{"id":5,"date":"2008-06-23T13:41:20","date_gmt":"2008-06-23T17:41:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/citylabacademy\/description\/"},"modified":"2017-05-24T14:42:04","modified_gmt":"2017-05-24T18:42:04","slug":"description","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/citylabacademy\/description\/","title":{"rendered":"Description"},"content":{"rendered":"

CityLab Academy\u00a0is now closed. Thank you for visiting our legacy page. \u00a0Please see the\u00a0Biomed Program<\/a>, which is\u00a0currently active.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

CityLab Academy was a FREE <\/strong>two-semester, college-level program in biotechnology and biomedical science at Boston University. The program served as a transition year for students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in science while providing the foundation and hands-on experience necessary to join the research workforce.<\/p>\n

After successful completion of four courses and a two-week internship, students received a Certificate in Biomedical Laboratory Science<\/strong>\u00a0twelve undergraduate college credits from Metropolitan College<\/a>. \u00a0Students were provided with a full scholarship for the twelve credits and also received a scientific calculator, and textbooks.<\/p>\n

CityLab Academy students took academic and laboratory courses with other undergraduate BU students in the Biomed Program<\/a>. Academy students received tutoring, learned study skills, and were mentored by a graduate student studying in the medical sciences.<\/p>\n

\"CLA_06_internships_003\"<\/p>\n

What Did We Do? <\/strong><\/p>\n

CityLab Academy prepared students for laboratory jobs in a biotechnology company, medical center, or hospital. Students learned fundamental lab skills in both semesters, and, during the spring semester, students completed a two-week, full-time internship in a research or hospital lab on the BU Medical Campus. \u00a0The Academy staff helped graduates find an entry-level job or internship in the thriving biotechnology industry in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n

Opening Doors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since many biomedical companies and medical centers offer tuition assistance, students were encouraged to continue their college education in the Biomed program at BU or at another institution of higher learning. The success of CityLab Academy was measured by the success of the students in\u00a0acquiring a job and\u00a0furthering their education.<\/p>\n

Committed to Diversity<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Academy was specifically designed for economically and academically disadvantaged individuals who might otherwise have \u00a0been excluded from the opportunities afforded by the growing biotechnology industry. \u00a0CityLab Academy was very diverse: of the 46 students who attended the program from 2004 to 2006, 17 (37%) were Black or African-American; 13 (28%) were Latino\/a, 5 (11%) were Asian and 11 (24%) were Caucasian.<\/p>\n

Program Components<\/strong><\/p>\n

Classes were held Monday through Thursday in the evenings (5:30 – 8:30 PM) from September to May. On three of the evenings, students were in courses<\/a>:<\/p>\n

FALL<\/strong>
\nMedical Terminology – 2 credits
\nIntroduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences – 4 credits<\/p>\n

SPRING<\/strong>
\nBiotechnology – 2 credits
\nCell Culture Techniques – 4 credits<\/p>\n

On the fourth evening, students were in Seminar during which they learned study skills and \u00a0job preparation skills such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search strategies. \u00a0Seminar also included guest speakers and tours of the medical center.<\/p>\n

Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the spring semester, students participated in a two-week (80 hours) laboratory internship at a laboratory either at\u00a0BUMC or another institution. Students were exposed to a “real” lab environment and broaden their understanding of laboratory science, using the skills they had learned in their courses. At the conclusion of the spring semester, students presented their internship experience at a poster session. This internship experience helped build the student resume and assists in the job search.<\/p>\n

The Job Search <\/strong><\/p>\n

Examples of companies and other institutions that have hired CityLab Academy graduates include:<\/p>\n