DATE: July 02, 2007

CONTACT: Caye Drapcho, (864) 656-0378
cdrapch@clemson.edu

WRITER: Peter Kent, (864) 650-7899
pkent@clemson.edu


Clemson receives $800,000 to Improve biotechnology education in South Carolina schools

CLEMSON — Clemson University received an $800,000 National Science Foundation grant to expand technical education in South Carolina.

Faculty from biosystems engineering and agricultural education programs received the three-year funding to develop and pilot the biosystems technology Advanced Technical Education (ATE) initiative. The project will develop courses for high school, technical school and university students seeking work in bioprocessing industries.

Industrial production of bio-based products such as biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and biofuel compounds is a growing part of the U.S. economy, having increased from a $39 billion to $198 billion industry in the past 10 years. An increasing number of technicians, engineers and scientists proficient in technology, math and life sciences will be required for this workforce.

Are South Carolina students prepared to enter the bioprocessing workforce?  The 2006 SC Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test results indicate a continued weakness in science, as 43 percent of seventh grade and 40 percent of eighth-grade students did not meet the basic proficiency level.

To improve science and technology education through curriculum development, hands-on learning and involvement in real-life problems must be emphasized. Teaching methods that emphasize laboratory and training experiences are critical.

The goal of the ATE project is to increase the number of qualified technical program graduates needed to meet the workforce demands of the growing biomanufacturing industry. The objectives are:

  • Expand the engineering, technology, life science, agriculture and mathematics knowledge of secondary, technical college and university graduates to prepare them for bioprocessing and biomanufacturing technical positions;
  • increase the engineering, technology, life science and mathematics knowledge base of pre-service and in-service secondary agricultural education teachers; and
  • stimulate student interest in biosystems technology and encourage secondary students, particularly those from under-represented and economically disadvantaged groups, to pursue technical degree programs.

Interest in agricultural careers remains steady among secondary and university students in the state.  In South Carolina, a total of 11,600 secondary students enroll in agricultural education courses as electives every year. Ag Ed programs are in place in 108 secondary schools (91 high schools and 17 career technology centers) in the state.

The project participants for the first year are:

  • Faculty from biosystems engineering and agricultural education programs at Clemson University
  • Faculty from biotechnology and engineering technology programs at Greenville Technical College
  • Educators in eight secondary schools  from Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Sumter counties
  • Advisory board of educational, industry and career services advisers.
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