PATHWAY CONNECTION

Middlesex College developed a Summer Exploration Program (“Pathways to Biotechnology”) for high school students who are interested in biotechnology (encompassing biomanufacturing and biopharmaceuticals). The program is intended to increase high school students’ awareness of careers and opportunities in the Biomanufacturing sector, specifically to acquaint them with careers in Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutical, and Process Technology. This summer exploration program is an onramp for students who are or may become interested in pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Process Technology or Associate of Science in Biotechnology.  

High school students who have completed a year of biology and a year of chemistry are eligible for the program. Marketing materials (including fliers advertising this program) were disseminated to Middlesex County high schools in early February 2023. The program will run from June 26, 2023 through Aug 3, 2023. Sixteen students will be chosen by lottery to participate.   

Middlesex College created an Implementation Guide with program objectives/learning outcomes and a lab manual containing all of the relevant lab exercises. Introductions to all of the lab exercises, lecture presentation materials, the lab protocols, as well as suggestions for outside speakers and/or activities are made available for other education institutions to replicate this program.