Grant Helps Harrisburg University Prepare Area Students to Enter the Biotechnology Workforce

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 07, 2010 -
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has awarded an $85,000 grant to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to help the University prepare area students to enter the biotechnology workforce through the regional Capital Area Biotechnology Partnership (CABP).

Harrisburg University plays a leadership role in CABP, which helps create a pipeline of highly-skilled workers needed to support existing and emerging technology-based industries.  The grant is funded in part by the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development’s Workforce Leadership Program.

“Harrisburg University is gratified by the continuing support of civic and business leaders of our efforts to revive and transform the economy of Central Pennsylvania,” said Mel D. Schiavelli, President of the University.  “This vote of confidence in our success is deeply appreciated.”

Working with educators and other leaders from Central Pennsylvania’s biotech firms, government agencies, industry, community colleges, and school districts, CABP delivers a quality education to high school and college students, and science career-seekers. Courses taught through the program prepare students to enter the biotech workforce, thereby decreasing the time needed by companies to train employees, as well as ensuring biotech firms have access to qualified workers.

Using the "2+2+2" model (two years of introductory curriculum, two years of intermediate curriculum and two years of advanced curriculum), the CABP is intended to create partnerships among high schools and colleges and universities to ensure that students can learn industry-specific skills that can easily translate into a career.

CABP members include Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg School District, SciTech High, Milton S. Hershey School, The Hershey Center for Applied Research, McCaskey High School, Middletown High School, Lancaster County Career and Technical School, Cumberland Perry Area Vocational and Technical School, Aptagen, LLC, Arcus, LLC, Hershey Foods, Innovation Transfer Network, Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, PA Department of Agriculture, PA Department of Community and Economic Development, PA Department of Education, and The Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania.

A signature event of CABP is the Biotechnology Showcase. More than 200 students from middle school and high school attend the annual event, which features hands-on experiments, workshops, panel discussions, guest speakers, and other presentations. With its program of lectures, expert discussions, presentations and networking opportunities, the Biotechnology Showcase has become a flagship event for students, educators, and industry. Beyond this, every year, CABP also sponsors an  Educator Workshop (ACT 48 eligible) where teachers are allowed to have professional development opportunities about the  latest topics in the field of biotechnology.

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields,  Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.