Stem to biotech careers: pathways to expand the wisconsin bioscience workforce

Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Madison Area Technical College District (MATC) received a $474,977 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), effective July 15, 2025, through June 30, 2028. This award supports the development and implementation of career pathways in biotechnology for Wisconsin's workforce. MATC will deliver a dual-credit biotechnology curriculum with hands-on laboratory activities and career pathway materials designed for both high school and two-year college students. The initiative includes expanded dual-credit course offerings and delivery methods, with targeted outreach to rural areas with limited access to bioscience career opportunities. Additional products include comprehensive support services and industry mentorship programs for high school teachers and dual-credit students, as well as curriculum materials and professional development resources.

The project aims to strengthen Wisconsin's bioscience workforce by raising awareness of biotechnology career opportunities among high school students, Madison College students, and academic advisors. Key deliverables include examination of factors influencing STEM student retention and career pathway consideration, along with dissemination of project insights and materials through conferences and professional networks at local and national levels. The curriculum, laboratory activities, and career pathway materials will serve as reusable resources for secondary and postsecondary institutions beyond the grant period.

Abstract

This project aims to build a strong talent pool for wisconsin's growing bioscience industry that aligns with both current and future economic expansion in the region. By drawing on the expertise and resources of the current biotechnology program, the project aims to raise awareness of bioscience career paths among high school students, as well as students and advisors at madison college and its regional campuses. Efforts include career mentorship and support for high school dual credit students and two-year college stem students, along with expanding dual credit course options, delivery methods, and outreach to rural areas with limited access to bioscience career opportunities. The overall goal of this project is to strengthen the biotechnology workforce through a multi-faceted approach. First, the project intends to expand high school students' exposure to and preparation for biotechnology careers by integrating a career-focused dual-credit curriculum, increasing access to these courses, and providing comprehensive support and industry mentorship for high school teachers. Second, the project fosters collaboration among departments to promote biotechnology career opportunities for stem students. Additionally, the project examines factors influencing stem student retention and their consideration of biotechnology and other technical career pathways. A key outcome of this initiative is the development of a dual-credit biotechnology curriculum, hands-on lab activities, and career pathway materials, which will serve as lasting resources for high schools and two-year colleges. These materials, along with insights from the project, are set to be shared at the local and national level through conferences, and professional networks. This project is funded by the advanced technological education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation's economy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.