Chandler-Gilbert CC plans biotech curriculum

February 1, 2007

By hammersmith

[Source: Doug Carroll, Arizona Republic] — An associate’s degree in biotechnology will likely be added at Chandler-Gilbert Community College as a result of dialogue under way between the college and biotech firm Covance. The college, which has built a reputation under its president, Maria Hesse, for tailoring its curriculum to workforce needs, currently has two courses in biotech for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions. But expanded course offerings are in the works for fall, and the associate’s degree program, which would be part of the school’s applied science department, could be in place within a year.

CGCC officials already have met with Covance and visited its facility in Madison, Wis., to determine the company’s training needs. Another meeting, involving representatives of Covance and the Chandler Unified School District, Arizona State University and CGCC, took place Wed-nesday at the district’s Instructional Resource Center.

The meeting included Kristine Marchiando and Fred DePrez, the principals of Basha and Hamilton high schools, respectively. Those schools already offer classes in biotech. “When I look to the future, the best jobs for our kids are going to be in math and science,” DePrez said. “We need feedback from industry on what kind of education kids need for those jobs.” [Note: To read the full article, click here.]