The Helix Cup is part of Genentech’s overarching STEM education initiative, engaging eighth graders across the South San Francisco Unified School District. It is an annual competition designed to reframe the experience of science in real world terms, sparking students’ imagination through hands-on learning and reinforcing the everyday determination and collaboration that leads to breakthroughs.

Guided by Genentech volunteers, every eighth grader in the district participates – competing within their classes, against other classes, and finally, against other schools.