Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies: A Pathway to Future Careers
Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies, an innovative high school in the Wake County Public School System, offers students a unique opportunity to earn associate degrees while completing their high school diplomas. This is achieved through North Carolina's Cooperative Innovative High Schools program, a collaboration between public school systems and community colleges that provides students with access to career and technical education programs and dual-enrollment credit.
A New Approach to Education
Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies opened its doors in August 2022, welcoming its first class of students. The school was established in response to the success of similar models and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in biotechnology and information technology.
Abby Stotsenberg, the founding principal, brings 23 years of experience as an educator and administrator within the Wake County school system. "I knew I really wanted to lead this school," she said, expressing her honor at being appointed.
In its inaugural year, the school enrolled 9th and 10th-grade students. The school plans to add additional upperclassmen classes in the coming years, with the current sophomores expected to graduate as the school’s first graduating class.
How the School Operates
Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies functions similarly to a traditional high school, offering classes, clubs, and athletic opportunities. Students can participate in activities such as marching band, prom, and graduation.
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As a public school, there is no tuition fee. "They do not have to pay for books and they do not have to pay for lab fees," Stotsenberg said. "We take care of all of that. We will also pay for them to sit for certification exams."
The school's distinctive feature is its dual-enrollment program, which allows students to earn college credit for many of their classes. Students can graduate with nearly two years of college credit, equivalent to an associate degree. The school focuses on biotechnology and information technology, encompassing computer programming, network management, and cybersecurity.
"Students at this school are taking a mixture of general education college classes that would transfer to a four-year institution, but most of their college courses are connected to one of those four career pathways," Stotsenberg explained.
All classes are taught at the honors or AP level to prepare students for college coursework.
Biotechnology Programs at Wake Tech
Wake Tech, the community college partner, offers various biotechnology programs. These include:
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- Biotechnology Degree Tracks: Bioanalytical Lab Technology and Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology.
- Short, Non-Degree Classes and Certificate Training Programs: These provide focused training in specific areas of biotechnology.
- Degree Certificates: Biotechnician Level I, Agricultural Biotechnology, BioManufacturing, and BioQuality Certificate.
- Non-Degree Certificates: Offered through BioWork, these certificates provide specialized skills training.
Courses are taught at the Lilly Science and Technology Center on RTP Campus and on Southern Wake Campus.
Real-World Experience
The school emphasizes providing students with real-world experience. Business partners, including school sponsor FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, simulate the hiring process to prepare students for the workforce.
"It provides them what it would be like in the real world to apply for a job," Stotsenberg said. "Oftentimes those business partners are so appreciative of these students, that they hire them for full-time [positions] when they graduate from high school. They [also] pay for the [students] to finish their degree at Wake Tech."
Support System
Despite the rigorous academic environment, students receive ample support. "On any given day when I walk into a classroom, there's probably two people in there helping to support the students," Stotsenberg said. "So we are not going to let kids fall through the cracks. We can't get any bigger than 400 students [total, 9th - 12th] and that is wonderful."
Transfer Opportunities
Graduates of Wake Tech's biotechnology programs can transfer to four-year universities such as Campbell University, East Carolina University, or North Carolina Central University for further studies.
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