STEP UP - A Unique Opportunity to Train for a Career in Biotechnology

San Diego Science Alliance and San Diego City College are working together to offer a very special program to graduating seniors who are motivated to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry.  Students Trained for Exciting Positions and Unlimited Potential (STEP UP) program is the first step on a short path to employment in a high demand industry. 

Do you know of a student who would blossom under the guidance of a study support network, and who could succeed in a rigorous entry level course designed to take him or her from graduating senior to employee in the biotech industry in one year?  The STEP UP program is truly unique.  Nowhere else will fifteen lucky students receive the level of support that the STEP UP program will offer them.  STEP UP students will be supported by a dedicated teacher, a student tutor who has successfully completed the program, and a mentor to teach soft skills, as well as enhance what was learned in class.

What is the STEP Up Biotech Program?  

It consists of a four day Bio Learning camp, followed by a one semester entry level biotechnology course, BIO 109, where students will learn the soft skills required of a professional in tandem with laboratory techniques.  BIO 109 is the first of a two course sequence designed to make students employable in the biotech sector.   An academic support team will mentor students throughout the semester to ensure that they are able to successfully meet the demands of a rigorous college course. The course begins on August 23, 2010, and ends on December 18, 2010.  In addition to attending ten hours of class time, students will be expected to attend soft skills training (time management, goal setting, teamwork, project management, science writing, research techniques),  and pre and post class tutoring sessions, as well as small group tutoring sessions.  Time commitment is 30-40 hours per week, and the support network is available August 16 through December 18, 2010. 

After successfully completing BIO 109, students enroll in BIO 206, an intensive course taught by industry professionals that utilizes performance-based assessments and allows students to network with potential employers as they learn.  Upon completion of BIO 206, students will receive not only a certificate of completion, but, more importantly, access to positions at biotech companies through those potential employers who taught the course.

Please tell your students about this exciting opportunity! Class size is limited to fifteen students who have successfully completed high school biology and chemistry courses, and registration is now open. 

CLICK HERE to register.

For additional information, click here

or contact Karen Overklift at koverklift@biocom.org.