PI team has been extraordinarily successful in setting up a strong foundation for a robust biotechnology classroom to career pathway for both traditional and nontraditional students. By the conclusion of Year 3, the total of Nontraditional students enrolled was 71 -- of which 68 were hired (96%) -- exceeding the proposed enrollment target of 60 by 11. All the students were interviewed; one student last year declined two offers. Two students not hired in Fall 2023 are waiting for the second interview and will most likely be hired. The PI team’s research into Project-based learning has proved to yield valuable insights and models positively impacted student retention, success, and employability.

The PBL research component of pathway development has delivered important replicable results for other institutions setting up similar programs. In their article published in Journal of Advanced Technological Education (JATE), PI Arora and Co-PI Mohammadian conclude that “PBL in the college science labs provides students the opportunity to approach coursework with curiosity and motivation for the sciences in a collaborative team-based approach. This strategy will result in skills valued by the employers and hence an improved job placement rate.”  The PI team has also made numerous presentations to the InnovATEBIO (NSF ATE’s national center for biotechnology) network via Project Talks to share the results of PBL research.

PI Arora has presented nationally on the topic of using PBL in a biotechnology classroom. Link to the slides for Dr. Arora’s 2022 National Career Pathways Network presentation: https://www.ncpn.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/arora-crossroads-slides.pdf

Survey responses indicate that students continue to find that the processes, resources, and opportunities put into place by the project team are critical in helping them to succeed in class and gain internships, experience, and employment. Industry field trips, class talks by former students, and extensive wrap-around support services emerge as the most important indicators and influencers of success.

All students also reported increased confidence in oral communication, written communication, working in a team, accepting direction and feedback, maintaining a professional work ethic, and lab etiquette.

After pandemic related challenges with recruitment in Year 1 due to the lack of in person events, the second and third years of the grant have seen an uptick of interest among students and the community.  Moreover, dissemination efforts and the track record of near 100% student employment success attracted California state government interest and funding in the form of $2 million for STEM program expansion.

Student enrollment since Spring 2022 has held steady and continues to grow. The team continues to be proactive in local community and Southern California by attending and presenting at events for veterans, adult learners, secondary and post-secondary students, and through their partnerships with regional workforce development agencies.

Strong industry connections and industry-focused dissemination by the PI team has led to local biotech companies becoming aware of the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills, and abilities the program imparts to students. As a result, employers clamor to attend the last day of class to perform on-campus, in-person interviews and make on-the-spot job offers. For example, at the end of Spring 2023, Grifols offered jobs to 8 students and Takeda Pharmaceuticals selected 4 others.

The project team has profoundly altered the biotechnology education landscape in LA County. Starting with a strong suite of stackable certificates and AS Degree, the program has gained the trust of area employers and established a reputation for preparing students to enter the workplace with a solid knowledge and skill base. A supportive network of industry and public sector partnerships and collaborations did not only bolster the grant’s success but also laid the groundwork and became the hub for a new certificate (Biocom Institute Technician Certificate or BioTC: https://www.biotccert.com/) and a bachelor’s degree program in biomanufacturing which has received approval from the State of California and the first cohort is starting in Fall 2024. LA Mission College is the first college in LACCD to start a BS degree in Biomanufacturing.

Here are some of the Supporting indicators:

• Seven industry partners have committed to offer an interview to any student who completes the BioTC Certificate and earn the electronic badge.
• The Speaker Series offered every term included the PI’s former students now working in the field which helps current students feel connected and imagine themselves in a similar role.
• PBL techniques used in this program are proven to be more effective for retaining and motivating adult learners.
• Partnership with the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) program that supports area high school teachers with free supplies for biotech classrooms.
• Six Bridge to Biotech and Bridge to Employment workshops have been offered since the start of funding. All are reviewed as extremely informative by students: both new to biotech and changing jobs/careers.
• Bridge to Employment workshops, all run by industry representatives with the opportunity for students to understand the field from a practitioner’s perspective.

Last Modified: 08/24/2024
Modified by: Chander P Arora