The National Council for Workforce Education Awards Solano Community College’s Biotechnology Program its Top Award
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November 4, 2024
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The National Council for Workforce Education Awards Solano Community College’s Biotechnology Program its Top Award
Professor, James “Jim” DeKloe receives the NCWE award in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Fairfield, CA – The National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE), a non-profit organization that promotes and supports education and training programs across the United States, awarded the Solano Community College (SCC) Biotechnology program one of its top awards. SCC received the Exemplary Program for a credit program award, widely considered the nation’s premier workforce development recognition. The NCWE presented this award at their annual meeting in Minneapolis in October, where SCC Professor Jim DeKloe accepted the award on behalf of the SCC Biotechnology program.
In presenting this award, the NCWE highlighted the Solano Community College Biotech program as a model that other colleges and universities should follow, citing its comprehensive education pathway, partnerships with industry leaders and other institutions, high job placement rate, contributions to local economic development, and overall impact.
“Our Biotechnology program exemplifies Solano Community College’s commitment to creating impactful educational pathways that directly connect our students to thriving, high-wage careers,” said Dr. Kellie Sims Butler, Superintendent-President of SCC. “This award reflects the dedication of our faculty, the strength of our industry partnerships, and our vision to make workforce education affordable and accessible to all.”
The SCC Biotechnology program, in collaboration with its high school and university partners, has established a complete educational pathway from high school through Ph.D., with multiple entry and exit points. The program has added two additional stacked and latticed certificates, a bachelor’s degree, dual enrollment courses at local high schools, and, with university partners, guaranteed admission into a graduate school. Students can exit at any stage to enter the job market and can reenter the SCC Biotech program when life and family circumstances allow. The program remains affordable, with a maximum total cost of $10,500 for the bachelor’s degree. At every level, there is a high placement rate in the high-wage biotechnology industry, which offers significant upward mobility.
About Solano Community College
Solano Community College serves thousands of students annually, providing education and training in a variety of fields. SCC is dedicated to fostering student success and community engagement through educational excellence and support.
About the National Council for Workforce Education
The National Council for Workforce Education builds inclusive networks of workforce professionals that champion innovation, justice, and economic opportunity through policy and practice, preparing communities for success in the global economy. NCWE provides a national platform equipping practitioners and leaders to deliver equity-conscious and impactful workforce education programs. NCWE serves as the national leader providing resources and expertise to community colleges to enhance their efforts in preparing the current and future workforce in a global economy.