting link. The meeting will be recorded, and you can request a copy if you can’t attend live. We encourage you to submit questions in advance via the RSVP form; however, you are welcome to ask additional questions during the Q&A Session.  

Tuesday, August 18th: Priority Registration for our founding and pioneer families.

Thursday, August 20 (10:00 AM EDT): Fall Registration Officially Opens for everyone through our Online portal. You can create an account at any time before class registration opens.

Tuesday, Sept 1 – Friday, Sept 4: First Week of Fall Classes at CELLS!

RSVP