Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has announced two opportunities for high school students and recent graduates taking place this summer in the biopharmaceutical and biotech field, one of Caldwell County and Western North Carolina’s fastest growing industries.
For high school graduates of any age, the college has announced a hybrid NC BioWork Class which runs from June 3 to Aug. 12 and meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Caldwell Campus in Hudson. Cost of the course including books and fees is $269. Financial assistance and scholarships are available for those that qualify. Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an online information session to enroll in this course.
The BioWork Course is a 136-hour, non-degree certificate course that can lead to entry-level positions as a process technician in the biopharmaceutical industry. The certificate also provides course credit toward an associate degree in Biotechnology.
CCC&TI will also offer a two-week Biotech Innovation Summer Camp on the Caldwell Campus in Hudson for current high school students and recent graduates. The camp will be offered from July 7 to July 17 and will meet Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the first week and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the second week. The cost for the camp is $72 per student.
The two-week camp experience is designed to give students an overview of the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry and career pathways in the industry. Students will work in small teams to identify real-world scenarios, conceptualize product solutions, create a business model around their product and plan a 3-to-4-minute presentation to “pitch” their idea in a professional-style setting to industry professionals.
Students will also take field trips to industry locations and educational institutions to get an inside look at work environments, various career opportunities in the industry and educational requirements for entry-level positions.
Space is limited in both the BioWork Course and the BioTech Innovation Summer Camp. Students are encouraged to sign up soon in order to secure a spot. Financial assistance is also available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who qualify.
For more information on the BioWork Course or the BioTech Innovation Summer Camp, to register or enroll, contact Misty Lawrence at 828-726-2615 or mlawrence@cccti.edu or visit https://www.ncbionetwork.org/biowork