Planning Grant for an Advanced Biotechnology Education Center

The planning for the Advanced Biotechnology Education Center represents a collaborative effort between California Community Colleges, the California State University system, the University of California system, national laboratories, California secondary school districts and biotechnology industries. Providing 50% of the biotechnology industry and 17% of higher education opportunities, California recognizes the imperative to plan a Center that addresses the needs of industry and the needs for basic science education and science literacy. This project will develop a complete and comprehensive plan to target needs for all students in biotechnology and basic science courses, especially those from under represented populations, and provide a national model for curriculum improvement and development at each stage in the educational/occupational continuum in biotechnology. California Biotechnology Consortium membership and a Center Steering Committee will provide leadership for planning curriculum, faculty enhancement, equipment needs, evaluation and dissemination. Five leaders in education have been selected for the roles of lead principal investigator and co-principal investigators. Conferences, electronic networking and teleconferences will provide the means to develop written reports and a detailed proposal for an Advanced Biotechnology Education Center.