About The Biotech Initiative

The Biotechnology Initiative is one of ten initiatives of the Economic and Workforce Development Program of the California Community Colleges, established to maintain California’s growth and global economic competitiveness.

The Biotechnology Initiative supports the Biotechnology community through four Applied Biotechnology Centers that promote industry-specific education, training and services to maintain a skilled and productive workforce.

Primary goals of the Initiative are:

• Provide quality training and workforce assistance to California Biotechnology employers
• Assist community colleges build capacity for responsive Biotechnology training
• Build the pipeline of students entering Biotechnology as a career.

The Initiative’s four state-wide Applied Biotechnology Centers work with companies, industry associations, economic development groups and all levels of public and private education to develop comprehensive, affordable, accessible and relevant skills training and educational programs, including:

• Specialized “fast-track” to work programs
• Focused, short courses for incumbent industry workers
• Skills upgrade opportunities for incumbent and displaced workers
• Ongoing faculty professional development
• Creation and dissemination to colleges of innovative curricula
• High school teacher training and programs to engage young students
• Equipment donation programs to supply school and college laboratories