Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School (OCRVTHS) is pleased to be the recipient of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Equipment and Supply Grant in the amount of $99,479.00.
The funding will aid in developing biotechnology curriculum and to purchase equipment to support experimentation in the life sciences. Old Colony is teaming with Greater New Bedford Regional Vocation Technical High School (GNBRVTHS) to build a consortium for the teaching of life sciences in Grades 9-12 in the southcoast region. Together they are sharing in the development and integration of curriculum modules that can be integrated within existing biology classes, creation of new upper level classes in the life sciences, and an online professional development network for biology/life science educators in the southcoast region.
Together, the schools are working with local institutions of higher and industry to make sure the school’s curriculum and programming are aligned with industry needs and are committed to constructing a life sciences professional development and curriculum network across southeastern MA.
The school’s roles are defined as follows: Old Colony is uniquely posed to develop and lead an online professional development network encompassing new curriculum, new pedagogy, sharing, and support for biology/life science educators, while GNBRVTHS is leading the program’s efforts in workforce development and industry relations. Knod Both schools will work to continue developing new and expanded relationships with southcoast biotechnology industries and institutions of higher education.
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is a quasi-public agency tasked with implementing the state’s ten-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative. This grant program seeks the further development of the state’s life sciences workforce by providing funding for equipment and supplies. Old Colony was one of thirty-two applicants that received funding. A special thanks to OC’s Library/Media Specialist, Marcia Kessler for her effort and skill in securing this grant.