Since its inception, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center (DNALC) has become a world leader in biology education.
Now, the DNALC brings its innovative hands-on science curriculum to Passaic County, NJ. The new branch is part of the Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI’s) John Currie Biotechnology Innovation Center. This is the Garden State’s first DNALC. It includes state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories for students in grades 5-12.
“We’re able to offer the same hands-on programming the DNALC has become known for—field trips, summer camps, Saturday DNA! programs, and more,” says Arie Kaz, educator and manager at the New Jersey DNALC. “Our new location increases accessibility not only for Passaic County, but also for surrounding Sussex, Morris, Essex, and Bergen counties.” That means new career-training opportunities.
PCTI is a public vocational school in Wayne, NJ, serving more than 5,000 students. The Passaic DNALC will also support PCTI’s Academy of Biotechnology program. In partnership with nearby Passaic County Community College, the program offers up to 60 course credits and an Associate’s Degree in Biotechnology upon completion.
“Our partnership with PCTI will help students gain invaluable hands-on laboratory experience and prepare them for future careers in science and the biotech industry,” Kaz says.
Written by: Nick Wurm, Communications Specialist | wurm@cshl.edu | 516-367-5940