Organizational example:
San Francisco Works and City College of San Francisco
Name |
On-Ramp to Biotech Bridge to Biotech |
Program Purpose |
To train individuals with little or no scientific background for entry-level positions and ongoing education in the life sciences |
Program Description |
The On-Ramp to Biotech (created by San Francisco Chamber of Commerce affiliate SFWorks and delivered at City College of San Francisco) is a 10-week program that trains low-income adults with limited or no scientific background for careers and ongoing education in the biosciences. The On-Ramp program includes courses on introduction to laboratory practices and life sciences, laboratory math and professional development. Participants transition seamlessly into City College’s Bridge to Biotech program. On-Ramp participants are offered paid internships in bioscience labs and job placement assistance. The program is a partnership with City College of San Francisco (CCSF) and “urban university,” a non-profit organization that provides professional development coaching. The Bridge to Biotech semester program was created by City College of San Francisco to provide science and math training to under-represented minorities with skill levels between 9th & 12th grade to prepare them for the College’s one- and two-year certificate programs: Biomanufacturing Technician, Biotech Technician, and Stem Cell Technician. "Bridge" students learn in cohorts, completing bioscience biology, math and language courses. After completion of the three integrated courses, student may enroll in the College’s Biotech certificate program. |
Progress |
Currently over 90% of On-Ramp program graduates are working in bioscience and/or enrolled in further bioscience education (the majority in City College of San Francisco’s Biotech Certificate program). The number of enrollees in City College of San Francisco’s Biotech Certificate Program rose from approximately 20 per year to more than 200 per year as a result of the Bridge to Biotech program. |
Contact Information |
Lori Lindburg |
Information from Lori Lindburg and California Community Colleges, 2006.