The national opportunity for workforce development, education, and training has never been greater. With strategic and sustained investment, the United States can cultivate a skilled workforce ready to lead advances in renewable energy, food and feed security, and ecosystem stewardship—strengthening both economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

Algae offer extraordinary promise as a globally significant source of food, feed, fuel, and industrial bioproducts. These versatile organisms provide innovative pathways to support a growing population while conserving vital land and water resources. Unlocking this potential begins with a STEM-literate workforce empowered through hands-on learning and real-world problem solving to translate scientific discovery into scalable solutions. Workforce development, education and training equip students with versatile skills that extend across the biotechnology sector and beyond.

By inspiring and preparing the next generation of professionals—whether they pursue careers within the algae value chain or apply technologies across diverse fields—we can build a robust talent pipeline. Sustained investment in education, outreach, and public engagement will ensure this workforce is ready to drive innovation, strengthen communities, and shape a more sustainable future.