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Pasadena City College (Photo – pasadena.edu)
The Pasadena City College Foundation announced the receipt of a $1 million gift from the W. M. Keck Foundation to the College’s Biological Technology Program.
By News Desk
In recognition of the gift, the Pasadena Area Community College District (PACCD) Board of Trustees officially named the program the Keck Biotechnology Program on Wednesday, September 8.
The gift was made after PCC’s Biological Technology Program was awarded a Special Project grant to fund a 3-year program titled “Expanding a Diverse Biotechnology Workforce in Cell-Based Biomanufacturing.” It will serve as the lead gift in the Advancing Science Campaign, also announced on September 8. This gift is historic, in that it is the first gift to any individual community college made by the Keck Foundation.
Pamela Eversole-Cire, PCC Associate Professor and Director of the Biological Technology Program, said:
The Keck Foundation investment will enable PCC to quickly expand the Biotechnology Program curriculum to incorporate training in stem cell biomanufacturing and related bioprocessing techniques to prepare our students for the expected increase in employment opportunities in this emerging industry.
The Keck Biotechnology Program at PCC prepares students to work primarily in the biotechnology industry and academic research laboratories. Approximately 55 students participate in the program each year, representing the diversity of California’s workforce, including first generation college students, high school students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans.
Funds will go toward the purchase of equipment used for stem cell-based biomanufacturing and related bioprocessing techniques to complement the stem cell culture training currently being offered.
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