Equipment Depot
The Georgia Life Sciences Equipment Depot serves as a central hub connecting industry with classrooms, repurposing donated equipment and supplies to advance hands-on science education and strengthen Georgia’s future life sciences workforce.
As one of only two programs of its kind in the country, the Equipment Depot has already made a significant impact, distributing more than $2.03 million/50 tons in donated laboratory equipment and supplies to educators across the state, directly supporting teachers, K-12 classrooms, and the next generation of life sciences talent.
All Georgia STEM teachers are welcome to access the Depot for laboratory supplies and equipment to enhance classroom instruction and better prepare students for careers in the life sciences. In addition, educators who participate in our Teacher Training Initiative are eligible to borrow specialized equipment through our lending program.
Through partnerships with companies and universities, the Equipment Depot collects donated equipment and supplies and redistributes them to schools across Georgia, ensuring these valuable resources are put to meaningful use where they are needed most.
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What we need:
Petri Dishes • Conical Tubes • Microcentrifuge Tubes (0.2 mL, 1.5 mL) • Sterile Serological Pipettes • Sterile Filters (Whatman) • Parafilm • Transfer Pipets (plastic) • Pipettes and Tips • Agar (LB or nutrient) • Agarose • Heating Blocks • Thermal Cyclers • Electrophoresis Chambers and Power Supplies • Water Baths and Carousels • Incubators • Freezers • Vortexers • Mini Microcentrifuges • Lab Coats • Gowns • Gloves • Safety Glasses • Beakers • Graduated Cylinders
We cannot accept hazardous materials or chemicals, except agar and agarose.
Why the Depot Exists
The Problem
While the life science industry needs employees with basic laboratory and research skills, 91% of teachers reported that the biggest challenge to implementing laboratory activities in the classroom is lack of supplies (107 out of 117 Georgia life science teachers surveyed!).
Just over half of Georgia’s middle school students have science teachers with the resources needed to teach effectively. The problem is much worse for students of Black or Hispanic heritage, as well as students from low-income families.
The Solution
Georgia Life Sciences is providing teachers with the resources needed to improve their content knowledge, skills, and confidence in implementing biotechnology laboratory activities. Our Equipment Depot then provides teachers with the supplies needed to conduct these laboratory activities in the classroom.
How you can help
Donate Supplies
Redirect the supplies and equipment that are landfill-bound, outdated, ordered in error, etc., including consumable supplies and classroom-appropriate equipment. We can arrange pick-up or consult with you on the appropriateness of items for classroom use. You can donate supplies via this form, or purchase items for the depot from our wish list here.
Become a Sponsor
Your support will help us maintain our storage facilities, employ a fulfillment center, and expand our operation to reach more teachers throughout the state. We accept cash and in-kind contributions. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes.
Volunteer
We need help collecting and inventorying donated items, and staffing our Open House events.
Info for Teachers
The Georgia Life Sciences Equipment Depot remains an important part of our commitment to supporting educators across Georgia.
As we prepare for a move to a new location, the Depot is currently closed for shopping and equipment browsing. During this transition, we will continue filling equipment requests and matching available resources to classroom needs whenever possible. While inventory availability may vary during the transition, our goal remains the same: helping educators access equipment that supports hands-on learning, workforce development, and student success.
We are excited about the opportunities this new space will provide and look forward to welcoming educators back to the Depot. As soon as we have details about our new location and Open House plans, we will share that information with our educator network.
Join our mailing list to be notified of ‘Open House’ shopping opportunities. For inquiries, contact Renee' Martin at rmartin@galifesciences.org.
Where is the Equipment Depot?
Georgia Life Sciences Equipment Depot is located at 5002 N. Royal Atlanta Drive, Suite H, Tucker, GA 30084
