The Voyage Institute

Results: info@thevoyageinstitute.com In the past year, most of our participants have come to us from socially and economically disadvantaged, underprivileged, underserved, underfinanced, and minority backgrounds, and from all age groups. They have developed and broadened academically, emotionally, and intellectually. They have become better learners and often are more sensitive to the social and spiritual aspects of life. Our accomplishments in 2011 include: • We carried out various aspects of our bioscience programs in one of the poorest countries in the world, Ethiopia. Over a four month period, we taught bioscience, mathematics, and general science to 216 students. We conducted bioscience summer camp at Aksum University and Shire Campuses for 233 individuals. The bioscience summer camp attendees ranged in age from 10-32 years old. Of the 233 registered, 231 completed the courses. The students were eager to learn, absorbed the materials, and showed great enthusiasm. These highly underserved, underfinanced, and disadvantaged individuals are hoping to advance to greater studies in bioscience, but are lacking the financial means to do so. Our staff member, Dr. Shanmugavalli.N, Assistant Professor, School of Biosciences, managed the program. • This project, initiated in 2009, is still growing and expanding. Kevin’s School of Academy, London, had a declining student population of 37, and was about to close. The school, located in a “HubZone”, was underfinanced, understaffed, had a 100% disadvantaged student population, little or no science contents, and no future for growth. We introduced our innovative, leading edge bioscience educational programs, and provided them two bioscience teachers, and solicited and obtained the help of volunteers - bioscience students. In 2010, the student population had grown to 547, and had a waiting list greater than 250. • In late 2009, we partnered with Global Church of God by Faith, Orlando - a religious school that caters to grades 5 through 12, and supplies after school programs for high school drop-outs. At the initial stage of the partnership, the school had about 275 students. More than 50% were scoring below the 50% percentile, basically lost, were failing general academic subjects, and they were taught little or no science contents. The school population was 99% minorities, socially disadvantaged, underprivileged, and about 13% physically challenged students. BioVoyage introduced its bioscience educational program, and implemented its methodology of “Deep or Deeper Learning” philosophy. Within seven (7) months of implementing the BioVoyage's teaching and learning techniques, more than 98% of the failing students become achievers and enjoy learning. • Kareem Weir, Altamonte Springs, a socially disadvantaged high school student, was failing mathematics; especially Algebra; and could not afford private tutoring. Prior to this time, and for the previous two years, his best score was 29% out of a 100%. Kareem was considering dropping out of school. Dr. Peter Grey, one of our mathematics staff members, discovered Kareem and introduced him to BioVoyage’s “Deep or Deeper Teaching and Learning” philosophy. At no cost to Kareem and his family, Ms. Allen, another of BioVoyage’s mathematicians, taught Kareem not only general, but advanced Algebra. Kareem wrote: “From there everything changed, she presented each topic in a simple way that was easy to understand. I was surprised at how quickly I was learning and also enjoying math. My math teacher at my school was also surprised at not only the rapid change in my grades, but also the change in my attitude towards the subject.” • Junior Academy, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada: This project, initiated in 2009, is still in place. When we started the project, the owner and manager of Junior Academy, an education institution that caters to grades 2-8 in Scarborough, Canada, was considering closing the doors of her school when she discovered BioVoyage on the Internet. The Academy had a student population of 367, and more than 65% were functioning below their respective grade levels. About 71% of the students are socially and economically disadvantaged, 8% physically challenged, and the remaining 22% are of mixed cultures, races and creeds. The Academy was in serious trouble and about to lose its license/certification. BioVoyage (now The Voyage Institute) introduced its bioscience/biotechnology hands-on education programs. As the school was unable to cover BioVoyage’s basic travel, textbooks, and lodging expenses, we developed through creative means and efforts, a way that BioVoyage’s instructors were able to access, develop and implement a bioscience educational program that gave life to the Academy. The owner wrote, “Your hands-on material was exactly what we’ve been looking for. Your staff acted professionally at all times and I’m positive the working relationship will continue for many years to come.”

Target demographics: People of all ages, particularly under-represented, underserved, unemeployed and underemployed individuals, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sex, physical disability, etc.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 50,000

Geographic areas served: Primarily Florida; nationally and internationally online and on location

Programs: The BioBus: A mobile science lab bringing hands-on bioscience experiences wherever they are needed. Informational seminars and workshops introducing BioScience and Biotechnology to anyone who wants them. Educational and Vocational Training Programs The Voyage Institute researches, creates, develops and publishes bioscience (biotechnology) textbooks; online bioscience educational games; virtual online educational classrooms, and conducts research (biomedical, biofoods, biospace). In addition, we provide our education materials to bioscience teachers and professors; supply laboratory technicians and instructors, design and implement bioscience educational laboratories and are about to launch a global virtual online bioscience education institute. We offer curriculum development and implementation, assessment, and professional development services to schools (Charter schools, home schools, public schools, school districts, etc) educational agencies and organizations. As well as educational packages, we offer research programs to teachers, students, communities and general audiences for the purpose of raising awareness and understanding biotechnology and bioscience and how it is part of our life and our environment. We specialize in standards-based bioscience/biotechnology education across all grades (kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school and adult literacy education. In addition, college and university students and professors are users. The Institute’s goal is to: • Train 50,000 teacher-leaders (especially kindergarten, elementary, middle school and high school) and 2,000,000 students through education, hands-on workshops that introduce labs and teacher-tested activities to bring biotechnology into the classroom, either directly or indirectly. • Increase the number of K-12 schools pursuing bioscience/biotechnology studies through education, exposure to laboratory experiments, and to link schools and students with biotechnology industry mentors. • Raise general public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of biotechnology through an interactive Web site that provides reliable information and perspectives on biotechnology. • Publish our books in as many languages as possible, for use all over the world • Host educational forums that focus on timely biotechnology topics for key government officials, policy leaders, members of the academic community, industry representatives and the press. The Community We Serve: Our program is for anyone who is interested in bioscience and technology: students from kindergarten to adult, and the public at large. We are an equal opportunity organization; we exclude no-one. Our programs are especially geared to help and encourage all age groups, and particularly those persons who may be socially and economically disadvantaged, under-represented and under-served; including minorities, veterans, single parents, and those who are trying to enter the workforce or change careers. We are confident the programs we have developed can prepare these and other individuals for the 21st Century Workforce and society. The Institute offers fundamental and advanced training in Bioscience and Biotechnology The fundamentals of bioscience/biotechnology This course is for any age group (Grade 1 to adults). This is a 10-week study; 2-3 days per week, 45 minutes per day. The goal: help the participant to understand the fundamentals, applications, etc., of bioscience and biotechnology. Upon successful completion, each participant will receive a certificate. The building blocks of bioscience/biotechnology education These courses are generally offered for Grade 4, 5, and 6. This course is taught over 6 -8 months; 2-3 days per week, 45 minutes per day. This program lays the foundation for advancement and continuing study in science, as it applies to mathematics, medicine, bioscience/biotechnology, engineering, manufacturing, space, military applications, etc. Upon successful completion and for each grade level, each participant will receive a certificate. We are able to run similar programs for any grade level, through college/university and for adults. ReTooling Adults for bioscience/biotechnology careers This course is offered to students age 16 and older. This is an 18-24 month course of study; 4-5 days per week, 45 minutes per day. This is a practical training program that involves work-study and on the job training with biotechnology companies. After completion, individuals would be equipped for over 53 different technician positions within biotechnology/ scientific/pharmaceutical companies and the like. Upon successful completion each participant will receive a diploma. Bioscience/biotechnology fundamentals for teachers This course if offered to teachers involved in teaching at the beginning levels of bioscience and biotechnology education. This is a 10 week study; 2-3 days per week, 45 minutes per day. Here we teach the fundamentals of the science; its directions, impact, ramifications, and how it is revolutionizing the world. Teachers learn why they need to be aware of these ever-advancing scientific fields as the tools, applications, products and solutions can provide great benefit to solving the problems of everyday humanity. This course is meant to prepare teachers to be the conveyors, implementers, and promoters of the bio- and biotechnology sciences. Upon successful completion, each participant will receive a certificate. Pilot Study This program teaches 4th, 5th, and 6th grade children core biotechnological concepts to inspire them to further their pursuit of bio-scientific knowledge. The project will admit a total of 240 children. Sixty children will come from each community, in the core area. Each group of 60 children will equally represent of 4th, 5th and 6th graders. The selection criteria will be based on the students’ interest in pursuing science; a grade level average of “C” or below; having access to a computer with Internet connection; commitment to complete the project; and will be limited to students presently in grade 4, 5, or 6. This study is taught over one school year, five days per week, 45 minutes per day. This program will help children build a foundation for a lifetime of scientific inquiry. It is designed to provide a structured environment that will enable them the opportunity to explore bioscience, participate in virtual experimental lab activities, pique their interest in scientific concepts, and stimulate their minds in a scientific capacity. The Classroom and/or Online Bioscience Education Program offers students an engaging learning experience that will better prepare them to meet the challenges of the 21st Century’s technological world. Upon completion, our “biolearner” has been prepared for real life applications and for developing marketable and practical skills and expertise as they pursue an education in the biosciences. The World of bioscience/biotechnology (GMO) This course is for middle school through adults. This is a 10 week study; 2-3 days per week. The program emphasizes products, biotechnology applications, accomplishments, advancements, impacts and influences of the biosciences on: Foods Medicine Security Space Health Education Research Agriculture Law enforcement Defense Transportation Aerospace Clothes DNA Communication Environment And more! Upon successful completion each participant will receive a certificate. Careers in bioscience/biotechnology This course is for students in middle school through adults. Here we would address the various career positions, requirements, categories, salaries, education, training, etc. This course is taught over 10 weeks; 2-3 days per week, 45 minutes per day. Upon successful completion each the participant will receive a certificate. Research & Development: Glass washer Laboratory Assistant Research Associate Research Assistant Media Prep Technician Greenhouse Assistant Plant Breeder Quality Control: Quality Control Analyst Quality Control Engineer Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Quality Assurance Auditor Validation Engineer Validation Technician Clinical Research: Clinical Research Administrator Clinical Coordinator Clinical Programmer Biostatistician Clinical Data Specialist Drug Experience Coordinator Clinical Research Associate Animal Handler Animal Technician Technical Writer Manufacturing & Production: Product Development Engineer Production Planner Scheduler Manufacturing Technician Packaging Operator Manufacturing Research Associate Instrument Calibration Technician Biochemical Development Engineer Process Development Associate Assay Analyst Manufacturing Engineer Regulatory Affairs: Regulatory Affairs Specialist Documentation Coordinator Documentation Specialist Information Systems: Library Assistant Scientific Programmer Analyst Marketing and Sales Market Research Analyst Systems Analyst Sales Representative Customer Service Representative Technical Services Representative Administration: Technical Recruiter Human Resources Representative Buyer Patent Administrator Patent Agent