Ohlone College and its partners from K-12 and industry are jointly creating the Learning Alliance for Bioscience (LAB) project, an integrated set of activities with the aim of 1) increasing the number of students participating in biotechnology programs, particularly those from underrepresented groups; 2) increasing the variety and effectiveness of teaching and learning strategies and methods in biotechnology programs; and 3) enhancing and expanding the scope of their biotechnology program by exploring and developing new bioscience technician programs in alignment with industry needs. Activities include summer programs for students, tutoring, an introductory biotechnology course, outreach, professional development for teachers, and curriculum and program development.
The project is increasing the numbers of underrepresented students involved in the biotechnology, and science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) and related programs at Ohlone College. It includes outreach to and recruitment of 18 to 24-year-old underrepresented students, primarily Hispanic and Latino. A learning communities model is being established at target high schools and involves college students who serve as peer-tutors. A staff development component providing industry collaborations for both high school and community college faculty is leading to curriculum development for biotechnology courses.
