A new high school program launched to bring interactive organ donation education to Minnesota schools
Teens are the future of organ, eye and tissue donation — and ensuring they receive accurate, science-based education before they ever face a decision to register is critical. That’s why LifeSource launched Transplantation Science in the Classroom — a free, interactive organ donation education program for high school students in the Twin Cities metro area.
Why organ donation education for youth matters
For many years, teens first encountered information about organ donation when applying for a driver’s license. However, as driver’s education evolves and fewer students obtain a license before age 18, many young people are no longer learning about donation during the traditional licensing process.
This shift makes classroom-based education – directly from the experts who do this work every day – more important than ever.
Providing students with factual, medically accurate information about organ, eye and tissue donation empowers them to:
- Understand how donation and transplantation works
- Separate myths from facts
- Ask informed questions about what matters most to them
- Make confident decisions in the future
Early education builds trust — not just in the donation system, but in the life-saving impact of transplantation.
What is Transplantation Science in the Classroom?
Launched in fall 2025, Transplantation Science in the Classroom brings the science of organ, eye and tissue donation directly into high school science and health classrooms.
This free program includes:
- Hands-on lessons aligned with science standards
- Examination of plastinated and 3D-printed organs
- Exploration of real tissue and eye specimens
- Interactive discussions about how organ transplantation saves and heals lives
For many students, this is the first time they see how biology connects to real people waiting for an organ transplant, such as a kidney or a liver. It transforms organ donation from an abstract concept into something tangible and human.
Connecting science to real-life impact
One of the most powerful aspects of the program is its ability to connect classroom learning with real-world outcomes.
Students don’t just learn how transplantation works — they begin to understand that one registered donor can save multiple lives and heal dozens more through tissue donation.
When students are given space to ask thoughtful questions in a supportive environment, we see deeper understanding and greater confidence in future decision-making.
A growing partnership for youth education
The Transplantation Science program is currently offered in high schools throughout the Twin Cities metro area, with plans to expand to additional regions as resources and education facilitators are added.
This initiative is made possible through strong partnerships with:
- University of Minnesota’s Visible Heart Lab
- Lions Gift of Sight
- MTF Biologics
Together, these collaborations ensure students receive accurate scientific information and meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Related: Behind the scenes with University of Minnesota’s Visible Heart Lab and 3D-printing real-life organs for the program
Bring organ donation education to more classrooms
Do you know a science or health teacher in the Twin Cities metro area who may be interested in bringing this program to their classroom? We would love to connect.
👉 Learn more about Transplantation Science in the Classroom:
https://www.life-source.org/transplantation-science-in-the-classroom/
📧 Contact Teresa Turner, Public Education Specialist, at tturner@life-source.org to start the conversation.