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CPCC Awarded Three BioNetwork Innovation Grants from NCCCS
Grants focus on collaboration and regional planning
Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) recently received notification that the College has received three BioNetwork Innovation Grants from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). The grants are the result of a strong commitment from the Presidents of CPCC, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Gaston College to support biotechnology economic development initiatives across the region. The three grants, which total nearly $170,000, will allow the Colleges to research specific training needs in the emerging biotechnology business section, establish areas of expertise, and co-develop and offer programs and services that respond directly to the needs of the industry.
The grants focus on the following:
• Biotechnology Planning Network (BPN) - $75,000 – CPCC, on behalf of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Gaston College (Leadership Colleges), will establish the Charlotte Region Biotechnology Planning Network (BPN). The overall goal is to engage regional and statewide business, education and government partners in developing a collaborative plan to respond to the demand for skilled biotechnology technicians at the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC). Staff from each of the Colleges will be responsible for mobilizing committees in regional planning, coordinating efforts with partner workforce development representatives in the Charlotte Regional Workforce Development partnership, and developing a comprehensive Biotechnology Program Plan for the region.
• Charlotte Region BioBusiness Service Hub/Phase I – Assessment and Planning - $58,000 – CPCC, on behalf of the seven community college partners in the Charlotte Regional Workforce Development Partnership (Regional Leadership Team), will begin a year of assessment and planning for the Charlotte Region BioBusiness Service Hub. Funding will support a comprehensive survey and inventory of the biotechnology and life science business activity in the twelve-county Charlotte region. Phase I will focus on developing accurate data and information and increasing communication and coordination between the community colleges in the region to respond to the business and industry needs without duplicating efforts.
• Equipment to Support Biotechnology Coursework at CPCC - $36,759 – CPCC will purchase laboratory supplies and equipment to support biotechnology instruction. CPCC will offer coursework toward the regional Biotechnology AAS degree offered collaboratively by Gaston College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and CPCC. The equipment and supplies will support student laboratory work in genetics, proteins and molecular biology. CPCC will offer a new Genetics course in support of the Biotechnology AAS. Students will be able to take several specialty courses at CPCC and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and then transfer to Gaston College to complete their coursework and the Associates of Applied Science degree.
”These grants were developed to help us identify the best way to support the needs in the biotechnology industry,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of Central Piedmont Community College. “We are excited about the partnership with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Gaston College. These grants are an example of what regional collaboration is all about.”
CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.
The grants focus on the following:
• Biotechnology Planning Network (BPN) - $75,000 – CPCC, on behalf of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Gaston College (Leadership Colleges), will establish the Charlotte Region Biotechnology Planning Network (BPN). The overall goal is to engage regional and statewide business, education and government partners in developing a collaborative plan to respond to the demand for skilled biotechnology technicians at the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC). Staff from each of the Colleges will be responsible for mobilizing committees in regional planning, coordinating efforts with partner workforce development representatives in the Charlotte Regional Workforce Development partnership, and developing a comprehensive Biotechnology Program Plan for the region.
• Charlotte Region BioBusiness Service Hub/Phase I – Assessment and Planning - $58,000 – CPCC, on behalf of the seven community college partners in the Charlotte Regional Workforce Development Partnership (Regional Leadership Team), will begin a year of assessment and planning for the Charlotte Region BioBusiness Service Hub. Funding will support a comprehensive survey and inventory of the biotechnology and life science business activity in the twelve-county Charlotte region. Phase I will focus on developing accurate data and information and increasing communication and coordination between the community colleges in the region to respond to the business and industry needs without duplicating efforts.
• Equipment to Support Biotechnology Coursework at CPCC - $36,759 – CPCC will purchase laboratory supplies and equipment to support biotechnology instruction. CPCC will offer coursework toward the regional Biotechnology AAS degree offered collaboratively by Gaston College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and CPCC. The equipment and supplies will support student laboratory work in genetics, proteins and molecular biology. CPCC will offer a new Genetics course in support of the Biotechnology AAS. Students will be able to take several specialty courses at CPCC and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and then transfer to Gaston College to complete their coursework and the Associates of Applied Science degree.
”These grants were developed to help us identify the best way to support the needs in the biotechnology industry,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of Central Piedmont Community College. “We are excited about the partnership with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Gaston College. These grants are an example of what regional collaboration is all about.”
CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.