Biotech Partners

Biotech Partners builds interest in science among minority, female and low-income high school students in Berkeley and Oakland, CA through hands-on lab classes, paid biotech internships, and extensive support services. They are an award-winning non-profit organization that has been featured in The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and on NBC Nightly News. Founded in 1993, Biotech Partners is a recognized model for connecting youth who are under-represented in the sciences to the world of biotechnology. Established as part of a development agreement between Bayer HealthCare and the City of Berkeley, Biotech Partners’ work today involves more than 35 corporate, foundation, government, education and health care partners.

Biotech Partners’ unique program consists of a specialized science and technology curriculum from 11th grade through community college; paid summer internships for high school students; paid year-long co-op jobs for community college participants; and support services to help each student achieve success. Biotech Partners has comprehensive programs in operation at Berkeley High School, with a second high school program beginning in Fall 2008 at Oakland Technical High School. Completion of the program leads to a Certificate of Achievement in Bioscience from the Peralta College District. More than 860 students have been placed in paid internships and co-op training positions. Among those desiring work in biotechnology after earning their certificate, 100% have acquired and retained full-time positions.

Biotech Partners is managed by a four-person staff that provides support to 110-130 students annually. An annual review by teachers, industry representatives and staff guides curriculum and program development to ensure that the training is aligned with trends in biotechnology and regional workforce development. Biotech Partners is governed by a 15-member board of directors with substantial leadership experience in bioscience, labor, health and community development, and human resources, with additional student representatives from each school.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.biotechpartners.org.