This project is increasing the number of skilled biotechnology lab technicians in the Central Kentucky region. The demand for technicians is a direct result of companies locating in the Coldstream Research Park formed by the University of Kentucky. The "Bluegrass Biotech" project is developing certificate and associate degree options in biotechnology; providing professional development for community college faculty and secondary school teachers; building partnerships with business and industry; expanding program enrollment through recruitment activities and dual credit options; and increasing the number of 2+2+2 pathways between area high schools to the biotechnology program at the community college to area four-year institutions. The activities of this project are being developed through a mentorship funded by the American Association of Community College's Mentorlinks program, and through interactions with faculty associated with the Advanced Technology Education Center of Excellence known as Bio-Link.
Then intent of this ATE project is to increase the skilled workforce of biotechnology laboratory technicians in the Central Kentucky Region by implementing the following objectives: Provide professional development for two-year college faculty and secondary school teachers to enhance knowledge of biotechnology education. Develop certificate and degree options in biotechnology. Build partnerships with regional industries. Recruit students into the biotechnology program. Increase 2 + 2 + 2 pathways to provide a seamless movement to receive dual credit in introductory biotechnology courses. Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is reporting accomplishments and findings of the Bluegrass Biotechnology project. The overall goal of the project was to increase the skilled workforce of biotechnology laboratory technicians in the Central Kentucky Region. The Biotechnology Program at BCTC will continue well past the funding period, with input from important stakeholders; the Biotechnology Advisory Board, Four-year transfer institutions, BCTC Administration, and Biotechnology Program students. This project has been especially productive with many fruitful collaborations, several faculty professional development opportunities, new curricula & equipment, as well as exciting student successes. Briefly, the major accomplishments of this project are: Developed 21 new courses; Developed 5 new certificates; Developed an Associates in Applied Science degree; Biotechnology students filled 735 seats over the course of the funding period; Awarded 19 AAS degrees, 73 Basic Biotechnician certificates, 19 Advanced Biotechnician certificates, 5 Laboratory Assistant certificates, and 2 Environmental Biotechnician certificates; Hosted 3 summer workshops for secondary science teachers; Hosted 3 additional summer workshops for 2-year and 4-year college faculty; Eleven BCTC faculty and staff members attended 63 professional development events (duplicated); Nineteen students successfully completed internships; Five students were awarded scholarships to attend a national conference; Three students were awarded Department of Energy’s Community College Student Internships, stipends for students to participate as interns at one of 15 DOE national laboratories; Equipped the learning laboratory with 12 student stations; Conducted 21 dissemination activities; Conducted numerous student recruitment activities; and, Thirty-one high school students earned college credit through dual enrollment. In conclusion, the support received from NSF ATE program helped the project’s senior personnel successfully implement the NSF grant Building the Biotechnician Workforce in the Bluegrass Region. Without the funding, we would not have been able to achieve such impressive results summarized above. Nor could we have touched as many people, including biotechnology students, young minds, adult learners, high school students and teachers, community college faculty and staff, tenured professors, community members, industry partners, just to name a few.
