Recipient Organization
DAYTONA BEACH COLLEGE
1200 W. INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY BLVD
DAYTONA BEACH,FL 32114
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Through the Aquaculture for Undergraduate Advancement (AQUA) project, Daytona Beach College (DBC) will create a certificate program that will prepare students to pursue a career in aquaculture and an associate degree to prepare students to pursue a four-year degree in aquaculture or aquatic science. The project utilizes a unique opportunity to work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as it develops a marine eco-center in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Additionally, no such academic program currently exists in the eastern Central Florida area. This opportunity will allow students local access to an aquaculture education in conjunction with a designated field laboratory of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and with professionals in the field. The eco-center will have classrooms, laboratories, fish hatcheries, as well as visiting scholars and researchers, and will supplement the space at the New Smyrna Beach campus of DBC. Grant funds will be
used to develop curriculum for seven aquaculture courses, establish an occupational advisory committee, build partnerships with middle and high schools and postsecondary institutions, and recruit students. The program will benefit DBC students, Volusia County middle and high school students, as well as individuals looking to further their education in aquaculture. Students will be provided with a rigorous aquaculture program that features a strong internship and laboratory component. The AQUA project has many anticipate results. The AQUA project will produce seven aquaculture courses, articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding with three colleges or universities with bachelor programs in aquaculture or aquatic sciences, two internship opportunities, promotional materials, and a Web page. Most importantly, DBC will establish an aquaculture program with strong academic, laboratory/field, and industry components that will prepare students for a career or a four-year degree in
aquaculture. A report at the end of the project will be available highlighting the results of the project.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The goal of the AQUA project is to create a certificate program that will prepare students to pursue a career in aquaculture and an associate degree to prepare students to pusue a four-year degree in aquaculture or aquatic science. The AQUA project will develop, offer, and promote postsecondary aquaculture studies at Daytona Beach College. The AQUA project includes both output and outcome objectives: Objective 1: By summer 2010, develop curricula for at least seven (7) courses to comprise a one-year certificate program in aquaculture and a two-year associate degree with an aquaculture focus. Objective 2: By spring 2010, establish academic partnerships with Volusia County schools and Florida higher education institutions. Objective 3: By spring 2009, create an occupational advisory committee to increase industry relevance and participation in academic program development and delivery. Objective 4: By the end of the grant period, at least 12 DBC students will indicate an
educational goal to obtain a postsecondary degree in aquaculture or aquatic science. Products will include: seven aquaculture courses; partnerships with Volusia middle and high schools; articulation agreements with two universities or colleges; a occupational advisory committee; at least two internship opportunities; a Web page; and promotional materials. Results will include: Aquaculture course available to students; high school students able to dual-enroll with DBC in aquaculture; DBC aquaculture graduates will be able to transfer to a bachelor of science program; industry leaders will be involved in shaping the education and training of students; students will receive industry-relevant education; students will receive hands-on experience and training with local and state industry and field leaders; and students will be aware of the new program and courses in aquaculture. The major consequences of the grant activities include the development of an aquaculture program that
coordinates with the New Smyrna Beach, Florida marine and aquatic eco-center to provide a high quality educational program in aquaculture.
Project Methods
The core activities of the grant are designed to ensure a strong academic program that will prepare students to pursue a bachelor or higher degree. DBC is utilizing a unique opportunity with the development of a marine and aquatic eco-center in New Smyrna Beach that will be a hub of aquaculture activities. Sufficient planning and development are crucial for the success of the aquaculture program. The project director will lead all project activities. Development activities include: 1) Developing curriculum. Associated activites: DACUM process, curriculum development. 2) Establishing partnerships. Associated activities: meet with secondary and higher education institutions to form partnerships; meet and create occupational advisory committee. 3) Creating articulation agreements. Associated activities: meet with secondary and higher education institutions to form partnerships 4) Engaging students in the program. Associated activities: recruit students and begin
enrollment in program. The AQUA project brings together many partners and institutions to form an academically rigorous, industry-relevant program in aquaculture. This program provides a unique opportunity for education to the Central Florida region. Evaluation is a key component to the program and each objective includes multiple evaluation criteria: Objective 1: Develop curricula for at least seven aquaculture course - Evaluation criteria: 1) Syllabi and detailed course outlines with student learning outcomes for each of the seven courses; 2) College catalog with courses added; 3) Have a semester schedule and course evaluations for FAS 1012C and FAS 1010. Objective 2: Establish academic partnerships with Volusia County Schools and Florida higher education institutions - Evaluation criteria: 1) Minutes or reports of meetings with faculty and other key personnel; 2) Written memoranda of understanding with partnership institutions; 3) Number of high school students enrolled in FAS
1012C or FAS 1010. Objective 3: Create an occupational advisory committee - Evaluation criteria: 1) Minutes of meetings. Objective 4: Recruit students - Evaluation criteria: 1) Brochures; 2) Web site information; 3) Enrollment records; 4) Students' educational goals.