What's New in Biotechnology at COC?

• $12,000 in VTEA funds for computer upgrades to run various biotechnology sampling equipment.
   
• Ongoing Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training for engineers to enter the biomedical device field.
  WIA includes funds for curricula development, instruction, supplies and technical support as well as a departmental stipend.
  Additional training opportunities for bio-technician training (300 hours) and biomedical device technicians (250 hours) are pending.
  Total funding opportunities are in excess of 1.5 million.
   
• Industry Driven Regional Collaborative (in cooperation with Ventura College)
   
• $200,000 for installation of clean-room at near by industrial park.
  Includes funding for curricula development, computers, instructional and promotional materials.
  Slated for installation by June 2005 and training to begin in August.
  Will help to strengthen vocational focus of the Biology Department by providing access to current industry practices and training programs for our students.
   
• College of the Canyons Biotechnology outreach program:
   
  • Provides 4 modern biotechnology labs (supplies, equipment, training and curricula) to local educators in the Santa Clarita Valley (at no cost to teachers).
     
• Misc. grants and donations to date totaling over $150,000 in equipment, supplies and reagents to help implement a variety of biotechnology related endeavors.
   
• All of these have been accomplished with no drain on Biology Department or Math and Science Division resources.
   

For more information about biotechnology
at College of the Canyons, contact Jim Wolf.