Compton College received a $930,833 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), awarded October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2028. The award funds the development of biotechnology technician training programs designed to address a documented supply gap for biomanufacturing technicians in the Greater Los Angeles region, where over 3,000 life sciences and biotechnology firms employ approximately 60,000 workers collectively. The project will deliver stackable credential pathways and curriculum development services to high school and college students, as well as incumbent workers seeking retraining opportunities.
Key deliverables include: (1) development of dual enrollment partnerships and programs with local high schools using approved biotechnology curriculum to enable students to earn simultaneous high school and college credit; (2) creation of flexible career pathways with multiple entry and exit points supporting high school students, college students, and incumbent workers at various educational progression levels; and (3) integration of cell therapy training into the biotechnology curriculum based on labor market analysis identifying these skills in a significant proportion of regional job postings. These services collectively aim to develop a qualified technical workforce capable of filling middle-skills positions in the advanced technology sector while serving Compton College's broad population of underrepresented and disadvantaged students.