What It Means to Start a Chapter
Starting a DTWS chapter means building a local hub where students can learn advanced molecular biology and genomics, then pay that knowledge forward by teaching others, creating a self-propagating global network of student leaders in STEM. It is an indication that you—the chapter founder(s), as well as the leaders who will take on your role in the future—are prepared to assume the Mission Statement, Motto, Values, and Responsibilities associated with DTWS, serving as leading ambassadors of the DTWS initiative regionally and strictly sustaining our reputation. Above all, those seeking to establish a chapter should be guided by a single purpose: to inspire the next generation of genetic engineers and biotechnologists.
As a chapter lead, you will organize programs, gather members, mentor peers, host lectures and lab sessions, and help grow a global network of student scientists in your own community. Additionally, you will be responsible for communicating with local community center partners, minor fundraising, and assisting in the full transfer of leadership to the next set of Chapter Leaders. Please read below to understand all of the requirements to be eligible to host a Chapter.
Eligibility & Requirements
We want chapters to be both inclusive and sustainable. To start a chapter, you should meet the guidelines below or have a clear plan for how you will get there.
- You are a high school or university student, or an educator who works closely with students.
- You can commit at least 3–5 hours per week during active program periods.
- You already have access to a community center or virtual platform where sessions can be held, or willing to (with guidance) find a location to host your chapter.
- You will actively recruit members/students and promote DTWS.
- You can embody our mission statement by hosting lectures and labs, educating and inspiring younger students.
- You establish a chapter with the intention and mission of cultivating future student leaders who are well educated, informed, and prepared to assume your role.
- You agree to manage members within your local area/school/center (depending on the format of your specific chapter)
- You contain, sustain, and exhibit a motivation that is purely genuine of upholding our Mission Statement, teaching and leading others, and gathering more knowledge in the field of molecular biology, genomics, genome engineering, and biotechnology; other rationales, such as enhancing a college admissions profile or participating in a non-profit initiative, will not be tolerated.
- You continually communicate with and give progress updates to Executive Leadership Team
- You effectively, consistently, and endogenously possess qualities of responsibility, humility, honesty, transparency, and confidence, in both communication and actions with your Chapter members and the Executive Leadership Team
We ask that all Chapter Founders and Student Leaders possess a minimum of one year of high school level biology knowledge with a passing grade, and are capable of embodying the role of a responsible and confident educator. If you choose to participate, your early involvement makes it highly likely that you will become a District Ambassador as DTWS continues to grow.
How to Start a Chapter: Step-by-Step
1. Learn about DTWS. Read our Mission and Programs pages to understand how our model works in practice. Make sure you fully understand the process of hosting a Chapter.
2. Build a small core team. Identify 1-2 peers who are interested in helping you co-lead and organize. We recommend having two or three Chapter Founders/Leaders at all times, however, we do not impose a strict quantity. Having an adult supporting you, such as a parent or mentor, is beneficial to ensure your chapter is well-run and respected. While not needed in order to host a chapter, some community centers and parents may require it so it is good to have someone in mind that could assist you.
3. Submit your chapter interest form/application. Share your background, location, and plan so our team can get to know you; the form will guide you through specific questions to answer. Ensure you know which program you would like to lead before starting the form; you can find the options here. While it is unusual for us to reject the establishment of a chapter, some reasons for such outcome could be:
– Pre-existing chapter in too close proximity to your proposed location
– Inadequate knowledge and/or experiential background
– Deceitful and dishonest motivation for hosting a chapter, such as purely for the sake of college admissions or resume boasting
The purpose of the form is for us to ensure that you (and your fellow Chapter Leaders) meet our minimum requirements and expectations (as illustrated above).
Meet with DTWS. Join a short virtual call where we go over your application, answer questions, refine your plan, and review expectations.
Define your community. Decide where your chapter will be based (city, community center, hybrid) and who you want to reach first. If you do not have a pre-planned location, you must now reach out to various organizations/centers to find a space; the Executive Team can guide you, however, we are not responsible for locating a site for you. Your chapter cannot start until this is formally processed, so we recommend beginning the outreach processes as principally as possible. While hosting the chapter at your school is a possibility, this will require further communication with the DTWS Executive Team to ensure either public access is allowed or a strong enough internal interest in your school.
Draft your chapter plan. Outline your goals for the first year, expected number of students, and how often you will run sessions. Please ensure this plan, specifically the logistical components, are approved by your chosen community center/partner, as well as any supervising adult (if applicable). Once finalized, share your plan with the DTWS Executive Team for a final acceptance.
Complete training. Participate in DTWS instructor training to prepare you to teach your associated program curriculum.
Launch your first cohort. Recruit students, finalize logistics, and run your first official DTWS chapter sessions! After this step, your Chapter is officially launched! Please refer to the Chapter Handbook for any future concerns, and make sure you are consistently communicating and meeting with the DTWS Executive Team throughout your time as Chapter Leaders.
Apply to Start a Chapter
Ready to take the next step? We are excited to learn about you and your community!
To apply, please complete the short interest form below. The form will ask for a brief introduction, your location, your rationale for starting a DTWS chapter, relevant experience, and other important information about you. If your proposed chapter will have more than one Student Leader, please submit a single form on behalf of all Chapter Founders. Again, the purpose of the form is for us to ensure that you (and your fellow Chapter Leaders) meet our minimum requirements and expectations for hosting a Chapter (as illustrated above); it is not, rather, a formal application process that involves the scrutiny of your previous academic and ex/co-curricular achievements, accomplishments, and experiences.
If you have any questions about DTWS, establishing a chapter, or anything else you would like answered prior to submitting your interest application, please email us or contact us via our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior lab experience to lead a chapter?
No. Prior lab experience is helpful but not required. We provide curriculum, training, and guidance so that motivated students and educators can confidently teach advanced topics.
Is there a cost to starting a chapter?
There is no fee to become a DTWS chapter. Some activities may require access to basic materials or lab space, but we will work with you to adapt the program to your local resources. Preliminary funding will be provided (based on resource availability), however, ongoing fundraising may be required to sustain the Chapter.
How long does approval take?
After you submit your interest form or email, our team typically responds within 1 week. Timelines may vary based on the number of applications we receive.
Can I run a fully online chapter?
Unfortunately, no. Chapters can be in-person or hybrid, however they cannot be fully online due to hands-on, lab-based learning being a key component of all DTWS chapters; lectures-like meetings can be held remotely, if needed, accounting for the hybrid option. If you are not able to be involved with DTWS in-person, please reach out to us to discuss alternative ways to contribute to our mission without being affiliating with a Chapter.
Can more than one chapter exist in the same city/county/region?
Sometimes. We usually encourage collaboration under one chapter structure, but in large communities (ex. populated counties and regions) it may make sense to have multiple chapters. If you are unsure whether it makes sense for you to start a new Chapter, please reach out to us and we will work with you to find the best option. Often times, we are able to divide larger regions into smaller areas to allow for new Chapters to be established and connect with more local communities.
Still have questions? Reach out any time and we will be happy to help you think through whether starting a DTWS chapter is right for you.
Deciphering the World of Science 