The Southern California Biotechnology Center (SCBC) is a regional economic and workforce development center located at San Diego Miramar College. It serves as an "on-ramp" to Life Sciences and Biotechnology programs of study and works with the Community Colleges to prepare students to serve the workforce needs of the industry. The goal is to provide structured program pathways to Life Sciences and Biotech students, maximizing both access and success to align with State, Regional, and College goals.
Our Flagship Programs
For K-12 Students
Entering 5th-8th Grades: S2 Summer Science Program: Summer workshops through hands-on learning in the lab encouraging scientific method with a focus on human health topics. Sessions taught by qualified educators in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Biotechnology.
Rising 9th Graders: Biotech Career Jumpstart Program: Prepares high school students to move seamlessly from high school to college prepared for careers in life sciences/ biotechnology/ STEM. This is a comprehensive six-year cohort model pathway in life sciences to Certificates of Achievement and AS Degree at SD Miramar College and middle skills jobs. Video of July 2021 activities below:
11th and 12th Graders: Biocom Institute Life Science Young Leaders High School Internship Program: A paid internship opportunity for students in San Diego County (ages 16 to graduating seniors) interested in gaining experience in a life science company or research institution setting.
For 9-12 Teachers
Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE): An innovative science education program that introduces secondary school students to the excitement of scientific discovery. ABE provides secondary school teachers with the loan of research-grade equipment, supplies, curriculum, and professional development at no cost.
For Community College Students:
Supply Chain Experience (SCE): A scholarship program to learn marketable job skills, resume building, and hands-on lab experience.
Summer 2021 Grant-Funded Biotech Classes: Accelerate your Biotech classes at no cost.
For Job Seekers and Incumbent Workers:
Biotechnology Employment Skills Training (BEST): Workshops on critical workplace skills.
Quality and GMP Training: New course at Miramar that prepares students for the Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) examination through the American Society for Quality.
SCBC Resources
SCBC FAQs
Contacts:
Sandra Slivka, Ph.D. sslivka@sdccd.edu
Rebecca Bowers-Gentry, Ph.D. rbowersg@sdccd.edu