Massachusetts STEM Summit 2015

This session will provide an analysis of the strengths and challenges faced by the Laboratory Science Program at Northern Essex Community College. This program was developed as an alternative educational pathway for students interested in a shorter path to a career in the sciences. Curriculum was developed in close alignment with industry requirements for entry level lab technician skills. In particular, a mandatory externship requirement helps students bridge the gap between the classroom and the industry lab. As part of this session, the results of five years of student evaluations by industry externship supervisors will be presented as evidence of the effectiveness of the program curriculum and externship in preparing students for entry level work as laboratory technicians in regional industry. A discussion of currently tested strategies for recruitment will also be presented.